Two-compressor models Atlant are deservedly considered one of the most reliable and economical in the household appliances market. The presence of two separate cooling circuits allows you to independently control the climate in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, which significantly expands the possibilities of storing food. However, it is this independence that often confuses users when setting up for the first time, since each zone has its own regulator.
Correct calibration of thermostats is not just a matter of comfort, but also a guarantee of the safety of your supplies. Incorrect settings can lead to excessive energy consumption, the formation of excess ice, or, conversely, food spoilage due to insufficient cold. Unlike models with one motor, here you are dealing with two autonomous systems, each of which requires an individual approach.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of such devices, learn how to read indicator readings and accurately set the necessary parameters for various storage modes. You will understand how compressors and thermostats interact so that your refrigerator operates in optimal mode.
The principle of operation of a dual-circuit cooling system
The fundamental difference between equipment Atlant with two motors is complete isolation refrigeration and freezer compartments. While in single-circuit models the cold is distributed across all chambers from one point, here one is responsible for low temperatures in the freezer, and the second is responsible for cooling the upper compartment. This allows you to freeze large volumes of products without affecting the temperature regime of the main chamber. unit, and for cooling the upper compartment - the second. This allows you to freeze large volumes of food without affecting the temperature of the main chamber.
Each circuit is equipped with its own thermostat, which responds to changes in temperature within its zone. When the sensor readings are outside the set limits, the corresponding compressor starts. This scheme minimizes pressure drops and reduces the load on the electrical network, since the motors rarely operate simultaneously at full power.
Why are two compressors quieter than one?
Many people mistakenly believe that two motors create more noise. In fact, each of them has less power and operates in a more gentle mode, which in total gives less acoustic discomfort than one powerful unit that operates jerkily.
It is important to understand that thermostats do not display the exact temperature in degrees Celsius. They represent a scale from minimum to maximum, where the position of the knob determines the response threshold thermostat. The higher the number, the colder it will be in the chamber, but also the longer the motor will work.
Location and interpretation of temperature controllers
In most models Atlant, such as series 40, 42, 45 and 60, controls located inside the refrigerator compartment. They are usually located on the right wall or ceiling of the compartment. Dual-compressor modifications are characterized by the presence of two separate knobs or electronic panels, often marked with the words “Refrigerator” and “Freezer.”
Mechanical regulators are rotary dials with a digital designation from 0 to 7 (or from Min to Max). A simple rule applies here: the number “1” corresponds to the minimum cooling, and “7” to the maximum. Position “0” completely turns off the cold supply to a specific chamber, leaving the second compressor to operate normally.
⚠️ Attention: Never set the regulator immediately to the maximum value (7 or Max) after defrosting or first installation. A sudden start at full power can lead to freezing of the evaporator and make it difficult to start the compressor.
In more modern models with electronic control, the setting is made through a panel on the door or inside the chamber. Here you see specific numbers in degrees, which simplifies the task. However, even in this case, the system may have inertia, and changes in parameters will affect the actual temperature only after a few hours.
Optimal settings for different seasons and products
There is no universal “for life” setting. The temperature in the room, the frequency of door openings and the volume of loaded products dictate their conditions. In the summer, when the kitchen is hot, the refrigerator needs to work harder to maintain the set mode. In winter, on the contrary, the load on the system is reduced.
For everyday storage of ready-made meals, dairy products and vegetables in the refrigerator, the range from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius is considered the most suitable. On a mechanical regulator, this usually corresponds to positions 2 or 3. If you have loaded the chamber with a large amount of warm products, you can temporarily increase the mode, but then be sure to return the settings back.
In the freezer for long-term storage of meat, fish and semi-finished products, a temperature of no higher than -18 degrees is required. On the mechanical dial, this usually corresponds to a position between 3 and 4. Lower temperatures (Super Freeze mode or position 6-7) are intended only for quick freezing of fresh food and should be used for a short time.
Below is a table of recommended settings depending on the type of load:
| Load type | Mode refrigerator compartment | Freezer mode | Mode duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (daily) | 2-3 (Mechanical) / +4°C (Electrical) | 3 (Mechanical) / -18°C (Electrical) | Continuous |
| Loading warm products | 4-5 (Mechanical) / +2°C (Electrical) | 4-5 (Mechanical) / -20°C (Electrical) | Up to 6-8 hours |
| Fresh food freezing | No changes | 6-7 (Mechanical) / -24°C (Electrical) | Up to 24 hours |
| Holiday / Minimum load | 1-2 (Mechanical) / +6°C (Electrical) | 2-3 (Mechanical) / -16°C (Electrical) | Long |
Instructions for step-by-step adjustment of mechanical thermostats
The process of setting the temperature in models with mechanical control requires consistency and patience. Since the system is inertial, the result of your actions will not be noticeable immediately. Before you start adjusting, make sure that the refrigerator has been operating in the current mode for at least several hours.
