After purchasing new household appliances or moving to a new apartment, owners often have a question about how to turn on the Atlant refrigerator correctly so as not to damage the expensive unit. The Belarusian brand has established itself as a reliable manufacturer, but even the highest quality equipment requires compliance with certain initial launch rules. Ignoring these rules can lead to a reduction in the service life of the compressor or problems with the cooling system.
The main difficulty is that during transportation and lifting to the floor, the equipment is subject to shaking, tilting and temperature changes. Compressor, which is the heart of the refrigeration unit, contains oil, which during shaking can get into the circuits of the cooling system. If you start the engine right away, the oil can create a plug or damage the valves, which will lead to expensive repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, from unpacking to the first turn on, and also consider the nuances of setting temperature conditions for different models. The right approach will ensure that yours will Atlant refrigerator operate quietly and efficiently for many years to come. Let's figure out what needs to be done before pressing the power button.
Preparing for the first start and unpacking
The first step is to carefully unpack the unit. All shipping materials, including cardboard boxes, foam inserts and protective film, must be removed. Pay special attention to the inside: make sure all shelves, drawers and egg trays are free of tape and packaging materials. Manufacturers often fix moving elements so that they are not damaged during transportation.
After removing the packaging, inspect the case for external damage. If you notice dents or scratches, it is better to draw up a report with the seller before the equipment is installed. It is also important to check the completeness: the box should contain a product passport, warranty card and instruction manual. Documentation This will be useful to you in case of malfunctions or the need for service.
The internal chambers should be wiped with a soft damp cloth. The factory smell of plastic is normal, but it is better to eliminate it before storing food. To do this, you can use a weak solution of soda or just warm water with a neutral detergent. After wet cleaning, the refrigerator doors should be left open for ventilation.
⚠️ Attention: Never use abrasive cleaners, chlorine-containing solutions or hot water to clean the interior surfaces. This can damage the plastic coating of the cameras and lead to cracks or discoloration.
Standing time after transportation
The most critical moment in the installation process is the time interval before connecting to the network. The settling time directly depends on the position in which the unit was transported and what the ambient temperature is. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, it is enough to let it stand for 2-3 hours. This time is enough for the refrigerant and oil to distribute throughout the system.
If transportation was carried out lying down (horizontally), the waiting time increases significantly. The minimum period is 8 hours, but experts recommend waiting a full day. This is necessary so that the oil that gets into the evaporator and condenser completely flows back into the crankcase compressor. Starting the engine with oil in the cooling system can lead to water hammer and failure of the unit.
Temperature conditions also play an important role. If the refrigerator is brought from the cold into a warm room, you cannot turn it on immediately, even if it was standing upright. It is necessary to wait until the case temperature is completely equalized with room temperature. Otherwise, condensation will form inside, which can cause a short circuit in the electrical circuit or damage the insulation.
Why does oil get into the cooling system?
When the refrigerator is tilted, oil from the compressor flows into the cooling system tubes. Since the oil is thick and does not compress well, its entry into the working area of the piston group during startup can cause serious damage. The settling time is necessary precisely for the gravity of the oil back into the tank.
Choice of installation location and ventilation
The correct location of the Atlant refrigerator affects the efficiency of its operation and the level of energy consumption. The unit must stand on a flat, hard surface. If the floor is uneven, you will need to adjust the height of the front feet using the screws located on the bottom of the cabinet. This will ensure a tight fit of the doors and proper operation of the self-closing system.
It is important to ensure sufficient clearance between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. The minimum distance should be at least 5-7 centimeters. This space is necessary for free air circulation and heat removal from the condenser, which is usually located on the back or sides of the case. Insufficient ventilation will cause the compressor to overheat and increase energy consumption.
It is not recommended to install the refrigerator near heat sources such as radiators, stoves or ovens. You should also avoid direct sunlight on the housing. If this cannot be avoided, use protective screens or thick curtains. Ambient temperature should not exceed 30-32 degrees Celsius, as this is the limit value for normal operation of climate class equipment.
Connecting to the electrical network
Before inserting the plug into socket, make sure that the parameters of your electrical network meet the requirements specified in the technical data sheet. For Atlant refrigerators this is usually a voltage of 220-230 Volts with a frequency of 50 Hertz. It is highly undesirable to use extension cords or surge protectors of poor quality, as they can cause a voltage drop or poor contact, which is dangerous for the electric motor.
