When choosing household appliances or planning the electrical network in a new building, the question often arises: how much electricity does a particular device consume? In the case of the Belarusian brand Atlant, which occupies a significant share of the CIS market, this parameter directly affects the final utility bill and wiring requirements.
Many users confuse the concepts of power consumption, refrigerant capacity and starting current, which leads to errors in calculations. For example, knowing what is the power of Atlant refrigerators in operating mode will not help you select a stabilizer if you do not take into account peak values when starting the compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical characteristics of compressors, the dependence of energy consumption on chamber volume and energy efficiency class, and also consider real indicators for various series equipment.
Power consumption in operating mode
Standard power consumption of household refrigerators Atlant in compressor operating mode usually varies in the range from 100 to 200 Watts. This value is relevant for most medium-sized single-compressor models. Larger two-chamber units can reach 250-300 W, but they do not work all the time.
It is important to understand that the figure indicated in the technical data sheet (for example, 120 W) is the power compressor at the time of active operation. The refrigerator does not hum around the clock; it turns on and off to maintain the set temperature. Therefore, the real average consumption per day is significantly lower than if it worked without interruptions.
Energy consumption is directly affected by the serviceability of the seals and the frequency of door opening. If the rubber profile is worn out, the compressor will turn on more often, consuming more kilowatt-hours, even if its rated power remains normal.
⚠️ Attention: The power indicated on the nameplate is the maximum value when the engine is running. Actual consumption per hour will always be less due to the cyclical operation of the thermostat.
Modern inverter models Atlant (although their share in the model range is still smaller than classic ones) can change power depending on the load, operating more smoothly and quietly, without sudden jumps in energy consumption.
Starting current and network load
When connecting, special attention should be paid to the starting current. At the moment the compressor electric motor starts, consumption briefly increases by 3-5 times compared to the operating mode. For a standard 150 W refrigerator, the starting current can be up to 1 Ampere or more, which creates a short-term load on the network.
If you plan to use a voltage stabilizer or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), you need to choose them taking into account the starting characteristics. A conventional UPS for a computer may not cope with the inductive load of the compressor Atlant and go into protection or burn out.
- 💡 Classic compressors require a stabilizer power reserve of at least 30-50%.
- 💡 When used extensions, their wire cross-section must correspond to the total power of all switched on devices.
- 💡 The socket must be designed for a current of at least 10-16 Amps, even if the refrigerator consumes less.
Frequent power surges in the network can lead to overheating of the motor windings at the time of start-up. That is why in older models Atlant additional starting relays were often installed, which took on part of the load.
Influence of class energy efficiency
Since the 2010s, all refrigerators Atlant have been labeled with energy efficiency classes from A to G (according to the new EU scale) or from A+ to A+++ (according to the old scale, which is still found). This parameter shows how efficiently the device consumes electricity to produce cold.
Models of class A+ and higher consume 20-30% less energy than their class B or C counterparts, with the same volume of chambers. The difference in power consumption may not be obvious at the moment, but over a year of operation it results in hundreds of rubles in savings.
| Class | Consumption (kW/year) | Efficiency index | Approximate model |
|---|---|---|---|
| A++ | 220 - 260 | < 55% | Atlant XM-4425 |
| A+ | 260 - 300 | 55-75% | Atlant XM-4008 |
| B | 350 - 400 | 90-100% | Atlant MHM-1700 |
| C | 400 - 450 | > 100% | Old series |
When purchasing used or remnants of previous years, pay attention to the class sticker. A refrigerator Atlant 10 years ago class C will “eat” almost twice as much electricity as a modern analogue.
Calculation of energy consumption for a month and a year
To understand how much money your refrigerator “eats”, you need to look at the parameter in the instructions "electricity consumption for 365 days." Typically for a two-chamber Atlanta this value is about 300-400 kWh per year.
By dividing the annual value by 12, we get approximate monthly consumption. However, in winter, when the room temperature is lower, the refrigerator runs less often and consumption may decrease. In summer, on the contrary, the load on the cooling system increases.
To accurately calculate the cost of ownership, multiply the annual consumption by the tariff of your region. For example, with a tariff of 5 rubles per kWh and a consumption of 350 kWh/year, maintaining a refrigerator will cost 1,750 rubles per year.
⚠️ Attention: Actual consumption may differ from the rated consumption by ±15% depending on the temperature in the room, the filling of the chambers with food and the tightness of the doors.
If you notice that your electricity bills have risen sharply without changing your tariffs, check whether the evaporator is freezing and whether the door is tight. These factors force the compressor to wear out.
Comparison of single-compressor and two-compressor systems
In the line Atlant there are models with one and two compressors. Two-compressor systems (a separate motor for the refrigerator and freezer compartments) formally have a greater total power, since there are two engines.
However, the paradox is that two-compressor models are often more economical. Why? Because each motor turns on only when you need to raise the cold in its chamber. In single-compressor models, one powerful unit drives the refrigerant through both circuits, working longer and with longer breaks for defrosting.
- 🔌 One compressor: simpler design, cheaper repairs, but higher load at start.
- 🔌 Two compressors: independent temperature control, quieter operation, possibility turn off one chamber.
- 🔌 No Frost: systems without frost consume more due to the operation of fans and defrosting heating elements.
If you are choosing between models solely for the sake of saving electricity, a two-compressor Atlant may turn out to be more profitable in the long term, despite the higher initial price.
Factors that increase consumption power
There are a number of external and internal factors that force the refrigerator Atlant to consume more than stated. The first and most important enemy of saving is the location of the device. Installation next to a radiator, stove or in direct sunlight causes the compressor to work almost non-stop.
The second factor is hot products. If you put a pot of freshly cooked soup in the chamber, the refrigerator will devote all its energy to cooling it, which will lead to a sharp jump in energy consumption. Products must cool to room temperature before being sent to the shelf.
The secret of quick defrosting
Do not try to break off the ice with a knife! This damages the evaporator, after which the freon evaporates and the refrigerator stops freezing, working in vain.
It is also worth mentioning the “Super Freeze” mode. When activated, the compressor runs continuously, ignoring the thermostat readings. It is not recommended to keep this function turned on for more than 24 hours - this is a direct path to overuse and breakdown.
☑️ Checking energy saving
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How much amperes consumed by the Atlant refrigerator when starting?
The starting current can reach 1.5–2.5 Amps depending on the compressor model. In normal operation, the current is about 0.5–0.8 Ampere.
Why does the new Atlant refrigerator consume more than the old one?
Most likely, the old refrigerator has lost efficiency due to wear and tear, but you don’t notice this on your bills if you haven’t taken measurements. The new device works clearly in cycles. If the consumption is really higher than normal, check whether the shipping bolts have been removed and whether the level is set correctly.
Is it possible to connect the Atlant refrigerator via an extension cord?
It is possible, but only if the cross-section of the extension cord wire is at least 1.5 mm² and the length does not exceed 5 meters. The use of thin household extension cords ("pilots") is dangerous due to overheating of the contacts.
Does the volume of the freezer affect the overall capacity?
Yes, a larger volume requires a more powerful compressor or longer operation of the standard motor to freeze the same amount of food.