Belarusian-made refrigeration equipment Atlant deservedly popular due to its reliability and unpretentiousness in maintenance. However, even the highest quality equipment requires correct initial setup to ensure optimal storage conditions for products. Many owners are faced with the question of how exactly the temperature in the freezer is regulated, especially if the model is equipped with a mechanical thermostat or an electronic control module.
Incorrectly set parameters can lead to rapid spoilage of supplies or, conversely, to the formation of excessive ice and waste of electricity. Understanding the operating principles of cooling systems your unit will allow you to avoid common mistakes. In this article, we will analyze in detail the setting algorithms for various series of refrigerators, explain the meaning of digital designations and consider nuances that are often forgotten.
Before taking active steps, you need to determine the type of control installed on your model. The entire further strategy for setting up and interpreting instrument readings depends on this. In mechanical thermostats, the numbers on the scale do not indicate degrees Celsius, but the level of cooling power: the higher the number, the colder. This is a fundamental difference that often misleads users, forcing them to turn the knob to the maximum in the hope of getting an exact -18°C, which leads to freezing.
Principles of operation of the Atlant cooling system
The operation of the refrigeration unit is based on the circulation of the refrigerant and the operation of the compressor, which turns on and off based on a signal from the temperature sensor. In models with mechanical control this sensor is a thermostat with a rotary knob. When you change the position of the regulator, you change the contact actuation point, determining at what temperature inside the chamber the compressor should stop.
Electronic control systems found in more modern series Atlantoperate on a different principle. Here the signal is sent from the temperature sensor to the electronic module, which analyzes the data and makes a decision to start the compressor. Such systems allow you to set the temperature with an accuracy of one degree, which is a significant advantage for long-term storage of sensitive products.
⚠️ Attention: Sudden changes in temperature settings (more than 4-5 degrees at a time) can lead to an increase in the compressor operating cycle and a temporary increase in the load on the electrical network. Try to change modes smoothly.
It is important to understand that the temperature in different areas of the freezer may differ. Cold air is heavier than warm air, so the bottom of the chamber, especially in drawers, is always colder than the top shelf or door. Air circulation plays a key role in the uniform distribution of cold, and the correct arrangement of products directly affects the efficiency of the appliance.
Setting a mechanical thermostat
Owners of mechanically controlled refrigerators need to know that the thermostat scale is usually graduated from 1 to 7 (or from Min to Max). There is a simple but important logic at work here: position "1" corresponds to the highest temperature (least cooling), and position "7" corresponds to the lowest (maximum cooling). The standard operating mode is to set the handle to the middle position, usually the numbers 3 or 4.
If you notice that the food in the freezer begins to thaw or condensation appears on the walls, you need to strengthen the operating mode. To do this, turn the thermostat knob clockwise towards higher values. Conversely, if a thick crust of ice forms and the vegetables in the refrigerator compartment freeze, the regulator should be turned counterclockwise, reducing the cooling intensity.
☑️ Algorithm for setting the mechanics
It is worth noting that the reaction of the mechanical system is not instantaneous. After turning the knob, several hours must pass before the temperature stabilizes. Thermo-sensitive element there must be time inside the chamber to transmit a signal about a change in environmental conditions. Therefore, you should not turn the handle back and forth every half hour in anticipation of a quick result.
Adjustment in models with electronic control
Modern refrigerators Atlant are often equipped with electronic control panels located on the outside of the door or inside the refrigerator cameras. Here the setup process is more intuitive as you see the exact digital values. To change parameters, the Up/Down arrow buttons or touch keys with corresponding symbols are usually used.
To change the temperature in the freezer, you must activate the editing mode. On most models, this requires pressing and holding the snowflake button or the Freezer button for 3-5 seconds. Once the numbers on the display start flashing, you can set the desired value. The optimal range is considered to be from -18°C to -20°C.
Electronics also allows you to activate special modes, such as “Super Freeze”. When this feature is enabled, the compressor runs continuously, bypassing standard rest cycles, to quickly freeze a large batch of fresh food. However automatic shutdown this mode occurs after a certain time (usually 24-48 hours) to prevent equipment breakdown.
| Operating mode | Temperature range | Recommended use | Energy consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | -14°C ... -16°C | Storage of prepared frozen foods | Low |
| Normal | -18°C ... -20°C | Daily operation, storage of meat and fish | Average |
| Super freezing | -22°C ... -24°C | Fast freezing of fresh food | Maximum |
| Holiday | +10°C ... +15°C (in the refrigerator compartment) | Long-term absence of owners | Minimum |
What to do if the display goes out?
