Buying new household appliances is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to large equipment such as two-chamber refrigerator. Many owners make the mistake of connecting the unit to the network immediately after delivery, which can lead to serious technical problems in the future. Proper preparation for the first start is a critical stage on which the durability of the compressor and the quality of cooling products depends.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of installation and activation of brand refrigeration equipment Atlant. You will learn why it is necessary to pause before turning on, how to correctly adjust the temperature regime and what nuances of the system’s operation you should pay attention to during the first day of operation.
Transportation and settling time
The most important condition before the first connection is the time that the unit must stand in a vertical position without electricity. The fact is that during transportation, especially if the refrigerator was lying on its side, oil from the compressor could flow into the circuits of the cooling system. If you turn on the motor right away, it will run dry, which will lead to rapid wear or jamming.
The settling time directly depends on the transportation conditions. If the device was transported in an upright position and was not shaken excessively, it is enough to wait 2–3 hours for the temperature to equalize and the oil to drain. However, if the equipment was transported horizontally or at low temperatures, the waiting time increases.
- 🕒 Summer transportation: the minimum settling time is 3-4 hours.
- ❄️ Winter transportation: if the equipment is caught in frost, let it warm up to room temperature for at least 6-8 hours.
- 🛢️ Transportation on its side: it is strongly recommended to wait a full 8-12 hours to ensure the oil returns to the crankcase.
Do not ignore these time intervals, as compressor is the heart of your refrigerator. An attempt to start it ahead of time may result in denial of warranty service, since service centers can easily determine the operation of equipment without prior preparation based on characteristic signs.
⚠️ Attention: If you brought the refrigerator in winter, do not immediately bring it into a warm room. Allow the packaging and housing to acclimatize in the hallway for about an hour to avoid condensation forming inside the electronics.
Installing and aligning the housing
Before looking for an outlet, you must correctly install Atlant refrigerator in the designated area. The device must be placed on a flat, hard surface. The most important condition is to ensure free access of air to the rear condenser grille. Without proper air circulation, cooling efficiency drops and energy consumption increases.
For installation, use a building level. The legs of the refrigerator are equipped with adjusting screws that allow you to compensate for uneven floors. Correct adjustment also affects the operation of the doors: they should close tightly and be independently adjusted to the stop when opened at a small angle.
| Installation parameter | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the wall | Minimum 5-7 cm | Compressor overheating |
| Gap on the sides | Minimum 2-3 cm | Poor ventilation |
| Angle tilt back | 1-2 degrees | Spontaneous opening of doors |
| Distance to the stove | Minimum 30 cm | Deformation of the seal from heat |
Make sure there are no heat sources nearby, such as radiators or gas stoves. Direct sunlight is also undesirable, as it forces the cooling system to work in increased mode, which reduces the life of the equipment.
Preparing the internal chamber for work
After the device has settled and taken its place, it is necessary to carry out an internal audit. The original packaging inside the cameras must be completely removed. This applies not only to cardboard, but also to all films, tape and fixing elements.
Pay special attention containers to the shelves. They are often secured with shipping tape or foam inserts. If you leave them, the plastic may become deformed and the access of cold air will be difficult. You should also remove all protective stickers from egg trays and doors.
- 🧼 Wipe all internal surfaces with a damp cloth using a weak solution of soda or a special product for household appliances.
- 🚫 Do not use abrasive powders or aggressive chemicals, as how they can damage the coating of the chambers.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open for 30–60 minutes after wet cleaning so that the smell of new plastic and moisture are completely removed.
The cleanliness of the internal walls is not only a matter of hygiene, but also of work efficiency. Dirt and grease can clog the micropores of plastic, which in the future will lead to the appearance of persistent unpleasant odors that are very difficult to remove.
First connection to the power supply
When all the preparatory stages have been completed, you can proceed to the electrical connection. Atlant refrigerators equipped with a cord with a grounded Euro plug. It is extremely important that the outlet into which you plan to plug the equipment is also grounded. This is a safety requirement, ignoring which can be dangerous.
It is not recommended to use various extension cords, tees or low-quality surge protectors. The best option is a direct connection to a separate outlet corresponding to the current load. If the outlet is located far away, it is better to use the services of an electrician to move it rather than risk contacts.
When you turn it on, you can hear a characteristic click or a slight hum - it starts to work compressor. In the first minutes of operation, the equipment may make more noise than usual, as the system is filled with refrigerant and enters operating mode.
☑️ Ready to turn on
Adjusting the temperature mode
Immediately after switching on, you should not load the refrigerator with food. Let it run idle for at least 2–4 hours to stabilize the temperature in all chambers. Temperature control in different models Atlant may differ: mechanical models use a rotary knob, electronic ones use a display and buttons.
For a mechanical regulator, which is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the top panel, a simple rule applies: the larger the number, the colder. However, there is no need to immediately set the regulator to maximum. The optimal starting position is the middle value (usually the number 3 or 4 out of 7).
In models with electronic control, you can set the exact temperature. Recommended values for normal operation:
- 🌡️ Refrigerator compartment: from +3°C to +5°C.
- ❄️ Freezer compartment: from -18°C to -20°C.
- 🥩 Fresh zone (zero): about 0°C for storing meat and fish.
If you set the temperature too low right away, the compressor will work non-stop, trying to cool the warm air, which will lead to its overload. Smooth entry into mode is the key to long service.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the No Frost system, the first start may be accompanied by the appearance of gurgling or crackling sounds. This is normal - the refrigerant circulates through the system, and the plastic contracts from the cold.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning it on?
If after 4-5 hours of operation the walls of the chamber do not become cold, and the compressor runs constantly or, conversely, is silent, check the tightness of the door. If the seal is clean and the door is closed tightly, there may be a freon leak or a faulty thermostat. In this case, you need to call a specialist.
Control period and loading with products
The first day of work is a test period. During this period, it is not recommended to load the chamber with products, especially warm ones or in large quantities. The system should reach a stable cycle of on and off. It is considered normal if the motor runs about 40% of the time and rests 60%, but in the first hours it can work longer.
It is better to load food in small portions. First fill the refrigerator compartment, and only after the temperature there has stabilized can you start freezing in the freezer compartment. A sharp jump in heat load can throw off the settings and overload the unit.
Pay attention to the following signs of normal operation:
- ✅ No frost on the back wall (for models with No Frost) or a uniform thin layer (for a drip system).
- ✅ The doors close tightly, the seal around the entire perimeter is adjacent to the body without gaps.
- ✅ The noise level remains within normal limits, there are no vibrations of the body.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator immediately after delivery if it was not placed?
Yes, if transportation was carried out strictly in a vertical position without strong shaking, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours for equalizing the pressure in the system and warming the electronics to room temperature.
Why does the refrigerator make loud noises when first started?
Gurgling, hissing or clicking are normal sounds of refrigerant circulation and valve operation. Plastic may also crack due to thermal expansion. If there is no vibration hum or metal knocking on metal, there is nothing to worry about.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before first use?
No, new Atlant refrigerators do not require defrosting before first use. It is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dust and factory smell.
What to do if, after turning on, the refrigerator does not turn off for several hours?
In the first hours of operation, until the chamber cools down to the set temperature, the compressor can operate continuously. This is fine. If it does not turn off for more than 6-8 hours and does not cool, check the tightness of the door and the position of the temperature regulator.