Purchasing a new refrigerator is always a joyful event that marks the beginning comfortable use of modern household appliances. However, the euphoria of the purchase often makes you forget about critical preparatory steps, ignoring which can significantly shorten the life of the unit. Proper preparation for the first start-up is not just a recommendation, but a necessary condition to maintain the warranty and stable operation of the compressor.
Refrigeration equipment Atlant is famous for its reliability, but even the most durable mechanisms require careful handling in the first hours of operation. Many users make the mistake of plugging the device into the network immediately after delivery, without taking into account the transportation temperature and internal humidity.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of preparation so that your new refrigerator serves faithfully for many years without unnecessary noise and excessive energy consumption.
Features of transportation and settling time
The most important The stage before the first launch is the correct settling of the equipment after delivery. During transportation, the refrigerator is subject to shaking, tilting and vibration, which leads to displacement of the oil in the refrigerant circulation system. If you turn on the compressor immediately, oil may enter the cooling circuit, which will lead to hydraulic shock or blockage of the capillary tube.
The time that must be waited before turning on directly depends on the position in which the unit was transported. If the refrigerator Atlant was transported strictly in an upright position, it is enough to let it stand for 2-3 hours. This time is necessary to stabilize the temperature of the internal components after a temperature change (especially if it is frosty outside).
⚠️ Attention: If during transportation the refrigerator was tilted by more than 40 degrees or transported lying down, the settling time increases to 8-12 hours. Ignoring this rule can lead to compressor failure on the very first day of operation.
Temperature conditions also play a role. If you brought the refrigerator in from the cold, do not rush to unpack and wipe it. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to form on the electrical contacts inside the housing. Moisture on the control board or thermostat can cause a short circuit.
Initial inspection and removal of packaging
After the refrigerator has stood for the required time, it is necessary to conduct a thorough external and internal inspection. First of all, remove all shipping materials: tape, foam inserts, plastic film. Pay special attention to the internal shelves and drawers - they are often secured with tape to prevent damage during transportation.
Carefully inspect the case for mechanical damage. Dents, deep scratches or chips of enamel may indicate a violation of transportation conditions. If you find defects, it is better to record them photographically before installation, so that if necessary, make a claim to the store or delivery service.
- 📦 Remove all stickers with logos and markings using a soft cloth moistened with warm water.
- 🧼 Check the integrity of glass shelves and plastic containers for missing cracks.
- 🔌 Inspect the electrical cord for kinks, cuts and integrity of the plug.
- 🚪 Make sure that the doors open smoothly and the seals do not have creases.
Don't forget to check the package contents. Refrigerators Atlant depending on the model may contain egg trays, ice trays or additional grids. The absence of accessories stated in the instructions is also grounds for contacting the seller.
Hygiene treatment of internal chambers
The inside of a new refrigerator smells like plastic and rubber. This odor is not harmful to health, but can be transmitted to products, especially dairy products and those with a delicate structure. Therefore, before loading food, wet cleaning of all internal surfaces is required.
For washing, use a soft sponge and a warm solution of baking soda or a weak soap solution. Use aggressive chemicals containing chlorine, acids or abrasive particles. They can damage the antibacterial coating of the walls or leave micro-scratches in which bacteria will multiply. strictly prohibited. They can damage the antibacterial coating of the walls or leave micro-scratches in which bacteria can multiply.
After washing, thoroughly wipe everything surface with a dry soft cloth. Pay special attention to corners and joints where water could remain. Moisture inside the case when first turned on can turn into ice or cause corrosion of metal elements.
Do not forget to wash and dry all removable elements: shelves, drawers, trays. It is better to wash them separately under running water. After the procedure, let them dry completely at room temperature before installing them back.
Installation and leveling
Proper installation of the refrigerator is the key to its quiet operation and durability. The unit Atlant must stand on a flat, solid floor. It is not recommended to install the refrigerator near heating appliances, stoves or in direct sunlight. The minimum distance from the back wall to the wall should be 5-7 cm for normal air circulation.
The alignment of the case is a critical point. If the refrigerator is skewed, the doors may not fit tightly to the body, which will lead to freezing of the “coat” and increased load on the compressor. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs.
| Installation parameter | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the wall | minimum 5 cm | Compressor overheating, noise |
| Forward tilt | 1-2 degrees (on doors) | Spontaneous opening of doors |
| Stability | None swing | Vibration, increased noise, wear |
| Distance to the slab | minimum 30 cm | Deformation of seals, overheating |
To check, use a building level or a simple glass of water, placed on the top panel. If the refrigerator is positioned correctly, the doors should close tightly on their own if they are opened slightly by 30-40 degrees. The legs are adjusted by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.
