The correct temperature in the freezer is the key to the safety of food and the long service life of your refrigerator’s compressor. For brand equipment Atlant, which is widespread in our latitudes, there are clearly defined operating standards, violation of which leads to rapid deterioration of supplies or excessive consumption of electricity. Many users mistakenly believe that the colder it is inside, the better, but this is not always the case.
In this article we will analyze what are the reference values for various models of the Belarusian manufacturer, how to set them correctly and what to do if the actual indicators differ from the desired ones. Understanding the physical processes occurring inside the chamber will help you avoid common mistakes during operation.
It is worth noting that modern models and older units may have different control systems, but the basic principles of thermodynamics are the same for them. Let's take a closer look at how to achieve the ideal climate for your products.
Standard temperature conditions according to GOST
According to state standards and technical regulations, the temperature in the freezer should be maintained no higher than -18 degrees Celsius. It is this threshold that is considered critical for stopping the proliferation of bacteria and preserving the structure of products for a long time. In refrigerators Atlant this mode is ensured by the operation of the compressor and the circulation of the refrigerant.
However, the range of operating temperatures may vary depending on the selected freezing mode. If you plan to store meat or fish for several months, you need to ensure stable -24°C. For short-term storage of semi-finished products or vegetables, an increase to -14°Cis permissible, but this will shorten their shelf life.
⚠️ Attention: A short-term increase in temperature to -12°C is allowed only in the "Super Freeze" mode when loading a large volume of warm products, but constant operation in this mode is unacceptable.
It is important to understand the difference between the air temperature inside the chamber and the temperature of the product itself. After fresh fruit or meat is placed in the chamber, it takes time for it to cool down to the specified temperature. At this moment, the load on compressor increases significantly.
Setting the thermostat in different models
Temperature control in refrigerators Atlant depends on the type of control system installed. On mechanical models, you will see a rotary knob with numbers from 1 to 7 (or Min to Max). It is important to remember here: the higher the number, the lower temperature there is inside the chamber. Setting the knob to “7” means maximum cooling.
In models with electronic control, such as series XM-6025 or XM-4625, the setting is made through the digital display on the front panel. Here you set the exact value in degrees. Electronics allows you to control the mode with an accuracy of one degree, which is an advantage over mechanics.
During initial setup or after defrosting, it is recommended to set the average value. For mechanics, this is usually the division "3" or "4". If you notice that the food in the depths of the chamber is freezing too much (becoming dry or cracking), the regulator should be turned towards decreasing the power.
Do not turn the thermostat knob often. The compressor needs time (from 6 to 12 hours) to stabilize the new temperature regime. Sharp changes in settings can lead to incorrect operation of the thermostat.
Super Freeze mode and its effect
The Super Freeze function (often indicated by a snowflake or button Super Freeze) is designed to quickly lower the temperature to extreme values, usually around -24°C or lower. This mode is necessary when you load a large amount of fresh, unfrozen food into the chamber.
If you place warm food in the normal mode, the surrounding stock may partially thaw and then refreeze, forming large ice crystals that destroy the structure of the food. The intensive freezing mode prevents this process by creating an “ice cushion” around the new load.
- ❄️ Activate the mode 4-6 hours before loading the products so that the chamber has time to cool down.
- ⏱️ Do not keep the function turned on for more than 24-48 hours so as not to overload the engine.
- 🔌 In some models, the mode turns off automatically, in others, manual shutdown is required.
Using this function significantly increases energy consumption. Therefore, after the food has completely frozen (usually within a day), it is necessary to return the refrigerator to normal operation. Long-term operation at the limit of capabilities reduces the life of refrigerant and seals.
What happens if you forget to turn off Super Freeze?
If you leave the intensive cooling mode for weeks, the temperature in the chamber may drop below -30°C. This will lead to excessive freezing of the evaporator, difficulty opening the drawers due to ice and increased wear on the compressor, which will work without interruption.
Factors affecting the stability of the cold
Even with a correctly set thermostat, the temperature inside the chamber may fluctuate. One of the main factors is loading density. A full freezer keeps the cold better than an empty one, since frozen foods themselves are cold accumulators. However, you cannot fill the chamber “to capacity” - the air must circulate.
The frequency of opening the door also plays a critical role. Every time you open the chamber, warm, humid air from the kitchen enters. It takes time and energy for the refrigerator to cool this volume again. If the room is hot (for example, in the kitchen +28°C in summer), the load on the system doubles.
⚠️ Attention: Check the integrity of the rubber seal on the door. If the magnetic circuit is weakened or dirty, the cold will disappear constantly, and the compressor will not have time to reach the desired temperature.
The location of the refrigerator also matters. If Atlant stands close to the wall or next to the battery, heat transfer is disrupted. The condenser (black grille on the back or sides) should freely release heat into the room. Ventilation holes clogged with dust are a common cause of ineffective operation.
Chart of shelf life at different temperatures
Understanding the dependence of shelf life on temperature will help you rationally use freezer space. Below are indicative data for various types of products depending on the set mode.
| Product type | At -18°C | At -24°C | At -12°C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef, pork | 10-12 months | 12-18 months | 3-4 months |
| Poultry (whole) | 12 months | 12-15 months | 3 months |
| Faty fish | 2-3 months | 4-6 months | 1 month |
| Vegetables and fruits | 8-12 months | 12 months | 2-3 months |
| Dumplings, dumplings | 3-4 months | 6 months | 2 weeks |
As can be seen from the table, a difference of 6 degrees (-18°C versus -24°C) can increase the shelf life of meat by almost one and a half times. However, for domestic use, the standard mode is most often sufficient if you do not make strategic reserves for the year ahead.
Re-freezing thawed meat or fish is strictly not recommended, as it leads to loss of taste and proliferation of pathogenic microflora.
☑️ Checking storage conditions
Diagnostics of temperature problems
If you notice that the products in the freezer Atlant began to deteriorate faster than usual or, conversely, became covered with a thick crust of ice, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics. The first step should be to check the actual temperature using an external thermometer placed between the bags.
A frequent problem is the formation of a “coat” - a thick layer of ice on the walls or evaporator. This indicates a leak or system malfunction No Frost (if provided by the model). Ice acts as a heat insulator, preventing the cold from spreading evenly.
- 🧊 A thick layer of ice on food indicates temperature fluctuations and partial thawing.
- 💧 The presence of puddles under the refrigerator may indicate a clogged drainage hole.
- 🔊 The hum of the compressor without interruption, signals that the system is trying to compensate for the loss of cold.
In some cases, it is necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator within 10-12 hours with the doors open. This will remove ice blockages in the air circulation channels. If the problem does not disappear after defrosting, there may be a freon leak or a thermostat malfunction.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the temperature in the Atlant freezer -10 degrees instead of -18?
There may be several reasons: the door is not closed tightly, the ventilation holes are clogged ice, the thermostat is faulty or there is a refrigerant leak. Also check that the regulator is not set to the minimum value.
Can food be stored at -6 degrees?
Temperature -6°C is only suitable for very short-term storage (a few days) or for food that is planned to be cooked in the near future. This mode is not suitable for long-term freezing, since the bacteria are not killed completely.
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant freezer?
Models with manual defrosting require clearing of ice when its layer reaches 5-10 mm (usually 1-2 times a year). The systems No Frost do not need defrosting, but it is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning once a year.
Does the amount of food in the chamber affect energy consumption?
A full freezer is more economical than an empty one. Loaded products stabilize the temperature and the compressor turns on less often. The empty chamber has to be cooled constantly, since there is only air there, which quickly heats up when the door is opened.