Many owners of modern household appliances are faced with a situation where a “fur coat” grows on the walls of the freezer, but the main department continues to work properly. For owners of two-chamber units of the brand Atlant this is especially important, since the design allows for local maintenance. Understanding how to defrost a freezer separately will save you time and preserve food supplies in the main compartment.
Modern refrigeration systems often have design features that allow them to isolate temperature zones. Unlike old single-chamber models, where you had to turn off the entire device, here you can only influence one circuit. This requires compliance with a certain sequence of actions so as not to damage the compressor or control system.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for safe defrosting. You will learn how to prepare equipment, what tools may be useful and what absolutely should not be done. The right approach will extend the life of your refrigerator Atlant and ensure efficient operation of the compressor.
The principle of operation of a dual-circuit cooling system
Two-chamber refrigerators Atlant are often equipped with a system where the evaporators are located independently. In most models, the freezer compartment has its own cooling circuit, which technically allows it to be isolated from the refrigerator compartment. However, it is important to understand that simply turning off the freezer with a button on the control panel (if there is one) is only half the battle.
The physical process of melting ice takes time and proper heat exchange. If your unit has a system installed No Frostthen the formation of ice indicates a malfunction, and simple defrosting will be a temporary measure. In models with a drip system or static cooling (“crying” evaporator), ice is a natural process that requires regular intervention.
Key The point is to understand the type of system you have. If you have a model with two compressors, the task is simplified: you only turn off the freezer through the control panel. In single-circuit systems, you will have to use physical methods of heat insulation so as not to defrost the main section.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
Before starting any work, it is necessary to ensure safety and prepare the workplace. Make sure there is free space nearby to place food and water containers. It is also worth preparing soft towels and rags in advance to collect moisture.
The first step is always to disconnect the device from the power supply. Even if you plan to defrost only one chamber, running the compressor without a heat sink (if ice completely blocks the channels) can lead to overheating. Unplug the cord from the socket to eliminate any risk of electric shock or power surges.
- 🧊 Empty the freezer of all food by placing them in bowls with ice or thermal bags.
- 🧹 Cover the floor in front of the refrigerator with a thick cloth or towels, as there may be a lot of water.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the power cord and make sure the outlet is working before plugging it back in.
It is also important to remove all drawers, shelves and ice trays. Plastic parts become brittle at low temperatures, so let them warm up a bit before washing. It is also better to remove the metal guides so that they do not interfere with air circulation during drying.
Instructions: how to defrost only the freezer
There are two main scenarios depending on the design of your Atlanta. If you have an electronically controlled model with two compressors, you can simply press the freezer off button on the display. In this case, the freezer compressor will stop, but the main one will continue to work.
For models with mechanical control or one compressor, the process looks different. You need to open the freezer door and close the refrigerator door tightly. To speed up the process and keep the cold in the upper compartment, you can put hot water bottles (tightly closed) in the main compartment, creating an artificial temperature difference, although this is risky for the seals.
☑️ Defrosting algorithm
Wait for the ice to completely melt. Depending on the thickness of the “fur coat”, this can take from 3 to 10 hours. Do not use sharp objects to chip ice as this may damage the evaporator. If the system has one circuit, the cold from the refrigerator compartment will gradually leave, so try to carry out the procedure quickly.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use a hair dryer, hot water or steam generators to accelerate the melting of ice in the immediate vicinity of plastic panels and seals. A sharp temperature change can deform the plastic and break the seal of the chamber.
After all the ice has melted, thoroughly wipe the inside surface with a dry cloth. Make sure that the drainage holes (if provided by the design) are not blocked. Water should flow freely into a special pan located above the compressor.
Features of models with the No Frost system
Owners of refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost (or “Full No Frost”) may be surprised by the appearance of ice. It should not be present in a working device. If you see frost on the door or food, this is a sign of a problem. Defrosting in this case is a diagnostic procedure.
Often the reason lies in a clogged drainage channel or failure of the defrosting heating element. In such models, the evaporator is hidden behind the rear panel. To access it, partial disassembly may be required, which is not recommended to be done without skills. However, complete defrosting for 24 hours can temporarily eliminate the problem if the water in the drain is frozen.
Why does ice form in No Frost?
