Owners of two-compartment refrigerators Atlant often face a situation where the freezer is covered with a coat of ice, but the main compartment continues to operate as normal. This is a classic problem for models with manual defrosting freezers and a drip system in the refrigerator compartment. The main advantage of this design is the ability to service one circuit without touching the other, which greatly simplifies life and preserves supplies of fresh food.
The process of local defrosting requires compliance with certain rules so as not to damage evaporator and not disturb the temperature regime throughout volume of technology. If you are wondering how to correctly carry out the procedure without defrosting the entire unit, then you need to know the design features of your Atlanta. In this article we will analyze an algorithm of actions that will allow you to quickly and safely get rid of ice.
It is worth noting that ignoring regular cleaning of ice leads to increased energy consumption and wear on the compressor. Thermal conductivity ice is low, so Temperature sensors may not read data correctly, causing the motor to wear out. Timely maintenance will extend the life of your refrigerator for many years.
Before taking active steps, you need to prepare the workplace and the unit itself. Safety is the first and main stage of any maintenance of household appliances. You will need to disconnect the appliance from the electrical outlet by removing the plug from the socket to eliminate the risk of electric shock or short circuit if water comes into contact with electrical components.
Empty the freezer compartment of food. If you plan to defrost only this, you can leave the food in the refrigerator compartment in place by keeping the main compartment door tightly closed. However, the products from the freezer need to be put somewhere: put them in basins, wrap them in blankets or temporarily move them to another cold place if it’s winter outside. Temperature conditions the inside of the chamber will begin to rise immediately after turning off, so you need to act quickly, but without haste.
Prepare a container for collecting water and a rag. When the ice begins to melt, water will flow down. Models Atlant often have a drainage hole, but if there is a large amount of ice, it may not cope with the flow. Therefore, it is better to cover the floor around the refrigerator with towels or place wide baking trays.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, chisels) to chip ice from the walls of the evaporator. Aluminum tubes heat exchanger are located very close to the surface, and it is easier to break through them than it seems. Repairs after such an “acceleration” will cost more than a new refrigerator.
After preparation, it is necessary to ensure air access to icy surfaces. Open the freezer door and lock it in the open position. If the design does not provide a lock, you can use a stop, but be careful not to damage sealing rubber band or the door hinges. Warm air circulation is a key factor in natural defrosting.
There are several ways to speed up the ice melting process without resorting to dangerous methods. The most effective and safe option is to use heat accumulated in metal objects or a directed flow of warm air. However, it is important not to overdo it so as not to damage plastic elements the inner lining of the chamber.
You can place bowls of hot water inside the chamber. The steam rising from the water will gently warm up the space, and the ice will begin to come off in layers. Change the water as it cools. It is also permissible to use a hairdryer, but only at a minimum temperature and from a distance of at least 30-40 cm from the surface. Plastic with strong heating it can become deformed or change color, so be extremely careful.
Some users try to use a fan, directing the flow of room air inside the chamber. This creates forced convection and speeds up the process by 1.5-2 times compared to natural melting. The main thing is to prevent moisture from getting on the operating fan and to observe electrical safety measures electrical safety.
During the defrosting process, it is important to monitor the condition of the drainage system. In refrigerators Atlant condensation and melt water must leave through a special hole in the back wall or on the floor of the chamber. It often becomes clogged with crumbs or pieces of ice.
Take a soft rubber bulb or syringe without a needle and carefully rinse the drainage with warm water. If water stands in the tray and does not go away, it may have formed ice plug in the drainage channel. In this case, you can carefully pour a little warm water directly into the hole using a funnel with a thin spout.
Check the integrity of the water drainage grooves. They should not have cracks or creases. If water flows past the drain, the channel is clogged or damaged and needs to be cleaned with a soft brush. After cleaning, make sure that the water flows freely into the evaporation tray located above the compressor at the back of the refrigerator.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for defrosting
When the main body of ice melts and separates from the walls, you need to thoroughly wash the inner surface cameras. Use a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. Aggressive chemistry may damage the coating and leave an unpleasant odor, which will subsequently be transferred to the products.
