The need to isolate work freezer compartment in a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant often occurs in everyday situations. This may be due to a long-term lack of need for freezing food, a desire to save energy, or a desire to increase the usable volume of the refrigerator compartment.
Modern models of the Belarusian manufacturer are equipped with complex electronics, but even they have physical design limitations. It is important to understand that complete shutdown the freezer evaporator without compromising the operation of the main circuit is not possible in all cases.
Owners often confuse the quick freezing function with the ability to completely turn off the circuit. In this article, we will analyze in detail what manipulations are available for your unit, and how to safely manage temperature conditions.
Design features of two-chamber models
Refrigerators Atlant with two chambers most often operate on one compressor. This means that the refrigerant circulates through a single circuit, passing first through the evaporator of the freezer chamber and then the refrigeration chamber.
Physically stop the supply of cold to only one chamber, leaving the other to operate normally, in such systems technically impossible. The compressor either pumps freon, creating cold throughout the entire volume, or turns off completely.
However, there are models with a system No Frost or two compressors. In the latter cases, the control of the circuits is separated, which gives the user more freedom of action. But the classic “crying” system, common in budget series, requires a single temperature balance.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to mechanically block the freon supply channels or interfere with the operation of the capillary tube will lead to failure of the compressor and loss of warranty.
Understanding the operating principle of your model is the first step to proper control. If you have one motor-compressor at the back, then we are talking about a general cooling system.
Use of a mechanical thermostat
In old and budget models Atlant control is carried out by a mechanical regulator. Usually this is a rotary knob with numbers from 1 to 7 or from Min to Max, located inside the refrigerator compartment.
Turning the knob towards the minimum values (1 or Min) results in the compressor turning on less often. The temperature in the freezer will rise, but not to positive values.
It can reach -6...-8°C, which is not enough for deep freezing meat, but acceptable for storing already frozen products in the short term. In the refrigerator compartment, the temperature will rise to +8...+10°C.
- ❄️ Set the thermostat knob to the minimum division (1 or Min).
- 🌡️ Give the system 3-4 hours to stabilize the temperature.
- 🔌 Check the temperature in the main chamber with a thermometer.
You should not expect it to become warm in the freezer. It will stop “freezing” with the same intensity, but will remain a cold zone. This is due to the fact that the evaporator is located there, and the cold from there is partially transferred to the lower compartment.
Setting up the electronic control and display
More modern models Atlant are equipped with an electronic control unit and a display on the door. Here the user can set exact temperature values for each zone separately, if the model allows it.
To switch the freezer to economy mode, you must use the control buttons. Usually you need to press the camera selection button (often indicated by a snowflake or the letter F) and hold it or use the "+" and "-" buttons.
Sequence: Select camera -> Set the temperature to +5°C (maximum possible)By setting the maximum possible temperature for the freezer (usually -6°C or -12°C depending on the model), you will reduce the load on compressor The food in this compartment will begin to slowly defrost if the temperature rises above -6°C.
In some advanced series with the Holiday Mode (Vacation) function, the main compartment goes into economy mode (+15°C), and the freezer continues to operate. There is no reverse mode, where the freezer is turned off and the refrigerator is running, in the standard firmware.
Super Freeze mode and its impact
Function Super Freeze often misunderstood by users. Many believe that activating and then turning off this mode may somehow affect the separate operation of the cameras. This is a misconception.
This mode forces the compressor into continuous operation, ignoring the readings of temperature sensors. This is necessary for quick freezing of fresh food. After turning off the mode, the refrigerator returns to the standard cycle.
Using this function to try to “defrost” or turn off the freezer is useless. On the contrary, it creates extremely low temperatures throughout the entire volume of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: Long-term operation in the Super Freeze mode (more than 24 hours) without loading food can lead to freezing of the evaporator and breakdown of the defrosting system.
If your goal is to defrost the freezer, then using the freezing mode is strictly not fits. To defrost, you must completely turn off the power to the device.
