Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, foreshadowing an update to the kitchen and improved storage conditions for food. However, in order for the equipment of the Belarusian brand Atlant to serve for many years without failures, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of initial launch. Many owners make the mistake of plugging the unit into the network immediately after delivery, which can lead to serious damage to the compressor.
The correct sequence of actions when first turned on directly affects the service life refrigeration unit. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from unpacking to setting the optimal temperature conditions, so that you can be confident in the reliability of your new device.
Transportation time and the need for settling
The most critical point that many buyers forget about is the time that must pass between delivery and connection to the power grid. The fact is that during transportation, especially if the refrigerator was tilted, compressor oil it could flow from the compressor crankcase into the refrigerant circulation system.
If you turn on the unit immediately, the oil that gets into the tubes will create a hydraulic plug. The compressor will try to start, but will encounter resistance, which will lead to overload and possible failure of the start relay or the motor itself.
The time required for the oil to drain back into the crankcase depends on how exactly the equipment was transported:
- 🚛 If the refrigerator was transported vertically, without strong tilts, 2-3 hours.
- 📦 If the device was transported lying down or strongly tilted, the minimum downtime is 8-12 hours.
- ❄️ In the winter, if the refrigerator was brought in from the cold, you must wait an additional 4-5 hours to warm up to room temperature to avoid condensation on the electrical contacts.
Don't rush things. It’s better to play it safe and let the equipment sit for a day than to risk expensive repairs in the first days of operation.
⚠️ Attention: Even if the salesperson in the store claims that modern models can be turned on immediately, ignore this advice. No one has canceled the physical laws, and the oil needs time to return to its place.
⚠️ Attention: If you bring the refrigerator in from the cold, do not unpack it immediately. Allow the cardboard packaging and the device itself to warm up in a warm place to prevent the formation of moisture inside the case.
After the allotted time has expired, you can begin preparing the unit for operation. Make sure that the room where it will stand Atlantis well ventilated and protected from direct sunlight.
Preparation of the installation site and unpacking
Before connecting the power supply, you must place the refrigerator correctly. Technological gap is the distance between the rear wall of the device and the wall of the room, which is necessary for free air circulation.
Refrigerators Atlant are equipped with a condenser, which heats up during operation. If the heat is not removed, the cooling efficiency will drop, and the compressor will work with increased load, consuming more electricity.
Recommended installation distances:
- 📏 From the back wall to the kitchen wall - at least 5-7 cm.
- 📏 From the side walls to the furniture - at least 2-3 cm.
- 📏 From the top to the ceiling or top cabinet - at least 10 cm.
It is also important that the floor under the refrigerator is level. If the device is placed at an angle, the doors may not close tightly, which will lead to freezing and loss of tightness.
When unpacking, remove all transport fasteners. Pay special attention to the compressor fasteners, if there are any (usually bolts or brackets on the bottom of the housing). Their removal is necessary, otherwise vibration during operation will damage the motor suspension.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator near heating appliances, stoves or in niches where air circulation is impaired. This can lead to overheating and shortened service life.
Hygiene treatment of internal chambers
The internal surfaces of a new refrigerator may have a specific smell of plastic or technical grease. In addition, dust may have accumulated on the shelves during storage. Therefore, before loading products, sanitary treatment is required sanitization.
For washing, use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or baking soda. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, chlorine-containing products or solvents, as they can damage the coating of shelves and interior painting.
Procedure for preparation:
- Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays.
- Wash them separately with warm water and thoroughly wipe dry.
- Wipe the inner walls with a damp cloth soaked in a soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water).
- Leave the doors open for 1-2 hours for complete drying and ventilation.
Cleanliness inside the chambers is the key to foreign odors from products in the future. Pay special attention to the seals on the doors, wiping them with clean water.
First turn on and check operation
When the refrigerator is installed, let it sit and washed, the moment of truth comes - the first switch on. Connect the power cord to a separate grounded socket. The use of extension cords or tees is not recommended, as the starting currents of the compressor can be high.