☑️ Checking the installation
First switching on and setting the temperature mode
When all the preparatory stages have been completed, you can move on to the most crucial moment - the first connection to the network. Make sure the outlet is grounded and meets the wattage requirements. It is not recommended to use extension cords and tees, since the starting current of the compressor can be high due to poor-quality wiring.
Plug in the refrigerator. In the first minutes you may hear gurgling or hissing - this is normal, the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system. The compressor can operate continuously for the first hour until it reaches the required temperature inside the chambers.
Adjust the temperature mode according to the instructions for your model Atlant. For single-compressor models with mechanical control, a thermostat with numbers from 1 to 7 (or Min/Max) is used. The optimal position for starting work is the middle value (usually 3 or 4).
⚠️ Attention: Do not set the thermostat to maximum cooling immediately after turning it on. This will cause the compressor to work tirelessly without interruption, trying to cool the warm air, which can lead to overheating and the protective relays turning off.
If your model is equipped with electronic controls and a display, wait until the panel activates. Modern models often have a protection function against power surges, so turning on may occur with a delay of several minutes after connecting to the network.
What to do if the compressor does not start?
If, after connecting to the network, the refrigerator is silent and the light inside is on, wait 10-15 minutes. The restart protection may have been triggered. If after 20 minutes there is no sound of the motor running, check the outlet and thermostat. In electronic models, the control board could burn out.
Loading with food and running-in mode
After the first turn on, do not rush to fill the refrigerator with food. Empty chambers take time to reach operating temperature. Depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room, this process takes from 2 to 6 hours.
How do you know that the refrigerator is ready for use? The compressor should turn off for the first time after starting (unless the model is No Frost with an inverter compressor, which simply slows down). A stable temperature has established inside, the walls have cooled.
Load the products gradually. Do not place warm or hot food in the chamber as this will place excessive stress on the cooling system. Place food evenly, without blocking the ventilation holes (in No Frost models) and without pressing food tightly against the back wall.
- 🥩 Place meat and fish on the bottom shelf, where the temperature is lowest.
- 🥛 Dairy products are best stored on the middle shelves, away from the door.
- 🥬 Place vegetables and fruits in special boxes at the bottom of the refrigerator.
- 🍺 Drinks can be placed on door shelves, as they are less demanding on temperature conditions.
The first day of operation is considered a “break-in” period. At this time, the refrigerator may operate a little noisier than usual - this is because the mechanism parts are grinding in. If after 24 hours the noise does not subside or extraneous knocks appear, you should contact a service center.
Possible problems during the first start
Even if all the rules are followed, nuances may arise that frighten inexperienced users. Understanding the nature of these phenomena will help you avoid panic and unnecessary calls to the technician.
One of the common problems is strong heating of the side walls. In modern refrigerators Atlant the condenser (heat exchanger) is often built into the side walls of the case. Their heating to 40-50 degrees in the first hours of operation is an absolutely normal phenomenonindicating that the heat removal system is working correctly.
The formation of condensation or small puddles of water under the vegetable boxes may also be observed in the first days. This is residual moisture from the sink or condensation from the products you put inside. If after 2-3 days the situation does not change, check the drainage hole.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud metal clanging, crackling or smell burnt wiring, immediately unplug the refrigerator and contact service. Such symptoms are not the norm for a new device.
In some cases, users notice that the refrigerator does not turn off for a long time. If you have just loaded it with a large amount of room temperature food, or if the room is very hot, running the compressor for a long time is acceptable. However, if it works without a break for more than 10-12 hours, it is worth checking the thermostat settings.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator hum loudly when first started?
The humming can be caused by several factors: improper installation (touching walls or furniture), shipping bolts (if they have not been removed, although refrigerators usually do not have them, unlike washing machines), or the operating features of a particular compressor. Also, the noise level depends on the levelness of the floor.
Is it possible to immediately set the refrigerator to maximum power?
No, this is not recommended. Sudden cooling of warm air will place extreme stress on the compressor. It is better to set the average value, let the unit work for 3-4 hours, and only then, if necessary, increase the cooling.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before use?
Defrost systems (drip or No Frost) in new models work automatically. There is no need to manually defrost a new refrigerator before turning it on for the first time, just wash it with warm water and soda.
What to do if the door of a new refrigerator does not close well?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (packaging, a piece of film). Make sure that the refrigerator is tilted slightly backwards (adjustable by the legs). If the seal is deformed upon delivery, you can gently heat it with a hair dryer or pour boiling water to restore its shape.
How many hours can you load food into the Atlant?
The refrigerator should run empty for at least 2-4 hours until the first ice or stable cold appears. It is better to complete a full load of products after 6-8 hours of operation, and make a final assessment of the quality of cooling within a day.