Refrigerators Atlant with two compressors are a time-tested classic of reliability. Unlike more modern models with one motor and the No Frost system, here each compartment works autonomously. This means that the climate control in the freezer and refrigerator compartments occurs independently of each other. Many owners encounter difficulties precisely because of this feature, not understanding why the regulator in one zone does not affect another.
Correct setting thermostat directly affects the shelf life of products and the energy consumption of the device. If you set the temperature too low, the compressor will wear out and the food in the refrigerator may freeze. Too high a temperature will cause food to spoil quickly. In this article we will analyze the algorithm of actions for all popular models Atlantthat have two compressors.
The first thing you need to do before setting up is to understand what type of control is installed in your model. In two-compressor units, electromechanical control is most often found, where the mode is set by turning the knob. However, there are also models with an electronic display. The key feature of two-compressor models is the presence of two separate regulators, usually located inside the chambers or on the top panel of the case. They cannot be confused, since each is responsible only for its own cooling circuit.
The principle of operation of two compressors and independent circuits
The main advantage of the two-compressor circuit is the complete isolation of the freezing and storage processes. When you open the refrigerator door, the cold does not escape from the freezer, since they are separated not only by a partition, but also by different refrigerants in the circuits. This allows you to set ideal microclimate for each type of product.
Each compressor is controlled by its own thermostat. The temperature sensor reads the readings inside a particular chamber and commands the motor to turn on or off. If the refrigerator compartment becomes warmer than the set threshold, the corresponding compressor starts. The freezer can rest at this moment if the temperature there remains stable. This scheme is considered more energy efficient and durable.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to adjust the temperature with only one regulator in a two-compressor refrigerator will lead to imbalance of the system. Always check the settings of both circuits separately.
Understanding this principle is important for diagnosing faults. If there is ice in the freezer, but heat in the main chamber, the problem most likely lies in one of the thermostats or in the compressor itself, which is responsible for the warm compartment. You should not immediately blame freon leakage in the entire system.
Location of temperature controllers in Atlant models
Depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator Atlant, the controls may be located differently. In classic models such as the 400 or 450 series, the controls are often located inside the refrigerator compartment. These are round rotary switches with marks or numbers.
In more modern modifications, for example, the 600 or XM series, the control panel can be placed on the upper end of the case or integrated into the door. Electronic displays allow you to see precise degrees, while mechanical knobs require adjustment "by eye" on a scale from 1 to 7. It is important to know where to look for these elements so as not to guess.
If you can’t find the regulator, look inside the refrigerator on the right side wall or under the ceiling. The thermostat is often hidden there. In two-compressor models, the second regulator for the freezer may be located next to the first, but have a different marking, or be placed separately, if the design allows.
Instructions: how to set the temperature in the refrigerator compartment
To adjust the main compartment, where soups, drinks and dairy products are stored, a thermostat is used, which is responsible for the upper chamber. The optimal temperature here is considered to be from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius. It is in these conditions that bacteria multiply slowest.
The setting process is as follows:
- 🔹 Find the thermostat inside the chamber (usually at the top right).
- 🔹 Turn the knob to the position corresponding to the middle scale (usually number 3 or 4).
- 🔹 Wait 6-8 hours for the temperature to stabilize.
- 🔹 Check the products: if the vegetables are withering, add cold, if they are freezing, turn them down.
Do not immediately turn the knob to maximum. Sharp drop may lead to freezing of the back walls and increasing the load on the compressor. The setup should be smooth. If you have just defrosted the refrigerator or loaded it with warm food, let the equipment return to normal before making final measurements with a thermometer.
☑️ Setting up the refrigerator compartment
Setting the freezing mode in the freezer compartment
The freezer in two-compressor Atlantakh is capable of maintaining temperatures down to -18 degrees and below. For long-term storage of meat, fish and semi-finished products, this is the optimal indicator. The adjustment here is often made with a separate knob, which can be located inside the freezer or on the body.
If you have the “Super Freeze” function (usually indicated by a snowflake or an asterisk), you cannot use it all the time. This mode is turned on manually to quickly freeze fresh food, but after a while (or automatically after 12-24 hours) it needs to be turned off. Constant operation in the maximum cold mode will lead to the formation of a thick ice crust ("fur coat") and overheating of the motor.
