Correct setting of the temperature regime is the foundation for the long service of your two-chamber refrigerator Atlant and a guarantee of food safety. Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to turn the thermostat knob once for the system to work perfectly. However, modern models, whether classic MXM or series C No Frost, require a careful approach to balancing the cold between the chambers.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to correctly set the temperature in the freezer compartment, taking into account the design features of various brand lines. You will learn about the nuances of the operation of mechanical and electronic thermostats, and also understand why standard factory settings may not be suitable for your climate or food load mode.
Compliance with the recommended parameters will not only extend the life of the compressor, but will also save energy. Optimal mode work prevents the formation of excessive ice and preserves the structure of frozen products, which is especially important for families with children.
Features of thermoregulation in two-chamber Atlant models
Two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are most often equipped with a control system, where adjusting the temperature in the refrigerator compartment indirectly affects the operation of the freezer. Classic models with a drip defrosting system use mechanical thermostat, which is a simple but reliable device. Its task is to open the electrical circuit of the compressor when the set temperature in the main chamber is reached.
It is important to understand that in such systems you do not set the degrees directly for the freezer. You set the operating mode for the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer is cooled according to the residual principle or through a separate circuit, depending on the operating time of the compressor. That is why changing the settings in the upper compartment is always reflected in the lower compartment.
Electronically controlled models, often labeled as Smart or equipped with a display on the door, allow you to set the temperature for each zone independently. This is where temperature sensorscome into work, transmitting signals to the control board, which regulates the operation of the compressor and fans with high accuracy. This eliminates the human factor and mode differences.
⚠️ Attention: In models with one compressor and mechanical control, it is impossible to set the temperature in the freezer separately from the refrigerator. Attempts to “deceive” the system by gluing the sensors can lead to compressor failure.
The difference in operating principles also dictates different approaches to configuration. If you have a “twist” inside the refrigerator, you need to focus on the position of the handle and the condition of the food. If you have a digital display in front of you, then the accuracy of the settings depends on the correctness of data entry and the serviceability of the sensors.
Mechanical adjustment: how to use a thermostat
In most budget and mid-range models Atlant, such as series MHM 1700 or 1800, adjustment is carried out using a rotary knob with numbers from 1 to 7 (or from Min to Max). It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, at the top right or in the corner of the ceiling of the chamber. The golden rule applies here: the higher the number, the lower the temperature (colder).
Position “1” or “Min” means that the compressor will turn on rarely and will not work for long, maintaining the temperature around +8...+10°C in the refrigerator compartment. In this mode, the freezer may not reach the required -18°C, especially if there is a lot of food in it or it is hot outside. Position “7” or “Max” forces the compressor to work almost without stopping, which can lead to freezing of food in the upper compartment and icing of the rear wall.
For normal operation of a two-chamber refrigerator in the summer, it is recommended to set the handle to position “3” or “4”. In winter, when the room temperature drops, you may need to move the control towards higher values (“5” or “6”), as the temperature difference between inside and outside decreases, and it is more difficult for the compressor to start.
Do not forget that a mechanical thermostat has hysteresis - this is the temperature difference between turning on and off. Turning the knob sharply will not give instant results. The system requires time, usually from 4 to 8 hours, to stabilize the new temperature conditions in all corners of the chamber.
Electronic control: setting via display
Owners of modern models Atlant with a system No Frost and an electronic control unit have much more capabilities. On the front panel of the door there are indicators and touch buttons that allow you to independently control the climate in each compartment. The current temperature is usually displayed, and pressing the buttons will take you into setup mode.
To change settings, you will often need to press and hold the setup button (sometimes labeled "Lock" or a padlock icon) for 3-5 seconds to unlock the panel. After that, using the arrow buttons or a separate zone selection key, you can indicate with a flashing indicator which compartment you are setting up: a refrigerator or a freezer.
For the freezer compartment, the optimal value is -18°C. Some models allow you to lower the temperature to -24°C in the “Super Freeze” mode, but it is not recommended to constantly maintain this mode due to increased energy consumption. The electronics itself will turn off this function after a certain time or after reaching the set temperature.
☑️ Checking display settings
If the display shows incorrect data or flashes, this may indicate a sensor malfunction or a door seal failure. In such cases, the system may go into emergency mode, stopping freezing to prevent compressor failure. Pay close attention to the indication, as it is the main source of diagnostic information.
Super freezing mode and its effect on temperature
The Super Freeze function is a powerful tool that should be used in doses. When this mode is activated, the refrigerator compressor Atlant goes into continuous operation, ignoring the thermostat signals about reaching the target temperature. This is necessary when you load a large amount of fresh, not yet frozen food into the freezer.
If you place warm food in the normal mode, it will freeze slowly, which will lead to the formation of large ice crystals inside the cells of meat or vegetables, destroying their structure. The forced cooling mode allows you to quickly pass the critical crystallization zone, preserving the benefits and taste. However, you cannot keep this mode turned on all the time.
In models with mechanical control, an analogue of super freezing is the forced activation of the compressor, but it is more difficult and riskier to implement. In electronic models, just press the corresponding button. After 8–24 hours (depending on the model and load), the system will automatically return to normal operation.
