Two-compressor models of the brand's refrigeration equipment Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and the ability to independently regulate the climate in the chambers. Correct temperature setting is not just a matter of comfort, but a key factor influencing the safety of products and the service life of compressors. Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to set the thermostat knob to the middle position, however, each compartment has its own strict standards.
Unlike single-circuit systems, here two separate units are responsible for cooling the freezer and refrigerator compartments. This allows you to set ideal parameters for freezing meat without drying out the vegetables in the upper compartment. Understanding how thermostats and sensors work will help you avoid inventory spoilage and unnecessary energy costs. In this article, we will analyze in detail what values are considered normal and how to set them correctly.
The optimal temperature in the main chamber of a two-compressor Atlant refrigerator is considered to be the range from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius, while in the freezer it should be -18 degrees and below. It is these indicators that guarantee maximum preservation of the vitamin composition of products and prevent the proliferation of bacteria. Any deviations require user intervention or calling a specialist.
The principle of operation of a dual-circuit cooling system
The main difference technology Atlant with two compressors is the complete autonomy of the circuits. While one unit freezes food to extremely low temperatures, the second maintains soft cold in the upper compartment. This scheme eliminates the mixing of odors and allows independent control cooling power in each compartment. This is especially important when the chambers are fully loaded or a large amount of warm products are placed.
Each compressor is controlled by its own thermostat or electronic module, which reads data from sensors. When the temperature in the chamber rises above a preset threshold, the relay closes the circuit, starting the motor. Once the desired value is reached, the unit turns off. In dual-circuit models, this process occurs asynchronously, which reduces the load on the electrical network and reduces the overall noise level during operation.
Technical features of the relay
In dual-compressor models, start-up protection relays are used, adapted to the specific power of each motor. Replacing a relay from one compressor to another is unacceptable, as this will lead to rapid combustion of the windings or failure to start.
It is worth noting that the lack of communication between the circuits means that the breakdown of one compressor does not affect the operation of the second. You can continue to use the refrigerator even if the freezer fails, and vice versa. However, the operation of equipment with one operating unit requires control to prevent defrosting of products in a faulty compartment.
Temperature standards for the refrigerator compartment
The main compartment is designed for storing products that do not require deep freezing, but need constant cooling. For models Atlant with a system No Frost or drip defrosting, the target value is the range from +3 to +5 degrees. On the shelves located closer to the back wall, the temperature may be slightly lower than on the door or lower tiers.
If you notice that the lettuce leaves are covered with an ice crust, and the milk freezes at the wall, then the thermostat is set to too low a value. Conversely, if food spoils quickly and dampness is felt inside, it is necessary to reduce the temperature. Electronic control allows you to set the exact value, while mechanical requires experienced adjustment by turning the knob.
- 🥩 Meat products: require stable cold of about +2...+4°C to prevent the development of pathogenic microflora.
- 🥛 Dairy products: optimally stored at +4...+6°C, the temperature on the door can fluctuate more strongly.
- 🥦 Vegetables and fruits: sensitive to hypothermia, +6...+8°C in special freshness zones is comfortable for them.
It is important to consider the location of the products inside the chamber. The top shelf is usually warmest, so it's best to place ready-made meals or drinks there. The bottom shelves and the area above the vegetable drawers are the coldest places, ideal for raw meat and fish. Correct zoning helps maintain temperature balance without overloading the compressor.
Freezing modes in the freezer
The freezer compartment in two-compressor models Atlant is capable of maintaining the temperature to -24 degrees Celsius, but -18°C is considered the storage standard. It is at this value that products can be stored for up to 12 months without loss of taste and structure. Lower temperatures are used for the fast freezing mode, which is not intended for continuous operation.
When the “Super Freeze” function is turned on, the compressor runs continuously, ignoring the thermostat stop signals. This allows a large volume of fresh food to be quickly chilled. However, keeping this mode on for more than 24-48 hours is strictly not recommended, as this leads to increased wear of parts and excessive energy consumption.
| Operating mode | Temperature (°C) | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | -18...-20 | Long-term storage of stocks | Continuous |
| Super freezing | -22...-24 | Quick freezing of fresh food | Up to 48 hours |
| Shutdown | Above 0 | Defrost or long shutdown | As needed |
| Economy | -14...-16 | Short-term storage (week) | Temporary |
If the freezer does not gain the required power, check the tightness of the door seal. Even a (slight) misalignment of the door or ice build-up on the seal can result in a constant flow of warm air. As a result, the compressor will work without interruption, but the required temperature -18°C will not be achieved.