Wipe all shelves, drawers and walls with a soft cloth soaked in a cleaning solution, and then dry with a rag. Pay special attention to corners and joints where dirt could remain. After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry so that when you turn it on, a new ice crust does not form from residual moisture.
Allow the camera to dry completely and ventilate. Leave the door open for another 15-20 minutes after cleaning. This will allow the odors of the detergent to dissipate and the microscopic droplets of moisture to finally evaporate. Only after this can you begin to startup equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the refrigerator if there is water or condensation left inside the chamber. Moisture on the electrical contacts of the thermostat or sensors can cause short circuit or corrosion of the contacts, which will lead to damage to the electronics.
After cleaning and drying is complete, you can turn on the refrigerator. Place the food back into the freezer. It is recommended to do this gradually, without overloading the entire volume at once, so that the compressor can reach operating mode without excessive load. Thermoregulator set to the position corresponding to the instructions (usually this is the average value).
In the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may operate more noisily or may not turn off longer - this is normal, the internal cooling process is in progress volume and freezing of products. It is better not to open the door of the main compartment at this time unless necessary, in order to keep the cold.
Check the operation after 2-3 hours. If the freezer reaches temperature and cold appears in the refrigerator compartment, it means that defrosting was successful. Make sure that there is no water dripping anywhere and that the doors close tightly.
Why can’t you use a hair dryer at full power?
Using a hair dryer at maximum temperature can lead to uneven expansion of the plastic and its cracking. In addition, a sharp temperature change is dangerous for the solder joints of the evaporator tubes, which can cause a refrigerant leak.
The frequency of defrosting depends on the operating conditions and the humidity of the products you load. Open pots of soup, wet vegetables and fruits release a lot of moisture, which settles on the walls and freezes. On average, refrigerators Atlant with manual defrosting require maintenance once every 3-6 months.
If you notice that the ice crust is growing faster than usual (for example, in a month), this may indicate a malfunction. Check door seal: if it does not fit tightly, moist air from the room constantly enters the chamber. Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the thermostat, which does not turn off the compressor in time.
Monitor the condition of the products. If meat or fish begins to become covered with a whitish coating (“freezer burn”), it means that there are temperature changes in the chamber or the humidity is too low/high. Regular defrosting helps maintain optimal microclimate for storage.
| Parameter | Norm / Action | Risk of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Ice thickness | No more than 3-5 mm | Excessive energy consumption, compressor wear |
| Defrosting temperature | Natural or warm water | Deformation of plastic, leakage of freon |
| Shutdown time | Until the ice completely melts | Residual ice will make work difficult |
| Cleaning the drainage | Every defrosting | Kitchen flooding, ice jam |
Following simple operating rules will allow your Atlanta to serve faithfully for many years. Regular maintenance is not just hygiene, it is taking care of the technical condition of a complex mechanism. Remember that prevention is always cheaper and easier than major repairs.
If you have followed all the steps, but the ice problem comes back too quickly, or the refrigerator stops freezing after defrosting, it may need diagnosis by a professional. Do not try to disassemble the cooling system yourself if you do not have the appropriate qualifications and tools.
Is it possible to defrost the freezer without unplugging the refrigerator?
Technically, this is possible if you simply close the door of the main compartment and leave the freezer open, but this is highly not recommended. The compressor will run continuously trying to compensate for the heat and may burn out. In addition, no one has canceled safety when working with water and electricity. It is better to turn off the device.
How long does it take to defrost the Atlant freezer?
The time depends on the thickness of the ice and the temperature in the room. On average, the process takes from 3 to 6 hours with natural melting. Using bowls of hot water can reduce this time to 1.5-2 hours. Do not rush the process by mechanical chipping.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not freeze?
The compressor may have oil jamming or a freon leak due to damage to the tube. Let the refrigerator stand turned off for 4-6 hours (so that the oil drains into the crankcase) and try turning it on again. If the problem persists, call a specialist.
Do you need to wash the inside of the refrigerator every time you defrost?
It is advisable to wet clean it with a mild detergent every time you get rid of ice. This prevents the growth of bacteria and the appearance of unpleasant odors that can be absorbed into the food.