Ice appears in the No Frost system if the defrost cycle is broken. The heating element does not heat up, or the sensor does not give a command to drain water. The water freezes in the channel, and during the next cycle, new condensate does not leave, forming an ice plug that grows and begins to crawl into the chamber.
After defrosting, turn on the device and listen to the fan work. If you hear extraneous noise or ice appears again after a week, you will need to call a technician to replace the defrost heater or sensor.
| System type | Defrost frequency | Cause of ice formation | Defrost time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static (drip) | 1-2 times a year | Natural humidity of products | 3-5 hours |
| No Frost (automatic) | Only when breakdown | Failure of the heating element or drainage | Up to 24 hours |
| Low Frost | once a year | Condensation on the walls | 4-6 hours |
Cleaning and care after defrosting
While the chambers are empty and dry, it is the ideal time for preventative cleaning. Use a weak solution of baking soda or a special refrigerator cleaner. Avoid abrasive powders, which can scratch the plastic and promote the growth of bacteria in microcracks.
Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the doors. Dirt and mold often accumulate in folds. Wipe them with a soft sponge soaked in soapy water and then wipe dry. To maintain the elasticity of the rubber, you can lubricate it with a special compound or Vaseline oil.
- 🧼 Wash the removable shelves and drawers with warm water and detergent.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open for 30-60 minutes after cleaning to completely remove odors.
- 🔍 Check the cleanliness of the condenser grille at the back of the refrigerator (dust impairs heat transfer).
Don't forget to check the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment. It often gets clogged with crumbs. You can clean it using a special flexible brush or a cotton swab. Pour some warm water in there to make sure that it flows freely into the pan.
Starting the refrigerator and loading food
After cleaning is completed and all surfaces have dried, you can start starting. Close the doors and plug in the appliance. Let the refrigerator run idle for at least 2-3 hours (preferably 5-6 hours) so that it reaches operating temperature.
Only after the thermostat turns off the compressor (you will hear a click and there will be silence), you can start loading food. If you put food in a warm chamber, the compressor will work without stopping, trying to cool a large volume of heat, which can lead to its breakdown.
Distribute the food evenly, do not tightly clog the air ducts (if any). Cold air mass should circulate between the products. This will ensure the same temperature at all points in the chamber and prevent food spoilage.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, the refrigerator makes loud knocks, whistles, or does not turn off for more than 12 hours, immediately turn it off and contact a service center. This may indicate a freon leak or a malfunction of the thermostat.
Frequent errors when defrosting
Many users make typical mistakes that shorten the life of the equipment. The most common of them is an attempt to speed up the process by mechanically chipping the ice with a knife or screwdriver. One awkward movement can puncture the thin evaporator tube, and the refrigerator will stop freezing forever.
Another mistake is ignoring hygiene rules. The remaining water in the pan or a puddle at the bottom of the chamber becomes an ideal environment for bacteria. Be sure to wipe the equipment dry. Also, you should not turn on the device if there is still moisture inside.
Sometimes users forget to check how tightly the door is closed after defrosting. If the door is warped or the seal is dirty, the cold will escape and ice will build up at double the speed. Check whether the magnetic tape fits tightly around the entire perimeter.
Following simple operating rules will allow your Atlanta to serve for many years. Regular, but not too frequent defrosting (for static models) and timely cleaning are the key to the freshness of your products and the serviceability of your equipment.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long should you keep the refrigerator turned off?
The minimum shutdown time is 3-4 hours for the ice to completely melt. However, to completely equalize temperatures and evaporate moisture, it is better to pause for 6-8 hours. If wet cleaning was carried out, let the chambers dry completely.
Is it possible to defrost the freezer without removing food from the refrigerator compartment?
Yes, this is possible if you act quickly and tightly close the door of the refrigerator compartment. However, with prolonged defrosting, the temperature in the upper compartment will begin to rise. To preserve food, it is better to use thermal bags or take them to a cool place (on the balcony in winter).
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after defrosting?
First, check whether the doors are tightly closed and whether the power indicator is on. Let the device operate for 5-6 hours without loading. If the cold does not appear, there may be a power surge or mechanical damage during defrosting. In this case, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Is it necessary to defrost the Atlant refrigerator with No Frost?
In normal mode - no. The No Frost system involves automatic removal of moisture. Defrosting is required only in case of breakdown (ice freezing) or for general cleaning and disinfection of internal surfaces once a year.