Setting the mechanical and electronic thermostat
The setup process depends on the type of control of your model Atlant. In devices with a mechanical regulator, there is a round knob with divisions from 1 to 7 (or Min/Max) on the front panel or inside the camera. It is important to understand that the numbers do not indicate degrees, but the cooling intensity: the higher the number, the colder.
For electronic models with a display, the procedure is simplified. By pressing the “Temp” or “Mode” button you select the camera, and use the arrows to set a specific numerical value. The system itself controls the operation of the compressor, trying to achieve the specified parameter. This eliminates the human factor and errors when interpreting readings.
☑️ Temperature setting algorithm
When first turning on or after defrosting, it is recommended to set the regulator to the middle position. Let the refrigerator run idle for about 6-8 hours. Only after the processes have stabilized can fine tuning be done. Abrupt switching of the knob from minimum to maximum can lead to false operation of the protection or damage to the thermostat contacts.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcibly turn the knob of a mechanical thermostat if it is jammed. This may cause damage to the shaft or the sensor itself. In such cases, it is better to call a technician to replace the element.
Factors influencing temperature conditions
Even a properly configured refrigerator Atlant may not work correctly under the influence of external factors. One of the main enemies of stable cold is incorrect installation. If the equipment is placed close to a wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation, heat transfer is disrupted. The compressor overheats and cannot effectively cool the chamber to the set values.
The frequency of opening the doors and the number of loaded products also play a role. If you regularly open the door for long periods of time or place hot pots inside, the automatic temperature control system may not be able to keep up. In two-compressor models, this is less critical, but still affects the overall energy consumption and service life of parts.
- 🌡️ Temperature in indoors: operation at temperatures below +10°C or above +32°C is not recommended by manufacturers.
- 🧊 Icing of the evaporator: a thick layer of ice acts as a heat insulator, interfering with cooling.
- 🔌 Main voltage: voltage surges can disrupt the operation of the electronic control module.
It is also worth mentioning the condition of the sealing rubber bands. Over time, they lose elasticity, crack or become dirty. The cold constantly escapes through a loosely fitting door, and moist air enters. This leads to the formation of a “fur coat” on the back wall and malfunctions in the temperature regime.
Diagnostics of malfunctions and deviations from the norm
If you notice that the refrigerator Atlant has stopped holding the temperature, first of all, carry out a visual inspection. Check if the light comes on when the door is opened, and if there is any extraneous noise or knocking when the compressor is running. Often the problem lies not in complex electronics, but in trivial things that can be fixed on your own.
An alarming signal is the continuous operation of the compressor without shutting down. This may indicate a refrigerant leak, a faulty thermostat, or a clogged capillary tube. In such cases, the food in the refrigerator compartment can either freeze or, conversely, spoil, despite the humming of the motor.
⚠️ Attention: If the rear grille of the refrigerator (condenser) remains cold while the compressor is running, this is a sure sign of a freon leak. Operation in this mode is prohibited, since the compressor will burn out without cooling.
Models with electronics are characterized by errors in the form of flashing indicators or letter codes on the display. Deciphering these codes helps to quickly identify the node that requires attention. For example, an error in the evaporator temperature sensor will indicate the need to replace it or check the circuit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why in the two-compressor Atlanta one motor works constantly, and the second one turns off?
This is a normal situation if the load on the chambers is different. The freezer may run longer if you've just loaded a lot of fresh food or if it's hot outside. If the operating mode has changed abruptly for no apparent reason, check the seals and thermostat settings.
Is it possible to set the refrigerator compartment to +1 degree?
Technically this is possible, but it is not recommended for permanent storage of most products. At +1°C, vegetables may freeze and lose their taste, and some types of cheeses and sausages may spoil. The optimal range for the main chamber is +3...+5°C.
What to do if the temperature in the freezer is -12°C instead of -18°C?
First check if the “Vacation” or “Economy” mode is turned on. Make sure the door closes tightly and there is no thick layer of ice on the evaporator. If after defrosting and correct settings the problem persists, the amount of refrigerant has probably decreased or the compressor is faulty.
How often do you need to change the thermostat settings in winter and summer?
In modern models Atlant with two compressors and the No Frost system, seasonal resetting is usually not required. The technology itself adapts to environmental conditions. In old mechanical models, in winter the knob can be set to a lower value, and in summer - to a higher value to compensate for the temperature in the room.