The outlet must be grounded and located in close proximity to the installation site so as not to strain the power cord. If the cord seems short, it is better to move the outlet rather than extend the wire, since any connection of wires increases the risk of fire. Also make sure that the outlet can withstand a current of at least 6-10 Amps.
After connecting, pay attention to the indicators on the control panel. Depending on the model, the light inside the camera or the power indicator on the front panel may light up. Some modern models with the system No Frost may make sounds when first started - this is normal, as the fan starts working.
⚠️ Attention: If when you turn on you hear a loud knock, crackling sound or smell a burning smell, immediately unplug the device. Restarting can only be done after the cause has been determined and the malfunction has been corrected by a specialist.
Setting the temperature mode
After a successful start and the appearance of cold, it is necessary to set the optimal temperature mode. In Atlant refrigerators, the control can be mechanical (thermostat with numbers from 1 to 7) or electronic (display with precise degrees). For mechanical regulators, the rule is: the higher the number, the colder it is. The optimal value for everyday work is considered to be position 3 or 4.
If you have an electronically controlled model, you can set the exact temperature for each chamber separately. The recommended temperature in the refrigerator compartment is +2...+4°C, and in the freezer - -18°C or lower. You should not immediately set the maximum cold if there is no food in the chamber yet, this will create an extra load on the compressor.
It is important to take into account seasonality. In summer, when the room is hot, you can increase the cooling mode a little, and in winter - weaken it. However, modern models are often equipped with an automatic ambient temperature compensation system, which simplifies operation.
Operation control and first loading with products
After the refrigerator has been idle for about 2-3 hours and has reached the required temperature, you can begin loading food. Do not fill the chambers completely at once - this may interfere with air circulation. Lay out the products evenly, leaving gaps between them and the walls.
On the first day of operation, carefully monitor the cycle of turning the compressor on and off. A normal mode is considered to be one in which the refrigerator operates about 30-40% of the time and rests the rest of the time. If the motor hums continuously or turns on too often, this may indicate problems with thermoregulation or a freon leak.
Pay attention to the noise level. New refrigerators may be a little louder in the first days while parts are being ground in. However, extraneous vibrations, rattling or gurgling (except for the short-term sound of refrigerant flow) are not acceptable. Make sure that the refrigerator does not touch furniture or walls.
| Parameter | Normal value | Malfunction symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | +2...+5°C | Above +7°C or below 0°C |
| Temperature in the freezer | -18°C and below | Above -12°C (food melts) |
| Continuous operation time | 10-20 minutes | More than 40 minutes without stopping |
| Compressor rest time | 20-40 minutes | Less than 5 minutes |
Frequent errors when first turned on
Many users make common mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is to start the refrigerator immediately after unpacking without taking into account the standing time. The second mistake is installing the unit close to the wall, which leads to overheating of the rear grille.
Ignoring the tilt level is also common. If the refrigerator is positioned crookedly, the door may not close tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and constant operation of the motor. Another mistake is setting the maximum cold in an empty chamber, which does not make sense and harms the life of the equipment.
Do not forget to check the transport bolts or fasteners, if any (although they are less common in refrigerators than in washing machines, but the fasteners of the shelves must be removed). Also, do not use aggressive chemicals for cleaning immediately after purchase.
☑️ Checklist before turning on
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long should the Atlant refrigerator stand after delivery?
If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-3 hours is enough. If it was lying on its side, you need to wait at least 8 hours, or better yet, a full 24 hours, for the oil to drain into the compressor.
Why does the refrigerator hum loudly immediately after turning on?
In the first hours of operation, the noise may be associated with uneven distribution of refrigerant or vibration of an unstable housing. Check the adjustment of the legs. If the humming does not subside after a day, contact service.
Can the refrigerator be connected to the network via an extension cord?
The manufacturer does not recommend using extension cords. If this is unavoidable, make sure that the cross-section of the wire corresponds to the power of the device, and that the extension cord itself is grounded and has good contact.
What to do if an unpleasant odor appears inside?
Wipe the chambers with a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or vinegar. Leave the doors open for several hours. If the smell does not go away, the problem may be a manufacturing defect in the plastic.
Is it necessary to defrost a new No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system does not require regular defrosting, but once every year and a half it is recommended to carry out preventive washing and defrosting to remove bacteria and check the drainage system.