Correctly setting the temperature is not just a matter of comfort, but a critical factor for the safety of products and the durability of the unit itself. Many owners of household appliances are faced with a dilemma: exactly what number to set on the regulator so that the chamber is cold enough, but the food does not freeze. In brand models Atlant this parameter is regulated by a thermostat operating on the feedback principle.
There is a common misconception that the higher the number, the “warmer” it is in the refrigerator. In fact, the logic of operation of mechanical regulators Atlant is exactly the opposite: number 1 means minimum cooling, and 7 means maximum. Incorrect installation of the thermostat knob can lead to excessive consumption of electricity, rapid spoilage of food, or even breakdown of the compressor due to non-stop operation.
In this article we will analyze in detail what value is optimal for various operating conditions, how seasonality affects the settings and what to do if the equipment does not work correctly even with the correct settings. Understanding the principles of operation of your refrigerator will allow you to avoid many common mistakes.
The principle of operation of the thermostat in Atlant refrigerators
The mechanical thermostat installed in most models Atlantis a device that responds to changes in temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. When the temperature rises above a preset threshold, the contacts close and the compressor starts. When the lower limit is reached, the cycle is interrupted. The numbers on the scale are symbols of the degree of cooling, not degrees Celsius.
The value numbers on the regulator determines the compressor shutdown threshold. If you set "3", the compressor will work until the sensor records the temperature corresponding to this position. When setting "7", the unit will freeze to very low values, often below zero, which is a critical mode for the refrigeration chamber.
It is important to understand that the scale is nonlinear. The difference between positions 1 and 2 may be less noticeable than between 5 and 6. Manufacturers recommend not keeping the regulator at extreme values unless absolutely necessary, as this creates excess load on the motor-compressor.
How does a thermostat capillary tube work?
Inside the thermostat there is a sensitive element - a capillary tube filled gas or liquid. It is attached to the evaporator or inserted into the chamber. When the temperature changes, the substance inside the tube expands or contracts, changing the pressure, which mechanically opens or closes the electrical contacts that control the compressor.
Optimal values for single-compressor models
Single-compressor models Atlant is a classic, where one motor cools and refrigeration and freezer compartments. Here the temperature balance is especially important, since there is usually only one regulator. The golden mean for such units under normal conditions is considered to be the position between 3 and 4.
When the knob is set to 3 or 4, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is maintained at about +4...+5°C, which is ideal for storing dairy products, meat and ready-made dishes. The freezer is capable of freezing food down to -18...-20°C. This is the most energy-efficient operating mode.
If you notice that the food in the refrigerator compartment begins to freeze at the back wall, you should reduce the value to 2 or 2.5. Conversely, if the milk quickly sours and the chamber is warm, you can carefully increase the value to 4.5 or 5, but this should be done with caution.
Settings for two-compressor systems
In two-compressor refrigerators Atlant each chamber has its own cooling circuit and its own thermostat. This gives more freedom in settings, but requires understanding the specifics of each compartment. There is no longer the dependence “if the freezer is frozen, the refrigeration room is supercooled.”
For the refrigeration chamber in such models, the rule of the “golden mean” is also relevant. The optimal value is 3 or 4. However, thanks to the independence of the circuits, you can set the “Super Freeze” mode in the freezer (usually indicated by a snowflake or a separate button), without fear that the vegetables in the bottom drawer will turn into ice.
If your model uses a system No Frost (although in Atlanta it is more often a drip system or combined), the thermostat setting may be less sensitive, since the fan is responsible for distributing the cold. However, the basic recommendations for numbers 3-4 remain in force to save equipment life.
⚠️ Attention: In some new models Atlant with electronic control, the mechanical handle is replaced by a display. In this case, you do not set conventional numbers, but specific degrees Celsius. Recommended setting: +3°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer.
Seasonal adjustment of the temperature regime
External ambient temperature directly affects the operation of the refrigerator. In summer, when the apartment is hot, heat inflows increase and the compressor has to work harder. In winter the situation changes. This requires seasonal adjustment of the thermostat settings.
