Two-compressor models of refrigerators Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and the ability to independently control the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. However, after the first connection, defrosting or a planned power outage, users are often faced with the question of how to properly start the freezer compartment. Unlike single-circuit systems, here the startup process requires the sequential performance of certain actions with both thermostats.
It is important to understand that freezer compressor will not start working until the basic safety conditions and temperature settings are met. Errors at this stage can lead to equipment running idle or consuming excessive amounts of electricity without achieving the desired cold. In this article, we will analyze in detail the switching algorithm, the nuances of the operation of thermostats and typical problems that you may encounter.
Before you start setting up, make sure that the refrigerator is installed level, and the distance to the walls and furniture meets the requirements of the instructions. The two-compressor system Atlant is sensitive to overheating of the condensers, so proper ventilation is a prerequisite for a successful start-up. If the device has just been delivered from the store or rearranged, it must be allowed to stand in a vertical position for at least 3-4 hours before being plugged in.
The principle of operation of a two-compressor system
The main feature of refrigerators Atlant with two compressors is complete autonomy of cooling circuits. This means that refrigerator compartment i freezer compartment have evaporators, fans (in No Frost models) and compressors. This scheme allows you to set the temperature in each compartment independently of each other, which is impossible in single-circuit models.
When you turn on the device, power is supplied to both circuits, but the start of the compressors is regulated by their own thermostats. If the freezer is already cold, its compressor may not start immediately, even if the main refrigerator is already running. This is normal system behavior designed to save engine life and energy.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a clicking sound, but the freezer compressor does not start, do not panic. In two-compressor models, the start delay can be up to 10-15 minutes to equalize the pressure in the system.
Thermostats in such models are usually located on the front panel or inside the chambers. In newer models, these may be electronic displays where the temperature is set in degrees Celsius, in older models - mechanical rotary knobs with divisions from 1 to 7. Understanding the type of regulator you have is critical to the correct setting.
Preparing the refrigerator for the first start
Before pressing the power button, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual and technical check. A two-compressor Atlant is a complex unit, and ignoring the preparatory stage can lead to failure of one of the compressors. First of all, remove all shipping materials: tape, polystyrene foam, plastic bags.
Be sure to check the integrity of the rubber seals on the doors of both compartments. If the freezer rubber is damaged or does not fit tightly, the compressor will work continuously, trying to compensate for the loss of cold, which will quickly damage it. Make sure that the doors close tightly and with a characteristic clap.
☑️ Check before turning on
The internal chambers must be wiped with a damp cloth using a weak soda solution or a special product for caring for refrigerators. This will remove factory dust and possible odors. After wet cleaning, leave the doors open for 30-40 minutes to completely dry and ventilate.
Step-by-step instructions for turning on the freezer
The process of activating the freezer compartment in two-compressor models Atlant has its own characteristics. The main rule: first turn on the general power circuit, then set up the refrigerator compartment, and only after that move on to the freezer. This allows the system to stabilize.
Find the power button (toggle switch), which is usually located on the top of the case or on the control panel. On some models, power may be supplied automatically when the plug is plugged into an outlet, but a separate on/off switch is standard on most series. After power is applied, the network indicator (usually green) will light up.
Sequence of actions:1. Plug the plug into a grounded outlet.
2. Press the "On/Off" button on the panel (if available).
3. Set the refrigerator thermostat to a medium value (3-4).
4. Wait 15-20 minutes.
5. Set the freezer thermostat to maximum.
Now we move on to setting up the freezer compartment. If you have a mechanical regulator, turn the knob to the maximum cold position (usually the number 7 or the inscription Max). At this moment you should hear a characteristic click and after a while - the hum of the second compressor starting up. If electronic control is used, use the "+" or "-" buttons to set the value to -18°C or lower.
After setting the parameters, do not open the doors for 2-3 hours. Allow the system to return to operating mode. If after an hour of operation you do not feel the cold emanating from the walls of the freezer, or the compressor does not vibrate, diagnostics may be required.
Setting thermostats and temperature modes
Correct setting of thermostats is the key to the long service of your Atlanta. In dual-compressor systems, it is important to avoid a situation where both engines are operating at maximum capacity at the same time, although modern models are equipped with protection against such overloads. The optimal mode is considered to be one in which the refrigerator compartment operates at 3-4 divisions, and the freezer at 4-5.
