Users of household appliances often encounter a situation where the standard marking of thermostats seems illogical. Owners of Belarusian refrigerators Atlant are no exception, especially when the numbers from 1 to 7 are printed on the scale of the mechanical regulator, but there is no direct connection to degrees Celsius. Understanding the operating principle of this unit is critical for maintaining food freshness and saving energy.
The basic principle that you need to learn right away: the number on the regulator is not an indicator of temperature, but an index of cooling power. The higher the value you set, the more intense the compressor works and the colder it becomes inside the chambers. An error in setting can lead to either spoilage of products due to insufficient cold, or to excessive consumption of electricity or even freezing of the back wall.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the process, consider the features of various models of thermostats installed at the plant in Minsk, and give clear recommendations for setting the optimal values depending on the time of year and the load of the chambers.
Logic of operation of a mechanical thermostat
The mechanical thermostat installed in most models Atlant (KSh, KX series, two-chamber models) operates on the basis of expansion and contraction of the sensitive element - the bellows. Inside it there is a gas-liquid mixture that reacts to changes in temperature in the evaporator. When you turn the knob, you mechanically change the tension of the spring, setting the contact threshold.
Numbers on the scale indicate the tension step of this spring. One corresponds to the minimum tension at which the compressor turns on rarely and operates for a short time. Seven is the maximum tension, forcing the unit to work almost without interruption, trying to reach extremely low temperatures, which are often excessive in domestic conditions.
It is important to understand that the scale is nonlinear. The difference in temperature between positions “1” and “2” can be 3-4 degrees, while between “6” and “7” it is only 1 degree, but with a colossal load on the engine. That is why manufacturers recommend not to turn the knob unnecessarily.
⚠️ Attention: A sudden change in the position of the regulator (for example, from 1 immediately to 7) creates a peak load on the compressor starting relay. If you need to change the mode, do it smoothly, with an interval of 15-20 minutes between switchings.
Deciphering the scale values from 1 to 7
For correct operation it is necessary clearly understand what temperature regime approximately corresponds to each division. Although the exact values depend on the ambient temperature (temperature in the room) and the number of products, the averaged data will help you get your bearings.
Let's take a closer look at what happens in the chamber at different positions of the thermostat knob:
- 🌡️ Position 1 (Minimum): The temperature in the main chamber is kept at +8...+10°C. The compressor works little, the pauses are long. Suitable for storing drinks or when the refrigerator is almost empty.
- ❄️ Position 3-4 (Normal): Optimal mode for everyday use. The chamber is maintained at +2...+5°C. This is the “golden mean”, ensuring the safety of meat, dairy products and vegetables without the risk of them freezing at the back wall.
- 🧊 Position 5-6 (Intensive): The temperature drops to 0...+2°C. The mode is useful when the chamber is heavily loaded with fresh products that require rapid cooling, or in very hot weather.
- 🚫 Position 7 (Maximum): Forced freezing. The compressor does not turn off. Used only for a short time for quick freezing in the freezer. You cannot hold it constantly - the motor will burn out.
There is also a position 0 or OFF, which is often indicated by a red dot or the word "Off". In this position, the compressor power supply circuit is forcibly open, and no cold is produced, regardless of the temperature inside.
Seasonal adjustment of settings
One of the most common mistakes is setting the regulator to one position all year round. External conditions greatly influence heat transfer. In the summer, when the apartment is +28°C, it is more difficult for the refrigerator to give off heat through the condenser (the grill at the back), so it is forced to work longer.
In winter, the situation is the opposite: if the room is cool (+18...+20°C), then even at medium settings the compressor will rarely turn on. However, if you have a single-compressor refrigerator and you are planning to defrost or are leaving, the settings need to be changed.
It is recommended to adhere to the following seasonal adjustment algorithm:
- ☀️ Summer: At high temperatures in the kitchen, try not to set the regulator higher than 4-5. If set to 7, the compressor may not turn off for hours, trying to compensate for the heat, which will lead to overheating.
- 🍂 Off-season: Standard position 3-4. The system itself balances the work.
- ❄️ Winter: If the room is cold, you can reduce the value to 2-3. This will prevent excessive drying of food and the formation of an ice crust.
It is worth noting that modern models Atlant with the system No Frost are less sensitive to seasonal fluctuations due to precise electronics, but mechanical thermostats require manual intervention owner.
⚠️ Attention: If you live in a region where the winter indoor temperature drops below +16°C, operating a refrigerator with a mechanical thermostat may be difficult. Under such conditions, the freon may not evaporate completely, and the compressor will stop starting.
Setting the freezer compartment
In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant one compressor and one thermostat are often used, which controls the temperature in the main compartment. The freezer operates on the residual principle: as much as the main chamber is frozen, the freezer cools down. However, many models have a separate freezing mode switch.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a “Frozen” button or a separate lever (often indicated by a snowflake or the number 7), its function is to force the compressor to turn on, bypassing the thermostat of the main chamber.