If, when you try to configure the screen, the screen goes out or stops responding, the child lock may have activated or there has been a problem failure in the electronic module. Try unplugging the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to reboot the system. If the problem persists, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
The influence of loading and placement of products
Even a perfectly configured refrigerator will not work efficiently if the rules for its loading are violated. The density of food in the freezer directly affects circulation of air flows. If the boxes are jam-packed, cold air cannot move freely, which leads to the formation of “warm zones” and uneven freezing.
Particular attention should be paid to placing products at the back wall, where evaporatoris often located. It is not recommended to press the bags tightly against this surface, as this may disrupt heat transfer and lead to food freezing. It is also important not to cover the ventilation holes if they are provided for in the design of your model.
Thermal inertia of products plays an important role. If you have loaded a large amount of room temperature food into the chamber, the system will require considerable time to restore the mode. In such cases, it is advisable to temporarily increase the cooling power, and after complete freezing, return the settings to standard values.
Typical problems and methods for eliminating them
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where adjusting the temperature does not give the expected effect. One of the common problems is freezing of the evaporator, which is typical for the system No Frost when the defrost heating element or timer is faulty. In this case, the cold stops flowing into the chamber, despite the correct thermostat settings.
Another common problem is a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerator is humming, the compressor is running, but the temperature does not drop below -5°C even at maximum settings, the tightness of the circuit is most likely broken. In such cases, adjustment is useless and you need to call a technician for refueling or repair.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear gurgling sounds or hissing after turning off the compressor, this may be a sign of a freon leak. Do not try to fix such malfunctions yourself, as this requires special equipment and skills.
Sticking of the mechanical thermostat handle is another trouble that you may encounter. If the regulator turns too easily or, on the contrary, is jammed, the mechanism itself or the shaft may be damaged. In this case, it is necessary to carefully dismantle the handle and check the condition of the unit, if necessary replacing thermostat with a new one.
Seasonal features of operation
External ambient temperature has a significant impact on the operation of refrigeration equipment. In summer, when the room is hot, the heat exchange of the condenser is difficult, and the compressor has to work harder. During such periods, it may be necessary to slightly adjust the settings towards lower temperatures to compensate for heat gain.
In winter, the situation is reversed: cold air in the room makes the condenser work easier. However, if the refrigerator is located in an unheated room where the temperature drops below +10°C, problems may arise with starting the compressor in models with one compressor. This is due to the fact that thermostat the refrigerator may simply not turn on the motor, since it is already “not hot.”
For winter operation in cold rooms, there are special recommendations. Some models Atlant equipped with a winter mode, which allows you to work at low ambient temperatures. If there is no such function, and the refrigerator is located on the balcony or in the garage, its use may be impossible without additional insulation or heating of the thermostat zone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the refrigerator begin to hum louder after adjusting the temperature?
Increased noise is often associated with the compressor switching to high power mode. If you set the temperature lower or turn on super freeze, the motor works harder. Noise can also occur due to vibration of the cabinet if the refrigerator is not level. Check the adjustment of the support legs.
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant freezer?
The frequency of defrosting depends on the cooling system. In models with manual defrosting, it is recommended to carry out the procedure 1-2 times a year or when an ice crust more than 5 mm thick forms. No Frost systems do not require regular defrosting, but preventive cleaning of the chamber should be done once a year.
Is it possible to store food at a temperature of -10°C?
A temperature of -10°C is only permissible for short-term storage of already frozen products (within 1-2 weeks). For long-term storage (a month or more), a temperature of no higher than -18°C is required to prevent the growth of bacteria and loss of taste.
What does the flashing temperature indicator on the display mean?
Flashing usually indicates an increase in the temperature in the chamber above the permissible level. This can happen immediately after switching on, after loading warm food, or when the door is not tightly closed. If the indicator does not stop flashing after the mode is restored, the sensor may be faulty.
Do you need to change the settings in summer and winter?
In modern models with electronics, this happens automatically. In mechanical refrigerators, manual adjustment may be required: in the summer you can slightly increase the cooling, and in the winter, if the room is cool, you can weaken it to avoid excessive icing.