Proper installation of household appliances is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary condition for its long-lasting and silent operation. Many owners are faced with a situation where a new or moved unit begins to hum, rattle, or the doors no longer fit tightly, and often the reason lies precisely in the violation of the horizontal position of the body. For brand equipment Atlant, which is famous for its reliability and massive construction, compliance with the installation geometry is a critical parameter, ignoring which can lead to accelerated wear of the compressor.
The alignment process is available to every user and does not require calling a specialist or having a complex specialized tool. It is enough to have a building level on hand, which is often replaced with a regular bubble analogue, and a little patience to adjust the position of the support legs. In this article, we will analyze in detail why the equipment is unstable, how to correct floor distortions and fix the result so that the unit stands like a glove.
It is worth understanding that even a visually flat floor in an apartment can have differences invisible to the eye, which become obvious only after installing heavy equipment. Horizontal violation leads to uneven distribution of weight on the floor. supports, which causes vibration when the motor-compressor operates. If you notice that your Atlant started to make extraneous sounds or the door opens spontaneously, the first thing you need to do is check its position in space.
Why is it important to set the refrigerator level
Main The reason why manufacturers, including the company Atlant, require strictly horizontal installation lies in the peculiarities of the refrigeration circuit. The refrigerant circulates through the system under pressure, and for proper operation, the oil must return to the compressor and not stagnate in the evaporator or condenser pipes. If the housing is skewed, oil outflow it is broken, which leads to the compressor operating in oil starvation mode, an increase in temperature and eventual failure of the unit.
The second important aspect is the tightness of the chambers and the operation of the No Frost system (if it is provided by the model). If the door is tilted too much, it may not fit tightly to the body, even if the magnetic tape is working properly. This leads to a constant influx of warm air, the formation of ice and an increase in energy consumption. Incorrect tilt angle can also cause condensation not to flow into the drainage hole, but to begin to accumulate inside the chamber or pour out onto the floor.
⚠️ Attention: Long operation of a skewed compressor causes increased vibration, which can lead to breakage of the refrigeration circuit tubes or destruction of the internal motor suspension.
In addition, correct installation affects the noise level. If one of the legs does not touch the floor or the load is distributed unevenly, the body begins to resonate with the vibrations of the running engine. By leveling the equipment, you can often completely eliminate the annoying hum without any additional manipulations with the insulation.
Necessary tools for adjusting the supports
Before starting work on adjusting the position of the body, you need to prepare a minimum set of tools. In most cases, maintenance of equipment Atlant does not require complex equipment, since the design of the adjustable supports is designed for domestic use. However, the presence of a high-quality measuring instrument will significantly speed up the process and increase the accuracy of the settings.
The main tool is building level. It is best to use a tool at least 40-50 cm long, since short levels can cause errors over a large area of the refrigerator base. If there is no building level, you can replace it with a long, flat rod and a smaller regular bubble level, or even use modern level gauge apps on your smartphone, although their accuracy may vary.
To rotate the adjusting screws you may need:
- 🔧 Adjustable wrench - a universal tool that allows you to grab nuts of different types size.
- 🔩 Open-end wrench —often the size of the support nuts corresponds to standard values (for example, 14 or 17 mm).
- 🪛 Flat screwdriver —some models Atlant equipped with supports with slots for a slot instead of a nut.
- 📏 Tape measure - for measuring the distance from the floor to the body at different points.
It is also recommended to move the refrigerator away from the wall in advance to provide access to back and bottom corners on all sides. Don't forget to clear some space in front of the equipment so that you can comfortably bend down and control the position of the level bubble.
Diagnostics: how to check for misalignment housing
Before grabbing the keys, you need to determine exactly which direction the unit is tilted. Diagnostics is carried out in two stages: visual assessment and instrumental measurement. First, try shaking the refrigerator by grasping the top corners. If it is unstable or, conversely, rests only on two diagonal points, this is a clear sign of a problem.
Next, we proceed to measurements using a level. Place the tool on the top cover of the refrigerator, first along the front (from left to right), then along the depth (from front to back). The air bubble must be located strictly between the risks. For models Atlant with a top panel of complex shape, it is better to place a level on hard areas or use a long, even strip as a substrate.
It is important to check not only the horizontality, but also the tightness of the doors. There is a simple test: open the refrigerator door to an angle of approximately 45-60 degrees and release. If the door:
- 🚪 slams itself - it means that the refrigerator is tilted back, which is normal and correct position.
- 🚪 Remains in the same position or opens wider - the body is standing vertically or tilted forward, required adjustment.
- 🚪 It rattles when closing - perhaps the distortion is too strong or the seal is worn out.
Step-by-step instructions: adjusting the front legs
The alignment process begins from the front part, since it is the front supports that are adjustable in most models. Atlant. The rear legs are usually static plastic or rubber pads, the height of which does not change. Therefore, all work is carried out by unscrewing or tightening the front screws.