What happens if you forget to turn off the super freeze?
If the super freeze mode does not turn off automatically or manually, the compressor will work without stopping. This will lead to excessive cooling of the freezer compartment (to -30°C and below), freezing of the evaporator and, most importantly, to overheating and wear of the motor-compressor, which will shorten its service life.
The use of this function is justified for seasonal preparations, but for daily use it is redundant. Remember that energy consumption in this mode increases significantly, and the load on the refrigerator components becomes maximum.
Table of optimal temperature conditions
In order for the food to remain fresh and the equipment to work in a gentle manner, it is important to adhere to the recommended values. Below is a table that will help you navigate the settings for different types of products and operating conditions.
| Type of products / Conditions | Recommended temperature | Knob position (Mechanical) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term storage (meat, fish) | -18°C ... -20°C | 4 - 5 | Standard mode |
| Short-term storage (semi-finished products) | -12°C ... -14°C | 2 - 3 | Energy saving |
| Super freezing (fresh products) | -24°C and below | Super mode | No more than 24 hours |
| Storing vegetables (in the bottom drawer) | 0°C ... +4°C | Depends on the refrigerator | Only in the refrigerator compartment |
Please note that the position of the mechanical regulator (numbers 1-7) is conditional and may vary depending on the specific model Atlant and the room temperature. The numbers in the table are given as an average guideline for room temperature +20...+25°C.
If you store products with expiration dates in the freezer, it makes sense to keep the temperature closer to -24°C to slow down oxidative processes. For an empty or half-empty freezer, you can set lower values, which will save electricity.
Factors influencing freezing efficiency
Even correctly set temperature does not guarantee results if external factors are ignored. One of the main enemies of effective freezing is heat gain. Frequent opening of doors, especially in the hot season, causes the compressor to work harder to compensate for the loss of cold.
Load density also plays a role. A full freezer holds the temperature better than an empty one, since frozen foods themselves are cold accumulators. However, if the chamber is jam-packed, air circulation will be disrupted (in No Frost systems), and in some areas the temperature may be higher than normal.
The technical condition of the door seals is a critical parameter. If the elastic band Atlant does not fit tightly, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber. This leads not only to an increase in temperature, but also to the formation of a thick crust of ice on the food and walls, which impairs heat transfer.
The location of the refrigerator is also important. Do not place it close to a wall or in a niche without ventilation gaps. The radiator, located at the back or on the sides, must be freely washed by air for effective heat removal.
Diagnostics of problems: when the temperature does not hold
There are situations when you have set everything according to the instructions, but the food in the freezer Atlant begins to thaw or, conversely, to become covered thick layer of ineda. If the compressor runs continuously, but there is no cold, most likely there is a refrigerant leak or the capillary pipeline is clogged.
If the compressor turns on rarely, but the chamber is warm, the problem may be in the thermostat (it does not “feel” heat) or in a faulty start relay. In models with electronics, a common cause is a failure of the temperature sensor or a break in the wiring to it.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where everything in the refrigerator compartment is frozen, but in the freezer, on the contrary, it is warm. This is a classic sign of a bad damper (on single evaporator systems) or a refrigerant imbalance. It is strictly not recommended to climb inside with tools on your own.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice the smell of burnt wiring, hear relay clicks or see sparking, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Attempts at further use may result in a fire.
Special equipment is required to accurately diagnose complex faults related to freon pressure or electronic boards. If simple methods (defrosting, resetting) do not help, it is better to contact a service center.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does a lot of ice freeze in the Atlant freezer, although the temperature is set correct?
Abundant freezing of ice most often indicates a violation of the chamber’s tightness. Check the sealing rubber on the doors: it should be clean, elastic and fit snugly around the entire perimeter. Ice also builds up if you place food in the chamber that has not cooled to room temperature or leave the lid of a pan with liquid open. In No Frost systems, ice may appear due to clogging of the drainage hole.
What temperature should be in the freezer for long-term storage of meat?
For long-term storage (up to 1 year) of meat, poultry and fish, the optimal temperature is -18°C or lower. With this regime, the activity of most bacteria stops and enzymatic processes slow down. If the temperature rises higher -12°C, shelf life is reduced to 1-3 months, and the quality of the product may deteriorate.
Is it possible to transport the Atlant refrigerator on its side?
Transportation of the refrigerator is possible only in a vertical position or with an inclination of no more than 40 degrees. Transport on its side is not recommended, as oil from the compressor may leak into the refrigerant circuit, resulting in water hammer and compressor failure when first turned on. If transportation on its side cannot be avoided, after installation the refrigerator must stand upright for at least 4-6 hours before turning it on.
How to defrost a two-chamber Atlant correctly?
Although many models are equipped with a partial automatic defrosting system, it is recommended to completely defrost the freezer 1-2 times a year. To do this, unplug the appliance, remove all food and leave the doors open. Do not use a knife or sharp objects to chip the ice as this may damage the evaporator. You can speed up the process by placing bowls of warm water in the chamber.