The brand's two-compressor equipment Atlant is deservedly popular due to its reliability and the ability to independently control temperature zones. Owners of such models are often faced with a situation where they need to temporarily or permanently turn off the freezer while leaving the refrigerator compartment running. This may be due to a long vacation, the need for defrosting, or the desire to use the equipment only as a cooling cabinet for drinks.
Unlike single-circuit systems, where turning off one zone is impossible without completely stopping the unit, two-compressor circuit allows you to control the modes autonomously. However, the deactivation process depends on the specific series of the refrigerator and the type of control system installed. In some cases, it is enough to change the settings on the display, in others, physical switching of the thermostats is required.
Incorrect execution of the procedure can lead to incorrect operation of the electronics or damage to products in the main chamber. Therefore, it is important to clearly understand how your device works. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods for turning off the freezer, the nuances of setting thermostats and the features of operating equipment in various modes.
The principle of operation of a two-compressor system
The fundamental difference between equipment with two compressors is the presence of two independent refrigeration circuits. Each circuit serves its own chamber: one is responsible for low-temperature storage in the freezer, the second maintains the climate in the refrigerator compartment. This means that the compressors start and stop independently of each other, depending on the readings of their temperature sensors.
Thanks to this design, stopping one of the units does not in any way affect the operation of the second. If you turn off the freezer, the refrigerator compressor will continue to operate as normal, maintaining the set temperature for food. This ensures high energy efficiency and flexibility in use.
The control system can be implemented in different ways. In budget models, mechanical thermostats with rotary knobs are often found. More modern lines are equipped electronic control unit with a digital display, where all settings are made through the menu. Understanding the type of your system is the first step to proper setup.
Why are two-compressor models quieter?
Two smaller compressors are often quieter than one large one, since each of them turns on less often and for shorter periods of time to maintain the temperature in its zone.
Mechanical control: setting thermostats
In models Atlant with mechanical control, the freezer compartment is turned off directly through the temperature controllers. They are usually located on the top of the refrigerator body or inside the refrigerator compartment. The control panel is divided into two zones, each of which has its own regulator with a division scale.
To turn off the freezer, you need to find the regulator corresponding to this chamber (often it is marked with a snowflake or nadya F). Turning the knob counterclockwise all the way to position 0 or OFF breaks the electrical circuit of the freezer compressor. In this case, the compressor operation indicator (if any) goes out, and the unit stops making operating sounds.
It is important not to confuse the regulators. If you accidentally turn off the refrigerator and leave the freezer on, the food in the main compartment may spoil. Always check which compressor has stopped by listening to the operation of the equipment or checking the cooling after 30-40 minutes.
Some users wonder whether it is safe to keep one compressor turned off for months. Mechanical thermostats not afraid long stay in the "off" position. The contacts open and no voltage is supplied to the unit, which is completely safe for the electronics and motor windings.
Electronic control: setting via display
In refrigerators Atlant with system No Frost i With electronic control, the process looks different. There are no physical knobs, and all commands are transmitted through a button panel and an LED or LCD display. To enter the setup mode, a long press of a button or key combination is often required.
To turn off the freezer, you need to find the function responsible for its operation. In the menu this may be indicated as "Freezer Mode", "Freezer" or a snowflake symbol. Pressing the temperature adjustment button for this zone to the value -- or OFF signals the controller to stop the freezer circuit compressor.
⚠️ Attention: In some models with electronics, complete software shutdown of the freezer compressor may be blocked by the manufacturer. If, when you try to set the minimum temperature or the “rest” mode, the freezer does not turn off, check the instructions for the specific model, since the firmware algorithms may differ.
After completing the settings, an alarm indicator or a sound signal may light up on the display, warning of a change in temperature. This is a normal reaction of the system, which “informs” the owner that in one of the zones the temperature will begin to rise. The signal can usually be turned off with the "Alarm" or "Sound" button.
Vacation mode and its features
Many modern models Atlant are equipped with a special function known as “Vacation Mode” or “Eco”. This mode is designed specifically for situations when the owners leave for a long time and do not need the refrigerator compartment. Activating this mode automatically turns off the compressor of the refrigerator compartment, putting it in standby mode.
However, here lies an important nuance: the standard "Vacation" mode most often turns it off refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer working to store frozen foods. If your goal is to turn off the freezer and leave the refrigerator on, then the Vacation mode will not suit you, unless there is a separate zone inversion option in the menu.
