Buying a new refrigerator is always a pleasant event, marking the beginning of comfortable operation of household appliances in your kitchen. However, the joy of the purchase may be overshadowed if, immediately after delivery and connection, the unit refuses to work or begins to make noise, hum, and make strange sounds. Many owners make the mistake of starting the compressor as soon as they brought the box into the apartment, without taking into account the physical properties of the refrigerant and oil.
Refrigerators of the Belarusian manufacturer Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and affordable price, but they also require compliance with certain commissioning rules. Ignoring temporary pauses and technical nuances can lead to breakdown of an expensive compressor or a violation of the tightness of the system. In this article we will analyze in detail why you should not rush and how to properly prepare the device for the first launch.
The first thing the buyer encounters is the shipping packaging and the specific position of the equipment during transportation. It is important to understand that the internal structure of the unit is sensitive to tilts and vibrations, so the stage of adaptation to new conditions is critical for the durability of the device.
Why you cannot turn on the equipment immediately after delivery
The main reason for the ban on instant start lies in the physical properties of the compressor oil. During transportation, especially if the refrigerator was transported in a lying position or tilted heavily, oil from the compressor crankcase could flow into the cooling system circuits, such as the condenser or evaporator.
Hydraulic shock is what can happen if you start the compressor while the oil is in the tubes. The liquid is incompressible, and its entry into the working chamber of the piston group will lead to instant failure of the mechanical part of the engine. In addition, the oil must completely drain back into the crankcase to ensure normal lubrication of the rubbing parts at start-up.
Another important aspect is the temperature regime. If the refrigerator was delivered in winter at subzero temperatures, the condensation formed inside the case should evaporate, and all seals and plastic elements should warm up to room temperature. A sudden start of a cold unit can cause deformation of parts.
⚠️ Attention: If you transported the refrigerator in winter, do not turn it on immediately after bringing it into a warm room. Let it stand in the off state for at least 3-4 hours so that the electronics and refrigerant return to normal.
Maintaining a rest period is not a whim of manufacturers, but a technical necessity. Neglect of this rule often becomes the reason for refusal of warranty service, since service engineers can easily determine improper operation by the condition of the oil and compressor.
How long should the refrigerator stand?
The settling time directly depends on the position in which the equipment was transported and what temperature was outside. The manufacturer Atlant does not indicate exact numbers in each instruction, but the experience of service centers has developed clear standards for various situations.
If the unit was transported strictly in an upright position and was not subjected to strong shaking, the minimum waiting time is 2 hours. This is enough to stabilize the pressure in the system and calm the oil. However, if you were not present during loading and cannot guarantee verticality, it is better to increase this period.
If transported in a horizontal position (lying on the back wall or side), the waiting time increases significantly. The oil may have spread throughout the system, and it takes more time for it to flow by gravity back into the compressor under the influence of gravity.
- 🕒 Vertical transportation: 2-3 hours of rest is sufficient.
- 🛌 Horizontal transportation: requires from 8 to 12 hours, and it is better to leave it for day.
- ❄️ Winter delivery: minimum 4 hours to warm up to room temperature.
- 🌡️ Summer heat: 2-3 hours, so that the temperature inside the chambers is equal to room temperature.
Don't rush things. It’s better to play it safe and let the equipment sit for an extra few hours than to risk costly repairs. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and replacing it is often not economically feasible.
Preparation for the first start: removing the packaging and washing
Before thinking about plugging it into an outlet, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. The original packaging, tape and fixing elements must be completely removed. Pay special attention to the inside - there are often foam liners there that protect the shelves during transportation.
After unpacking, it is recommended to wet clean all internal surfaces. During production and storage in warehouses, dust, technical grease could settle inside the chambers, or a specific smell of new plastic could appear. For washing, use a weak solution of baking soda or a mild detergent.
Strictly prohibited use abrasive powders, hard brushes or aggressive chemicals. The internal surfaces of refrigerators Atlant are often covered with a special antibacterial coating that is easily damaged. After washing, be sure to wipe everything dry with a clean cloth.
| Cleaning area | Recommended product | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic shelves | Warm water + soda | Hot water (>50°C) |
| Rubber seal | Soap solution | Alcohol and solvents |
| Metal body | Dishwashing liquid | Abrasive sponges |
| No Frost system | Dry soft cloth | Water into the ventilation holes |
Pay special attention to the system No Frostif it is present in your model. The ventilation holes on the rear wall must be free of dust and packaging materials. Clogged channels will disrupt air circulation, which will lead to poor cooling and increased energy consumption.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator to turn on
Choice of installation location and electrical requirements
The correct location of the refrigerator affects its operating efficiency and noise level. The unit must stand on a flat, hard surface. If the floor is uneven, adjust the height of the front support legs so that the door closes itself under the influence of gravity when opened to 45 degrees.