Here are the basic recommendations for the freezer:
- ❄️ For everyday storage, keep the regulator on 1-2 divisions below the maximum.
- ❄️ When loading a large batch of fresh meat, turn on the fast freezing mode.
- ❄️ Make sure that the products do not block the cold air outlet (if any).
⚠️ Attention: In two-compressor units On Atlant models, the freezer often requires manual defrosting. Check the thickness of the ice on the walls regularly. A layer of more than 5 mm significantly impairs heat transfer.
Table of optimal values for different products
In order for products to retain their properties for as long as possible, it is important to observe the temperature regime. Below is a table that will help you figure out what values to set on the regulators Atlant depending on what you plan to store.
| Product type | Recommended temperature | Shelf life (approximate) | Zone in the refrigerator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh meat/Fish | 0...+2 °C | 1-2 days | Bottom shelf / Zero zone |
| Dairy products | +2...+4 °C | 3-7 days | Middle shelves |
| Vegetables and fruits | +4...+6 °C | 3-10 days | Bottom drawers |
| Frozen semi-finished products | -18 °C and below | Up to 6 months | Freezer |
| Ready meals | +2...+5 °C | 1-3 days | Upper shelves |
Please note that the numbers on the regulator (1-7) do not mean degrees Celsius. Number 1 is the minimum cold (warmer), and 7 is the maximum. The exact correspondence of numbers to degrees depends on the ambient temperature in the room and the load of the refrigerator.
Common mistakes when setting the temperature
Owners of two-compressor units Atlantov often make common mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. The most common of them is setting the regulator to maximum immediately after purchase or defrosting. This creates the illusion of rapid cooling, but in reality makes the compressor work non-stop.
Another mistake is ignoring the position of the refrigerator. If the equipment is placed close to the wall or next to the radiator, heat exchange is disrupted. In this case, even the correct settings of the thermostat will not help achieve the desired temperature inside the chambers. Ventilation The condenser (grids at the back) is critical.
What happens if you set the regulator to 7 (maximum)?
Continuous operation compressor will lead to overheating, increased energy consumption and possible failure of the thermostat. Food in the refrigerator compartment may freeze, and an ice shell will form in the freezer.
Also, do not change the settings often. The thermostat takes time to react. If you turn the knob in the morning, don't expect results by lunchtime. Stabilization takes several hours. Frequent switching of modes disrupts the automation algorithms.
Diagnostics of problems: when the settings do not help
There are situations when you set the temperature correctly, but the refrigerator does not freeze or, on the contrary, freezes too much. If the regulator is set to “3” and the chamber is +10 degrees, the thermostat itself may have failed or a refrigerant leak has occurred. In two-compressor models, it is often the circuit that is used more actively that breaks down.
If the refrigerator “does not turn off” and hums constantly, check the rubber seals on the doors. The cold escapes through a door that is not tightly closed, the temperature sensor “thinks” that it is hot in the chamber and does not allow the compressor to rest. This is a common problem with old Atlantov.
In the case when one compressor is working and the second is silent (and the corresponding chamber is warm), the problem may be in the starting relay or the motor itself of the idle circuit. It is dangerous to climb into the electrical part on your own; here you need to call a specialist.
Why are there different temperatures in different corners of the chamber in the two-compressor Atlanta?
This is normal for the Direct Cool (drip) system. Cold air is heavier than warm air, so it is always colder below. Also, the temperature is higher near the door and lower near the back wall, where condensation forms. Try not to place food close to the back wall.
Is it possible to turn off one of the compressors?
Technically, it is possible by turning off the thermostat of one of the chambers (putting it in position "0" or "Off"), but doing this for a long time is not recommended. The oils in the compressor can thicken and seals can dry out without working. It is better to keep both circuits active.
How often do you need to defrost the two-compressor Atlant?
Despite the two compressors, the defrosting system here is most often drip. This means that the freezer needs to be defrosted manually every 4-6 months, or as ice forms. There is no need to defrost the refrigerator compartment, it thaws itself during shutdown cycles.