After connecting to the network, you will hear a quiet click or hum - this is the compressor starting. In modern models Atlant with the system No Frost the fan can also start. Do not be alarmed if in the first minutes of operation the device makes more noise than usual - this is normal for the initial cycle.
What to pay attention to when starting up for the first time:
- 🔊 The compressor should operate smoothly, without strong vibration and knocking.
- ❄️ After 15-20 minutes, the side walls (where the condenser is hidden) should begin to get slightly warmer.
- 💡 The indicators on the control panel (if any) should light up.
It is important not to load food into an empty refrigerator immediately. Let it run idle for at least 2-3 hours so that it reaches operating temperature conditions.
☑️ Check before loading products
Setting the temperature mode
After the refrigerator has been idle, you need to adjust the temperature. In models Atlant the control can be mechanical (thermostat with numbers) or electronic (display).
For mechanical regulators the rule applies: the higher the number, the colder. It is not recommended to immediately set the maximum value (usually 7 or "Max"), as this will force the compressor to work without stopping.
Optimal settings to start with:
| Camera | Recommended temperature | Knob position | Storage area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | +2...+5 °C | Medium (3-4) | Ready food, drinks |
| Frozen | -18 °C and below | Average | Frozen, meat |
| Zero zone | 0 °C | Automatic | Fresh meat, fish |
If in your The model has a function Super Freeze (Super Freeze), turn it on a few hours before loading a large amount of fresh food into the freezer. This will help freeze food faster, preserving its structure.
What is the freshness zone in Atlanta?
Some Atlant models have a separate compartment with a temperature of about 0°C and high humidity. It's ideal to store fresh meat, fish or vegetables that you plan to cook in the next 1-2 days. Products do not freeze, but also do not deteriorate as quickly as on a regular shelf.
After setting the parameters, wait a few more hours. Only after making sure that the temperature has stabilized can you begin to gradually fill the chambers with products.
Typical errors when starting up for the first time
Even carefully studying the instructions does not always guarantee the absence of errors. Users often step on the same rake, trying to speed up the process or save time.
One of the main mistakes is dense loading with warm products. If you've just returned from the store, let foods cool to room temperature before putting them in the refrigerator. Otherwise heat load will make the compressor work for wear.
Other common mistakes:
- 🚫 Installing the refrigerator close to the wall without gaps.
- 🚫 Using aggressive chemicals during the first wash.
- 🚫 Switching on the network before the time allotted for settling.
It is also worth mentioning the noise. Many people are afraid of gurgling or clicking noises during the first hours of operation. This is normal: the refrigerant begins to actively circulate through the system, and the thermostat tries to calibrate the temperature.
⚠️ Attention: If after 24 hours of operation the refrigerator does not cool, the freezer will not freezes, or the compressor runs continuously without trying to turn off - contact a service center. It may be necessary to check the amount of refrigerant.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long can you not turn on the Atlant refrigerator after delivery?
The minimum settling time is 2-3 hours if transportation was vertical. If the refrigerator was transported lying down or tilted, you must wait 8 to 12 hours for the oil to drain into the compressor.
Do you need to wash a new refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
Yes, definitely. Internal surfaces should be wiped with a damp cloth and a mild detergent or baking soda solution to remove factory dust and plastic odors. After washing, the refrigerator should dry.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator hum loudly when first started?
In the first hours of operation, increased noise is possible due to the active circulation of the refrigerant and the system reaching operating mode. If the hum is not accompanied by body vibration and knocking, this is normal. After a day, the noise level should decrease.
Is it possible to place the Atlant refrigerator on the balcony?
No, operating the refrigerator on an unheated balcony or loggia is prohibited. The ambient temperature must be between +10°C and +32°C (climate class SN-T). At lower temperatures, the oil in the compressor thickens and it can burn out.
What temperature should you set for the first time?
It is recommended to set the thermostat to the average value (usually number 3 or 4). After the temperature has stabilized (after 5-6 hours), you can adjust the settings depending on the load of the chambers.