Rules for using the fast mode freezing:
- 🥩 Load products in small portions, distributing them evenly across the freezer shelves.
- ⏱️ Turn on the “Frozen” mode (number 7) 2-3 hours before loading fresh products or immediately after.
- 🔌 Required return the regulator to its original position (3-4) after 12-24 hours. Long-term operation in this mode is guaranteed to damage the equipment.
In models with separate adjustment for the freezer (a rarity for mechanics, more common in electronics), the scale works the same way: the higher the number, the lower the temperature. The normal value for long-term storage is -18°C.
Why can’t you store food at maximum?
Constant operation at maximum power (number 7) leads to the fact that the oil in the compressor does not have time to return to the crankcase, causing oil starvation of the rubbing pairs. This reduces the life of the motor by 3-4 times.
Table of correspondence between modes and temperatures
For ease of perception, we will summarize the data in a single table. Remember that the indicated temperatures are approximate and may vary depending on the condition of the seals and the amount of refrigerant.
| Knob position | Operating mode | Chamber temperature (approx.) | Recommendation use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | Economic | +8...+10°C | Minimum load, storage of drinks |
| 3 (Average) | Standard | +3...+5°C | Daily food storage (meat, milk) |
| 5 (High) | Intensive | 0...+2°C | Large amount of food, hot weather |
| 7 (Max) | Frozen | Lower 0°C | For quick freezing only (no more than 24 hours) |
Using this table, you can quickly diagnose the problem. For example, if on a “troika” milk sours in half a day, and on a “five” it freezes at the wall, the thermostat may need to be replaced or refilled with freon.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Incorrect operation of the temperature controller is the number one reason for calling a repairman. Users often make the mistake of trying to “turn up” the cold if the refrigerator has stopped freezing, not realizing that the problem may be a gas leak or a compressor malfunction.
If you turn the knob to maximum (7) and the compressor either does not turn on or works around the clock without cooling the food to the required temperature, this is a sign of a malfunction. In the first case, the thermostat could burn out, in the second, a refrigerant leak occurred or the compressor itself lost performance.
☑️ Diagnosis of temperature problems
Another mistake is installing the refrigerator close to the wall or furniture. In this case, even a correctly set number on the regulator will not help: the heat has nowhere to go, and the temperature sensor will record falsely high values, forcing the motor to work without rest.
Check the distance to the wall: it should be at least 5-7 cm for free air circulation around the condenser.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting the refrigerator does not reach the temperature for a long time, do not rush to turn it regulator to maximum. Give it 2-3 hours to enter mode at standard settings (3-4). A sudden load jump is harmful to the engine.
The influence of chamber loading on the operation of the thermostat
A full refrigerator holds cold better than an empty one. Foods with high heat capacity (meat, vegetables, bottled water) act as cold accumulators. If you have just purchased a refrigerator or have completely defrosted it, the initial cooling of empty chambers will take longer.
At the time of initial startup after purchase or defrosting, it is possible to briefly set the regulator to position 5 or 6 to speed up the process. However, as soon as the temperature stabilizes, it is necessary to return the knob to the operating range.
An empty refrigerator set to “seven” will quickly cool the air, the sensor will work and the compressor will turn off. But since the heat capacity of the air is negligible, when the door is opened the temperature will jump sharply, and the cycle will repeat. This leads to frequent engine starts, which is more harmful than rare but long operating cycles.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What to do if the regulator knob spins endlessly?
If the regulator scrolls in a circle without clicks or restrictions, this may indicate a breakdown of the internal thermostat mechanism. In some models of old Atlant refrigerators, there was play in the handle, but most often this is a sign that the axis has rotated inside the body. The thermostat needs to be replaced.
Why do food freeze at number 3?
This may indicate two problems: either the thermostat itself is faulty (it “lies” and turns off the compressor too late), or the air circulation inside the chamber is disrupted (the ventilation holes are clogged with food). Also, the reason may be the leakage of warm air through a leaky door seal, which causes the compressor to work longer than normal.
Is it possible to replace a mechanical regulator with an electronic one?
Theoretically it is possible, but this requires serious alteration: installing a new sensor, control unit and changing the electrical circuit. The plant Atlant does not provide for such modernization for older models. It is easier and cheaper to buy a new mechanical thermostat that is suitable in terms of parameters (temperature range and length of the capillary tube).
How to understand that the Atlant thermostat is faulty?
Main symptoms: the refrigerator does not turn on at all (even when the contacts are closed), it works without break and freezes all food, or turns on/off too often (short cycle). Also, a sign of a malfunction may be the absence of a characteristic click when turning the knob from position 0 to 1.