Mechanical thermostats are calibrated using conventional units. The number "1" means the minimum cold (temperature about -6°C in the freezer), and "7" means the maximum (about -24°C). For everyday food storage, it is enough to install the freezer handle position 4 or 5. Higher values are used only for quick freezing of fresh food.
| Handle position | Approximate t° in the freezer | Compressor operating mode | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | -6...-12°C | Short-term | Not recommended for long-term storage |
| 3-4 | -12...-18°C | Normal | Optimal for everyday use |
| 5-6 | -18...-24°C | Intensive | For freezing fresh food |
| 7 (Max) | Below -24°C | Continuous | Only for a few hours, otherwise wear out |
Electronic control systems allow you to set precise temperatures. In the menu, select the snowflake symbol or the inscription "Freezer". The standard temperature for storing frozen food is -18°C. Reducing the temperature below -20°C increases energy consumption by 10-15% without significant benefit to food quality.
⚠️ Attention: Do not set the freezer thermostat to the maximum value (7 or Max) on a permanent basis. This leads to freezing of food, the formation of a thick ice crust and accelerated wear of the compressor.
Quick freezing mode and its use
Many models Atlant are equipped with a quick freezing function. In mechanical models, this is the extreme position of the thermostat knob; in electronic models, this is a separate button with a snowflake symbol or the inscription “Super Freeze”. This mode forcibly turns on the freezer compressor for continuous operation, ignoring the readings of temperature sensors.
This mode should be used only when loading a large amount of fresh, unfrozen food (meat, fish, berries from the country). Rapidly cooling a large volume of warm food can temporarily increase the temperature of already frozen stock, reducing its quality. The fast freezing mode prevents this.
How long should you keep the fast freezing mode?
The optimal operating time of the "Super Freeze" mode is from 3 to 12 hours, depending on the volume of loaded products. After the food freezes (usually after a day), you must manually return the regulator to the normal position (3-4). If you forget to turn off this mode, the compressor will work non-stop, which can lead to its overheating and breakdown after a few days.
After turning on the fast freezing mode, the indicator (light) usually lights up red, signaling increased load. After 24 hours, be sure to disable this feature by returning the settings to default values. Long-term operation in this mode is not provided for by the design of household refrigerators.
Diagnostics: why the freezer does not turn on
If, after following all the instructions, the freezer Atlant does not cool, and the second compressor is silent, it is necessary to carry out initial diagnostics. There may be several reasons: from a banal power surge to a faulty start relay.
First of all, check whether the light bulb in the refrigerator compartment is on when you open the door. If there is no light, check the outlet and power cord. If there is light, but the freezer is not working, listen to the sounds. A quiet hum, turning into a click and silence, may indicate problems with the starter or jamming of the compressor.
- 🔌 Problems with the electrical network: low voltage in the network often prevents the second compressor from starting, since the first one does not have enough power.
- ❄️ Thermostat malfunction: if the sensor temperature is “stuck” in the “warm” position, it simply does not give a command to turn on the motor.
- 🛑 Overheat protection: if the refrigerator has just been defrosted, the thermal protection could block the start until the components have completely cooled.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the evaporator. If a “fur coat” thicker than 5 mm is frozen in the freezer, this may block the temperature sensor or prevent air circulation (in No Frost). In this case, complete defrosting is required within 10-12 hours with the doors open.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the freezer separately if the refrigerator compartment is not needed?
In two-compressor models Atlant it is technically possible to turn off the refrigerator compartment by moving it thermostat to position "0" or "Off". The freezer will continue to operate independently. However, manufacturers do not recommend operation in this mode, since the cold from the freezer can be partially transferred to the adjacent compartment, disrupting the operating algorithms.
How long after switching on does the cold appear?
The first signs of cooling (cold walls) should appear in 30-40 minutes. Reaching the desired temperature (for example, -18°C) in an empty freezer takes about 2-3 hours. If you have loaded food, the time can increase to 6-8 hours.
Why is the second compressor louder than the first?
The freezer compressor often works under a higher load, since it needs to maintain a much lower temperature (-18°C versus +4°C). In addition, it can be installed in the lower part of the body, which creates resonance with the floor. Check whether the refrigerator is level and does not touch the walls.
Do you need to lubricate the rubbing parts of the thermostat?
Absolutely not. Thermostats and temperature controllers in refrigerators Atlant are sealed units. Any intervention, including lubrication, will disrupt their calibration and lead to incorrect operation or a refrigerant leak if the capillary tube is touched.
What to do if the red alarm light comes on?
Red indicator (often with an exclamation point symbol or snowflakes) lights up when the temperature in the freezer is higher than safe. If this happens the first time you turn it on, this is normal; the lamp will go out after an hour. If the refrigerator has been running for a long time and the lamp comes on, it means that the temperature regime has been disturbed (open door, breakdown, defrosting).