It is important to ensure sufficient clearance between the rear wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. The heat exchanger (radiator grille) must be freely blown with air. The minimum distance to the wall is 5-10 centimeters. Failure to comply with this rule will lead to overheating of the compressor.
Electrical requirements are also critical. The refrigerator Atlant is sensitive to voltage surges. It is advisable to connect it to a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, as they can cause poor contact and heating.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator near heating appliances, stoves or in direct sunlight. This will force the compressor to work in increased mode, reducing its resource.
If power surges often occur in your area, you should think about buying a stabilizer. The electronics of modern models, even budget ones, are sensitive to power quality, and a surge can damage the control unit.
What to do if the outlet is far away?
If the use of an extension cord is unavoidable, choose a cable with a core cross-section of at least 1.5 mm² and always with grounding. Do not connect powerful appliances like a microwave or kettle to the same socket as the refrigerator.
The process of turning on for the first time and setting the temperature
After the refrigerator has settled, been washed and put back in place, you can move on to the most important moment - the first turn on. Insert the plug into the outlet. In models with electronic control, the indicators should light up on the display, and in mechanical ones, you will hear a characteristic click and hum of the motor starting.
Immediately after turning on, you should not load the chambers with products. Let the refrigerator idle. It should reach the required temperature and turn off (or go into temperature maintenance mode). Typically this cycle takes from 2 to 6 hours depending on the model and ambient temperature.
Setting the temperature mode is the next step. For the main compartment, the optimal temperature is considered to be in the range +2...+4°C. In the freezer, it is recommended to set the value -18°C or lower for long-term storage of food.
- ❄️ Mechanical control: turn the regulator to the middle value (usually the number 3 out of 5 or 7).
- 💻 Electronic control: use the buttons on the panel to set the exact degrees.
- 🚀 Super freezing mode: can be activated before loading a large volume of products, but do not keep it on all the time.
In models with the function Smart Cool or similar intelligent systems, the refrigerator itself will select the optimal mode. However, it is still better to check the initial setup manually to ensure that the sensors are working properly.
Typical startup errors and signs of malfunction
Even following the instructions, users sometimes make mistakes that can be perceived as a breakdown. For example, many people are scared by the noise when they first start it up. This may be due to the fact that the refrigerant is actively circulating through the system, or due to the operation of the fans in the models No Frost.
Another common mistake is loading warm products immediately after turning on. This puts a huge load on the compressor, which will work non-stop trying to cool a large volume of heat. As a result, the refrigerator may not turn off for days.
Pay attention to the following signs that may indicate real problems:
- 🔊 An extraneous knocking sound: If you hear a metallic clanging sound, the compressor may be incorrectly secured or has a manufacturing defect.
- 🔥 Strong heating of the side walls: moderate heating is normal (there is a defrost circuit), but if the walls are hot, this is a sign of overload.
- 💧 Puddles under the refrigerator: check whether the drainage tray is installed correctly and whether the condensate drain hole is not clogged.
⚠️ Attention: If after 12 hours of operation in an empty refrigerator the temperature has not dropped below +10°C, and the compressor is running continuously, turn off the device and contact the service center.
It is also worth remembering that the characteristics of the equipment and recommendations of manufacturers may update. Always check the official instructions included in the box, since different series Atlant may have their own nuances in setting thermostats.
Why does the refrigerator hum louder than usual?
The new compressor may be louder than the old one due to the lack of wear in the bearings and a tighter fit of the parts. After 1-2 weeks of operation, the noise usually decreases to operating levels.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transport the Atlant refrigerator lying down?
Technically it is possible, but this is undesirable. If transportation in a lying position cannot be avoided, be sure to let the refrigerator stand upright for at least 12 hours before turning it on, so that the oil flows into the compressor.
Why are the side walls of the refrigerator hot?
In modern models, the condenser (heat exchanger) is often built into the side walls of the case. Their heating to 40-50°C during operation is the norm and indicates effective heat removal.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
No, a new refrigerator does not need to be defrosted. It is supplied dry. However, it is necessary to wash its inner surface with warm water and soda before use.
How long can you load food?
You can load food after the refrigerator reaches the set temperature in empty mode. This usually takes from 2 to 6 hours. You can check readiness with a thermometer placed on the middle shelf.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after being idle?
Check for voltage in the outlet (connect another appliance). Make sure the temperature control is not in the "0" or "Off" position. If the indicators are on, but the compressor is silent for more than 15 minutes, call a technician.