Modern two-chamber models of the Belarusian brand Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and energy efficiency. However, even the most advanced equipment requires periodic maintenance, and proper defrosting is key. Many owners mistakenly believe that the presence of two compressors completely eliminates the need to manually remove ice, but this is not entirely true.
Incorrect actions when clearing ice can lead to damage evaporator or failure of the electronics. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various cooling systems used in refrigerators Atlantand answer the question of how often it is really necessary to carry out this procedure.
Understanding the operating principle of your unit is the key to its long service. A two-compressor circuit means that the freezer and refrigeration chambers operate independently of each other, which simplifies the defrosting process, but requires compliance with certain safety rules.
Features of the Atlant cooling system
Refrigerators Atlant with two compressors can be equipped with different types of defrosting. The most common combination is: a drip system in the refrigerator compartment and No Frost (or partial No Frost) in the freezer. The drip system, known as a “crying evaporator,” automatically removes melt water through a drainage hole, requiring manual defrosting only 1-2 times a year.
In freezers with the system No Frost ice forms much more slowly due to constant air circulation. However, it is impossible to completely eliminate the formation of ice, especially if the doors are opened frequently or the seals are not sealed properly. In such models, manual defrosting is required less often, usually once a year, for hygienic cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the ice crust in the freezer has exceeded 5-7 mm, do not wait for the scheduled service date. A thick layer of frost causes the compressor to work with overload, which leads to an increase power consumption and a reduction in engine life.
It is important to distinguish between models with a complete system No Frost and those where it is implemented only in the freezer compartment. In the latter, the refrigerator compartment may require more careful attention to the drainage hole, which sometimes becomes clogged with crumbs or mucus, causing puddles to form on the shelves.
Preparation for the defrosting procedure
Before starting any work, you must completely de-energize the unit. Simply turning it off with a button is not enough - you need to unplug the cord from the outlet. This is critical for your safety and protection electronic module from power surges when turned on again.
Free the cameras from products. If defrosting is planned and takes a little time, the food can be temporarily transferred to containers with a lid, wrapped in blankets or taken out to the balcony (in winter). In summer, you can use cooler bags with ice. Do not simply leave food on the table, especially meat and dairy products, as without refrigeration they will quickly spoil.
Prepare your equipment in advance. You will need:
- 🧼 Microfiber cloths or soft rags for wiping shelves.
- 🪣 A container of warm water for washing internal surfaces.
- 🧽 Soft sponge (do not use abrasive scrapers!).
- 🧴 Refrigerator detergent or weak soda solution.
After turning off, leave the doors open. If the model has a function Super Freeze or Super Cool, make sure that it is deactivated, although disconnecting from the network itself resets the modes. Allow the unit to sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the refrigerant in the system to calm down before proceeding actively to remove ice.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Algorithm for defrosting the refrigeration chamber
In the refrigeration compartment of two-compressor units Atlantov The drip system is most often used. Here, ice forms on the back wall and melts during the compressor cycles. However, once every six months it is necessary to carry out general cleaning.
First, remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, holders for bottles and eggs. They should be washed separately under the tap using detergent. It is better not to wash the plastic with hot water, so that it does not become deformed, use warm water.
Wipe the inner walls with a soft cloth soaked in a solution of water and baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter) or a special product for caring for refrigerators. Pay special attention to the drainage hole, which is usually located at the bottom of the back wall. It must be free to drain condensate.
If ice has formed in the chamber (for example, due to keeping the door open for a long time), do not try to pick it out with a knife. Wait for natural melting or use a hairdryer at minimum power, holding it at a distance of at least 30 cm from the plastic.
Defrosting the freezer with No Frost
The freezer compartment in two-compressor models is often equipped with a system No Frost. Many users believe that there is no need to defrost it at all. This is a misconception. Although the automation removes moisture, a coat of ice, as well as dust and bacteria, accumulates in the hidden cavities of the evaporator over time.
Complete defrosting of the freezer is required once every 10-12 months. The process is similar to the refrigerator: turn off, remove drawers, wait for the ice to melt. The main difference is that you cannot speed up the process here with heating devices, since plastic air ducts and dampers are very fragile and easily melt.