In the summer, especially if the room temperature exceeds +25°C, it is recommended to shift the regulator towards higher values - by 4 or 4.5. This compensates for the active heating of the chamber walls and will allow you to maintain a stable microclimate inside. However, make sure that the compressor has time to turn off.
In winter, when the room is cool (but not below +10°C, otherwise the refrigerator may stop turning on), the load can be reduced. Switching to numbers 2 or 2.5 will help save energy, as the natural cold outside helps maintain the temperature. If you have a very cold kitchen, you may need to switch the refrigerator to the “Winter” mode (if such a function is provided by the design).
Table of temperature conditions and corresponding numbers
For ease of setup, we will provide a summary table that will help you figure out which number to choose depending on your needs and conditions. Remember that these values are averaged for mechanical thermostats Atlant.
| Number on the regulator | Operating mode | Temperature in the chamber (approximately) | Recommendation for use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | Minimum cooling | +8...+10°C | Short-term storage, defrosting, very hot summers (with caution) |
| 2-3 | Economy / Standard | +5...+7°C | Winter period, small load of products, energy saving |
| 4 (Average) | Optimal | +3...+5°C | Normal conditions, standard load, storage of meat and dairy products |
| 5-6 | Intensive | +1...+3°C | Summer heat, full load of products, storage of perishables food |
| 7 (Max) | Freezing / Turbo | 0°C and below | Only for quick freezing of fresh foods (no more than 24 hours) |
Using the mode 7 (Max) in constant mode is strictly not recommended. This leads to freezing of the evaporator, the formation of a “fur coat” on the back wall and the compressor operating without stopping, which significantly reduces its service life.
Common errors and problems during setup
One of the most common mistakes is setting the maximum value immediately after turning on or defrosting. Users think that this will cool the camera faster, but this only creates a peak load at the start. The refrigerator Atlant will gain temperature at three, just a little slower, but safer for the motor.
Another problem is ignoring the loading density. An empty refrigerator and a completely stocked refrigerator require different settings. In a crowded refrigerator, air circulation is difficult, and the thermostat may “think” that there is enough cold while the temperature at the wall where it is mounted has already risen. In such cases, increase the number by half a division.
⚠️ Attention: If, when the regulator is set to 3-4, the compressor runs continuously for more than 30-40 minutes and does not turn off, and the temperature in the chamber does not drop, the thermostat itself may be faulty or a freon leak has occurred. In this case, turning the knob further by 6 or 7 is pointless and dangerous - you need to call a specialist.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of the “crying” evaporator. If a thick layer of ice forms on the back wall, and the chamber is warm, perhaps the regulator is set too low (1-2), and the compressor simply does not have time to produce cold, working in short cycles. Or, conversely, if the setting is too high (6-7), the moisture does not have time to evaporate and freezes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator not turn off even at number 1?
If the unit works non-stop even at the minimum value, this indicates a technical problem malfunctions. Possible reasons: refrigerant leak (freon), loose door seal, failure of the thermostat or start relay. Also check if the refrigerator is not too close to the wall or radiator.
Is it possible to use the "Super Freeze" mode all the time?
No, this is absolutely not allowed. The maximum freezing mode (usually corresponds to the number 7 or a separate button) is designed for quick freezing of fresh food. Its continuous operation for more than 24 hours will lead to freezing of the air exhaust channels, fan failure (if any) and overheating of the compressor.
How to understand that the thermostat is broken?
Signs of a thermostat malfunction: the refrigerator does not turn on at all (no clicks), or it turns on and works without interruption, freezing food to ice. Also, the symptoms may be incorrect readings (for example, on a “three” it freezes like on a “seven”).
Does the number of products affect the number setting?
Yes, it does indirectly. A large number of warm products require a more intensive mode (4-5) for primary cooling. An empty refrigerator reacts faster to changes, but holds the temperature worse when the door is opened. A refrigerator filled with water (especially with bottles of water) operates more stable, but it takes longer to initially gain cold.
What to do if the refrigerator is too cold at one?
If food freezes even at the minimum value (1), it means the thermostat requires adjustment or replacement. Some models have a hidden adjustment screw under the thermostat handle (you need to remove the plastic handle), which can be used to adjust the temperature range, but it is better to entrust this to a specialist.