To begin, slightly tilt the refrigerator body forward to unload the front supports. In some cases, the weight of the unit is so great that turning the screws under load is impossible or harmful to the thread. If you do not have an assistant, you can carefully place a wooden block under the front edge or use a jack through a soft pad, but more often it is enough to simply lift the body by the upper corner.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tilt the operating refrigerator more than 45 degrees and do not keep it upside down for a long time to avoid oil flowing into the circuit.
Next perform the following steps:
- Install a level on the top cover across the body.
- Rotate the right or left support leg with a key or hand (if there is a handle) until the bubble is centered.
- Check the level longitudinally (front to back). To do this, a level is placed on the end of the door or on the top panel along the side.
- Achieve a position so that the front is slightly higher than the back. This will provide the very necessary spontaneous slam doors.
After rough adjustment, be sure to check the stability. The refrigerator should not wobble. If one of the front legs is twisted too much and the unit wobbles, the floor may have a strong local defect (a bump or a hole). In this case, the adjustment should be carried out by compensating for the unevenness of the floor, and not striving for the ideal geometry of the device itself.
☑️ Algorithm for adjusting the legs
Specifics of adjusting models with wheels
Some modern and large models Atlant are equipped not only with adjustable screws, but also with transport ones wheels built into the front supports. The presence of wheels makes it easier to move equipment around the kitchen, but makes its own adjustments to the installation process. In such models, the wheels usually do not bear the main weight in working condition - they serve only to facilitate rolling.
The principle of operation of such supports is that after installation in place, the adjusting screw located next to the wheel or being its axis is unscrewed. When unscrewing, the body rises and the wheels come off the floor, transferring all the weight to stationary support platforms. If this is not done, the refrigerator will “walk” at the slightest touch or vibration of the compressor.
The table below will help you understand the types of supports found in different series Atlant:
| Type supports | Appearance | Tool | Setting feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threaded rod | Metal screw with nut | Wrench 14-17 mm | Requires fixation with a lock nut |
| Plastic screw | Wide head with slot | Screwdriver or hand | It turns easily, but can crack |
| Support with a wheel | Wheel + adjusting bolt | Wrench or screwdriver | You need to hang the wheels above the floor |
| Composite support | Plastic + metal | Combined | The lower part is adjustable |
If you are the owner of a model with wheels, make sure that after adjustment the wheels do not touch the floor covering. The gap should be 3-5 mm. This ensures that when opening heavy doors or loading food, the refrigerator will not move.
What to do if the thread of the support is broken?
If the screw turns and does not lift the case, it means that the thread in the housing seat or on the stud itself is damaged. You can temporarily use rubber gaskets under the leg, but for reliability it is better to order a new support at the Atlant service center.
Remedy: what to do if the refrigerator is wobbling
The situation when after all the manipulations the refrigerator continues to wobble is not uncommon. Most often this is due to uneven floor coverings (linoleum, tiles with a seam, laminate with differences). If the floor is not perfectly flat, the standard four-point adjustment may not be sufficient to create a firm stop.
In such cases, additional stabilization measures can be used. One effective way is to place thin but dense pads under the lagging leg. The ideal materials are pieces of linoleum, rubber furniture mats or special anti-vibration pads. The use of wooden blocks is not recommended, as the wood dries out over time and begins to creak.
It is also worth checking the condition of the adjustable screws themselves. If they are twisted to the maximum height, the stability of the structure decreases. In this case, it is necessary:
- 🔻 Lower all the screws as far as possible.
- 🔺 Raise the floor level under the low leg using a lining.
- 🔧 Carry out the adjustment again, keeping the screws in the middle position.
If there is swaying accompanied by a strong hum, check whether the refrigerator pipes are touching walls or furniture. Sometimes, to stabilize, it is enough to simply move the unit 5-7 cm from the back wall to ensure free air circulation and absence of resonance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to level the refrigerator if it is already filled with food?
It is highly not recommended. A full refrigerator weighs a lot, and the load on the adjustment screws will be excessive. You may strip threads or damage the support mechanism. In addition, food may become dislodged and fall. It is better to release the chambers, make adjustments, and then load the equipment.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator door not close all the way?
Most often the reason is the incorrect angle of the body. If the front is lower than the back, gravity pulls the door into the open position. It is necessary to unscrew the front legs, lifting the front part up so that the door closes itself under its own weight.
Is it necessary to disconnect the refrigerator from the network before leveling?
Formally, for mechanical adjustment of the legs, disconnection from the network is not required. However, if you plan to strongly tilt the case or move it away, touching the wires, it is better to turn off the power to the device to avoid a short circuit or damage to the plug.
How often should you check the installation level of the refrigerator?
Once after installation or moving is enough. However, if you notice new noise, rattling or problems with closing doors, you should check the level again. Over time, the legs may spontaneously rotate or push through the soft floor covering.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it is not level?
Short-term operation is acceptable, but long-term operation in a skewed state reduces the life of the compressor and can lead to freon leakage or breakdown of the No Frost system. It’s better to spend 15 minutes setting up than to risk expensive repairs.