To begin, open the door of the refrigerator compartment and find the thermostat. If there are two of them, they may be located nearby or located in different corners of the upper part of the chamber. one notch in the direction of increasing cold (clockwise) if the food is not cooled enough.
After changing the position of the regulator, close the door tightly. Do not open the refrigerator for 2-3 hours so that the system stabilizes. Only after this time can you evaluate the effectiveness of the changes made. If the temperature is still not satisfactory, repeat the procedure by moving the knob another notch.
☑️ Algorithm for setting the temperature
Similar actions are carried out for freezer, if it has a separate mechanical regulator (often it is located on the front panel or inside the freezer). Remember that to freeze a large volume of fresh food, it is better to turn on the super-freezing mode in advance, if it is provided for in the design, or temporarily set the maximum value.
Electronic control and interpretation of indicators
In models Atlant with the No Frost system and an electronic control unit, the setting is carried out through the display panel located on the outside of the door or inside the chamber. Here you operate with specific numbers. Pressing the chamber selection button switches the display between the refrigerator and freezer compartment.
To change the value, you must hold the adjustment button (often indicated by arrows or a “+/-” symbol) for several seconds until the numbers begin to flash. After this, short presses set the required temperature. Confirmation of the selection usually occurs automatically a few seconds after the last press.
⚠️ Attention: If a flashing alarm indicator (often a red triangle or exclamation mark) lights up on the display, this indicates that the temperature in the chamber has risen above the permissible level. Check whether the doors are tightly closed and whether you have recently loaded a large amount of warm food.
Some models are equipped with a “Vacation” function, which puts the refrigerator compartment into an economy mode (about +15°C), preventing the formation of mold and odors, while the freezer continues to operate normally. This function is activated by long pressing the corresponding button.
Diagnostics of problems and typical configuration errors
Incorrect operation of the refrigerator is often associated not with a breakdown, but with improper operation. If you set the temperature to maximum cold, but the food in the refrigerator compartment still spoils, the air circulation may be impaired. This happens when food is tightly packed and blocks the cold air supply channels.
Another common mistake is installing the refrigerator close to a wall or furniture. Dual compressor models require good condenser ventilation. If heat is not removed, operating efficiency decreases and compressors are forced to work almost non-stop, which leads to overheating and increased energy consumption.
It is also worth considering the influence of the environment. If the refrigerator is placed in the kitchen next to the stove or in direct sunlight, the thermostat will “think” that it is warmer inside than it actually is and increase its operation. In such cases, even the maximum settings may not give the desired result without changing the placement conditions.
If, after checking all the settings and operating conditions, the refrigerator continues to operate incorrectly (for example, the “fur coat” freezes in the refrigerator compartment at minimum settings), this may indicate a refrigerant leak or a thermostat malfunction. In such cases, specialist intervention is required.
The myth about lubrication of the thermostat
There is an opinion that if the thermostat knob turns tightly, it needs to be lubricated with oil. This is absolutely not allowed! Oil destroys plastic and can get inside the electrical part, causing a short circuit.
Why is it too cold in the refrigerator compartment, although the regulator is at a minimum?
This can happen for several reasons: the thermostat itself is faulty (it is “stuck” in the closed contact position), or moisture has entered the system, which has frozen in the capillary tube. It is also possible that the tightness of the door seal is broken, and the compressor works without interruption, trying to compensate for the heat flow, which is why all the products freeze.
Is it possible to turn off one of the compressors?
Yes, in two-compressor models Atlant this is possible. To turn off the refrigerator compartment, the thermostat knob must be turned to position “0”. The freezer will continue to operate. However, it is impossible to completely de-energize one motor through an external outlet - they are powered from a common network, and disconnecting the cord will stop the entire refrigerator.
How often do you need to defrost a two-compressor refrigerator?
The frequency of defrosting depends on the type of system. If you have a model with manual defrosting (crying evaporator), the refrigerator compartment must be defrosted as ice forms (usually 1-2 times a year). Manually controlled freezer - when the ice layer reaches 5-7 mm. Models with the No Frost system do not need to be defrosted; it is enough to wash them for hygienic reasons.
What should you do if, after setting the temperature, the refrigerator hums loudly?
The hum can be caused by vibration of the case against furniture or the floor. Check if the refrigerator is stable and adjust the front legs. If the humming noise is coming from the motor, you may have set the temperature too low and the compressor is running at maximum load. Try lowering the setting by 1 notch.