Methods of temporary shutdown for defrosting
If by “turning off” you mean the need to defrost the ice coat, then the only safe method is to completely cut off the power. In models Atlant with manual defrosting (drip system in the refrigerator compartment and manual in the freezer), this is a mandatory procedure.
Modern models with No Frost do not require manual defrosting, as they have an automatic system defrost. However, if an ice jam has formed due to a malfunction or loose closing of the door, defrosting will still be required.
☑️ Safe defrosting algorithm
The natural defrosting process takes from 4 to 12 hours depending on the amount of ice. Manufacturers use a hairdryer or hot water to speed up the process strongly do not recommend, since a sharp temperature change can damage the plastic and evaporator tubes.
After the ice has melted, you must thoroughly wipe the chambers with a dry cloth. The device should be turned on no earlier than 2-3 hours after defrosting, allowing the oil in the compressor to drain into the crankcase.
Specifics of models with two compressors
There is a separate category of refrigerators Atlantequipped with two independent compressors. In such devices, the refrigerating and freezing chambers operate completely autonomously.
Theoretically, in such models you can turn off one of the circuits. However, there is usually no "Turn off freezer" button on the control panel. This can only be done through the service menu or by physically turning off one of the compressors, which requires the intervention of a specialist.
The user can only adjust the temperature. If you set the freezer to the maximum value, it will work in gentle mode. But you cannot completely stop the second motor through the interface.
Is it possible to physically turn off one compressor?
Theoretically, yes, if you break the power supply circuit of a particular motor. But this will void the warranty, require electrician skill, and may cause failure of the control electronics that rely on both circuits to operate.
For ordinary users of two-compressor models, there are no available ways to completely turn off one chamber without calling a technician. Operation involves the operation of both circuits.
Table of temperature modes
To understand what can be achieved with the settings, check out the table of mode correspondence. The numbers are approximate and depend on the ambient temperature in the room.
| Position of the regulator | Templates in the refrigerator compartment | Trameters in the freezer compartment | Operating mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min (1) | +8...+10°C | -6...-8°C | Economic |
| Average (3-4) | +3...+5°C | -18...-20°C | Standard |
| Max (7) | 0...+2°C | -24...-26°C | Intensive |
| Off | +20°C | +20°C | Disabled |
As can be seen from the table, even at the minimum setting, the freezer maintains a negative temperature. It is impossible to completely “turn off” the cold in the upper compartment, leaving the lower one to work, using standard means.
Common mistakes when trying shutdown
When trying to solve the problem of the freezer, users often make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. One of the most common is sealing temperature sensors with tape.
This leads to the fact that the refrigerator “thinks” that it is warm in the chamber and works without stopping. As a result, the compressor overheats, and an ice lump forms in the freezer, which is then difficult to remove.
Another mistake is using external socket timers to cycle. This can only be justified in very specific cases and requires accurate calculation, otherwise the products will spoil.
⚠️ Warning: Using third-party on/off timers can burn out the electronics of the refrigerator due to voltage surges when the compressor is started frequently.
The best method of adjustment is to use the standard controls provided by the manufacturer. If standard equipment is not enough for your tasks, it may be worth considering purchasing a separate chest freezer.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely turn off the freezer in Atlanta, leaving the refrigerator?
No, in the vast majority of models with one compressor this is not structurally possible. Cooling occurs along a single circuit. You can only increase the temperature in the freezer to -6°C by setting the regulator to minimum, but it will remain a freezer.
Why did the freezer become warm (+5°C), although the regulator is at maximum?
This is a sign of a malfunction. Possible causes: freon leak, clogged capillary tube or compressor failure. In this case, the “shutdown” occurred on its own due to a breakdown, and repair is required.
Is working at minimum settings harmful for the compressor?
Working at minimum settings (regulator at 1) is not harmful for the compressor. It just turns on less often. However, storing food at temperatures above -12°C in the freezer does not guarantee its long-term safety.
How to defrost an Atlant refrigerator without losing food?
It is impossible to completely defrost a working refrigerator. To defrost, you must turn off the power. To preserve food, use thermal bags with ice or ask your neighbors for defrosting time (4-6 hours).