However, checking the presence of this function is required. In rare advanced models, the menu allows you to flexibly configure which camera goes into sleep mode. To activate, you usually use a separate button on the control panel or long-press the temperature setting key.
| Parameter | Normal mode | Vacation mode (Standard) | Manual shutdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator compartment | Working (+3..+5°C) | Disabled (+10..+15°C) | Working |
| Freezer compartment | Works (-18..-24°C) | Works (-18..-24°C) | Disabled |
| Energy consumption | Standard | Reduced (~50%) | Reduced (~50%) |
| Ventilation | Active | Limited | Depends on models |
Consequences of turning off the freezer
After you turn off the freezer, the temperature inside it will begin to rise. If food is left in the compartment, it will begin to defrost. The resulting water will flow into the drainage system or to the bottom of the chamber, if the model does not provide for the removal of melt water when turned off. This may lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor or mold.
Full defrosting requires mandatory cleaning. After the camera has warmed up to room temperature, it must be thoroughly washed and, most importantly, wiped dry. Leaving moisture in a closed space is an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.
Another important aspect is the condition of the sealing rubber. If the chamber is idle for a long time without operation (especially if the door is closed), high humidity from residual ice may remain inside. It is recommended to leave the freezer door ajar a couple of centimeters to ensure air circulation.
☑️ Preparing for long periods of inactivity of the freezer
If you plan to use the freezer as additional storage space for cereals or equipment, make sure that the inside is dry and clean. Otherwise, the next time you turn it on, odors may be absorbed into the plastic parts of the interior.
Frequent errors when switching modes
One of the common mistakes is an attempt to turn off the freezer by unplugging the cord from the outlet and then turning on only one compressor. This is technically impossible to do without interfering with the electrical circuit, since the power cord is shared. Such experiments can lead to short circuit or damage to the control board.
Another mistake is ignoring sound signals. After one of the zones is turned off, the refrigerator may “think” that an accident has occurred (for example, the door is not tightly closed) and continue to beep. Users often get scared and turn everything back on, although it is enough to simply confirm the change in settings.
Also, you should not often switch the operating modes of compressors back and forth unnecessarily. Although the equipment has a long service life, frequent starting and stopping cycles under load (if the temperature in the chamber has not yet stabilized) can shorten the life of the start relay.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to turn off the compressor by cutting wires or disconnecting terminals inside the housing unless you are a qualified electrician. This violates the warranty and creates a risk of electric shock.
Return to normal operation
When the need for the disconnected freezer is no longer necessary, you will need to return the equipment to its original state. If you used a mechanical regulator, simply turn the knob to the previously memorized position. Do not immediately set the maximum freezing (maximum value), let the system enter the mode smoothly.
For electronic models, you need to set the target temperature again, for example, -18°C. After this, the compressor will start.
In the first hours of operation, the equipment may operate more noisily or may not turn off longer - this is normal, the system compensates for the loss of cold. Do not load the freezer with warm food immediately after turning it on, wait until it gets cold.
How long should you wait before loading?
Complete cooling of an empty freezer to -18°C takes an average of 6-8 hours. It is better to load products in small portions so as not to disturb the temperature balance.
Check the operation of the system after a day. Make sure that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment did not exceed the permissible standards while the freezer was operating. In two-compressor systems, these processes are isolated, but overall heat transfer through the walls of the housing still exists.
Is it possible to turn off the freezer if there is still food in it?
Technically, you can turn it off, but the food will begin to defrost. If you plan to turn off the camera for more than 4-6 hours, you must either eat the food, transfer it to another freezer, or use refrigerants (cold accumulators) to extend the shelf life.
Does the refrigerator consume electricity if the freezer is turned off?
Yes, it does, but much less. With dual-compressor models, you save approximately 50% on energy because one of the two motors is not running. However, the lighting bulb and electronics continue to consume current, albeit in minimal amounts.
Is it harmful for the compressor not to turn on for a long time?
Long downtime (months) is not harmful for the compressor itself, if it is in good condition. The oil does not lose its properties in a closed circuit. However, before the first start after a long period of inactivity, it is recommended to let the equipment stand unplugged for 2-3 hours so that the oil can drain into the crankcase if the refrigerator is moved.
What to do if, after turning on, the freezer does not freeze?
If, after returning the settings to their original position, the freezer does not cool within 12-24 hours, a failure may have occurred in electronics or freon leak. Check if the door is tightly closed. If the problem persists, diagnostics by a specialist will be required.