After all the ice has melted, be sure to wipe the bottom of the chamber dry. Check the drain hole if it is accessible (often located under the bottom drawer or behind a panel). If you see a deposit of ice on the walls more than a centimeter thick, it means that the moisture removal system is not working correctly or the operating rules have been violated.
| Parameter | Refrigerator compartment | Freezer compartment (No Frost) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency defrosting | 1-2 times a year | 1 time a year |
| System type | Drip | Forced circulation |
| Main task | Hygiene and drainage cleaning | Removal of hidden ice and hygiene |
| Procedure time | 3-5 hours | 8-12 hours (complete defrosting) |
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers, ice picks) to chip ice in the freezer. One careless movement can puncture the pipes evaporatorthrough which the refrigerant escapes. Repair in this case will not be economically feasible.
What to do if an unpleasant odor appears after defrosting?
If the odor remains after defrosting and washing, it may have penetrated into the plastic parts or insulation. Try wiping the internal surfaces with a vinegar solution (1:3) or spreading activated carbon inside and leaving the refrigerator open for a day. Also check the drainage hole - often the source of the smell (mold) is located there.
What you should absolutely not do
There are a number of myths and dangerous advice that can be found on the Internet. Following them may damage your Atlanta. First, don't pour hot water directly on the ice. A sudden change in temperature causes thermal cracking of plastic and can damage glass shelves.
Secondly, do not use the hair dryer at maximum heat and do not bring it too close to the parts. The plastic in modern refrigerators is thin and easily deformed, which will lead to loose fitting of the doors or disruption of the geometry of the drawers.
Thirdly, do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after wiping off the last drop of water. Let it sit for 2-3 hours. This is necessary so that all moisture dries out, including in hard-to-reach places and electrical contacts, and the compressor oil flows into the crankcase.
- 🚫 Do not use aggressive chemicals (chlorine, acetone, gasoline) to wash plastic.
- 🚫 Do not try to defrost the refrigerator while it is connected to the network (if the model does not imply a special mode).
- 🚫 Do not place the refrigerator back against the wall immediately after turning it on, let it run idle for 1-2 hours.
Violation of these rules often becomes the cause of expensive repairs. Remember that a two-compressor system is a complex device where the mechanical strength of the parts is not designed for rough intervention.
Starting after defrosting and diagnostics
After completing cleaning and drying, reassemble the refrigerator in the reverse order. Place shelves, drawers and containers in their proper places. Close the doors and plug in the power cord. Run the unit in empty mode for 2-3 hours.
During this time, the compressors should reach temperature and turn off. If the refrigerator operates normally, without any extraneous noise or vibration, you can load food. You should not immediately fill the chambers with products to capacity; let the system return to operating mode smoothly.
Pay attention to the operation of the compressors. In two-compressor models, they can be turned on one by one or simultaneously. If you hear a loud knock, hum or whistle that was not there before, it is possible that during defrosting the wiring was touched or the tubes were displaced.
How often should you defrost a two-compressor Atlanta?
The optimal frequency is 1-2 times a year. It is worth defrosting the refrigerator more often (once every 3-4 months) if you store food in open containers, often open the door, or there is high humidity in the room. Less often - it makes no sense, since no one has canceled hygiene.
Is it possible to defrost only one chamber?
Technically, thanks to two compressors, you can turn off one chamber while the other is working. However, when completely defrosting (for hygiene), it is better to turn off the entire unit. Locally turning off one compressor with a button will not stop warm air from entering the other chamber through the internal partitions when the doors are open.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
After defrosting, it is warm inside, and the compressors take time (up to 24 hours in some cases) to cool the volume to the set temperatures. If the “continuous operation” mode persists for more than a day and the temperature does not drop, this is a reason to call a technician.
Do you need to wash the condenser from the back?
Yes, once a year when defrosting, it is recommended to vacuum or gently clean the condenser grille on the rear wall with a soft brush. A condenser clogged with dust impairs heat transfer, causing the compressor to work longer and consume more electricity.