Modern refrigerators Atlant are reliable units that can serve for years, but their initial startup or restart after defrosting requires adherence to a clear algorithm of actions. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply plug the cord into a socket, but for the correct operation of the compressor and system No Frost or static cooling, preparatory steps are necessary. Ignoring the rules of transportation and acclimatization can lead to failure of expensive equipment.
In this article we will look in detail at how to turn on the freezer so that it works with maximum efficiency. You will learn about the nuances of setting up a thermostat, the operating features of different models, and ways to eliminate common problems when starting up. Correct operation from the first minutes will extend the life of the equipment.
Preparing the refrigerator for the first start
Before wondering how to turn on the freezer, you need to make sure that the unit is ready for operation. If the refrigerator has just been delivered from the store or moved to a new location, it needs time to acclimatize. This is especially true in the winter, when the temperature difference between the street and the room can be critical.
Service center specialists Atlant recommend keeping the equipment turned off for 2 to 4 hours if it was transported warm, and up to 24 hours if the temperature during transportation was negative. This is necessary to stabilize the temperature compressor oil and evaporate condensate inside the electrical circuits.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on the refrigerator immediately after being brought in from the cold can lead to hydraulic shock in the compressor and its failure.
After waiting, a visual inspection should be carried out. Make sure there are no dents on the cabinet and that the doors close tightly. Internal shelves and drawers must be in place. Also check that all transport locks have been removed, if required by the specific model.
An important step is choosing the correct installation location. The unit should not be placed close to a wall or furniture, since free air circulation is required to remove heat from the condenser. The gap at the back and sides should be at least 5-7 cm.
☑️ Check before switching on
Location and setting of the thermostat
The key element of temperature control is the thermostat. Depending on the model Atlant, it can be mechanical (with a rotary knob) or electronic (with a digital display). Understanding the operating principle of this unit is critical for the correct start of the freezer.
In mechanical models, the regulator is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the top panel. Position “0” or “Off” means the compressor is completely turned off. To turn it on, you must turn the knob to position “1” or higher. The numbers do not indicate degrees, but the intensity of work: the higher the number, the lower the temperature inside the chambers.
Electronic control panels allow you to set exact values in degrees Celsius. The standard recommendation for the freezer is to set it to -18°C. This is the optimal mode for long-term storage of products without loss of their quality.
Nuances of mechanical regulators
In some older Atlant models, the thermostat scale can be calibrated non-standardly. If there are no numbers on the knob, but only dots or divisions, the middle position usually corresponds to normal operation. The far right position is often the maximum freezing mode, which is not intended for constant operation.
Features of including models with No Frost and drip system
Cooling technology affects how the refrigerator behaves in the first hours of operation. Models with the system No Frost (complete “no frost”) have built-in fans and additional defrost heaters. When turned on for the first time, such a refrigerator can operate continuously for 6-10 hours until it reaches the set temperature in all corners of the chamber.
In units with a drip system (crying evaporator) in the refrigerator compartment and a static freezer, the process is different. It is important here not to overload the chambers with products on the first day. The empty space will cool faster, and the compressor will be able to take a scheduled break.
If your model is equipped with a function Super Frost (accelerated freezing), it is better not to activate it immediately when you first start it. Let the system return to normal operation, and only then, if you need to quickly freeze a large volume of food, use this option.
Operation indication and sound signals
After power is applied, the indicators on the control panel will light up. In normal operation, the power light (often green) and possibly the compressor operating light should be on. If the red alarm indicator lights up, this means that the temperature inside the chambers has not yet reached normal.
In models with a display, the current temperature can be displayed. During the first hours of operation, these readings may “jump” or show positive values. This is normal, since the sensors record the temperature of the air that has not yet cooled from the walls of the evaporator.
A sound signal is often given when the door is opened or when the temperature threshold is exceeded. If the refrigerator has just been turned on, the audible alarm can be temporarily turned off with a button on the panel (if such a function is provided) so that it does not become annoying during a long primary cooling cycle.
| Indicator / Alarm | Value | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Green indicator | The network is connected, the refrigerator is working | No need to do anything |
| Red flashing indicator | Temperature is above normal | Wait for cooling (up to 24 hours) |
| Sound signal | The door is open or the chamber is warm | Check the closure tightness |
| Super Frost indicator | Accelerated freezing mode is active | Disable after 24-48 hours |
Common startup errors
One of the most common mistakes is trying to set the maximum cold immediately after turning on. Setting the thermostat to maximum (“7” or “Max”) forces compressor to work non-stop, which does not speed up the cooling of food, but significantly increases wear on the motor.
Another mistake is loading the freezer with warm food in the first hours of operation. This puts extreme stress on the system. It is better to first let the refrigerator work one full cycle (turn on and off on its own), and only then fill it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator next to heating appliances or in direct sunlight. This disrupts heat transfer and leads to incorrect operation of the thermostat.
Also, users often ignore the installation level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may not fit tightly, which will lead to constant warm air entering and continuous operation of the unit. Adjusting the legs is a mandatory procedure.
Diagnosis of problems: what to do if the freezer does not freeze
If more than 12 hours have passed and the freezer Atlant still does not reach the temperature, you should carry out diagnostics. First of all, check if the compressor is working. It should produce a characteristic hum and slight vibration. If the motor is silent, but the indicators are on, the starting relay or the thermostat itself may be faulty.
Pay attention to the evaporator. In models with an open evaporator (in the freezer the “grid” is visible from the back or top), after 30-40 minutes of operation a uniform layer of frost should appear. If there is frost only at the entrance of the tube or there is none at all, this is a sign freon leakage or a blockage of the capillary system.
In models with electronic control, you should pay attention to error codes. For example, combinations of flashes may indicate a faulty defrost sensor or a problem with the fan. It is better to look for decoding of codes for a specific model in the official manual.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the Atlant refrigerator run before loading food for the first time?
It is recommended to let the refrigerator run empty for 4-6 hours until the temperature has completely stabilized. However, it is better to load a full load of products 10-12 hours after switching on, to be sure that the system is ready.
Why do the side walls get very hot after switching on?
This is a normal phenomenon for modern refrigerators. Condenser circuits are often located in the side walls or in the partition between the chambers, which remove heat. When the compressor is actively operating, they can heat up to 40-50 degrees.
Is it possible to plug in a refrigerator via an extension cord?
Manufacturers do not recommend using extension cords, especially cheap or twisted ones. Connecting directly to the outlet provides better contact and reduces the risk of overheating the wiring. If an extension cord is needed, it must be rated for a current of at least 16A and be grounded.
What does a flashing indicator F or similar on the display mean?
Usually this is an indication of the Freeze mode or a malfunction signal. If the indicator blinks constantly after the refrigerator has been in operation for a day, you need to check the instructions for your specific model, since the codes may differ.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before turning it on?
You do not need to defrost a new refrigerator, since it is dry at the factory. Defrosting is required only if the equipment has been in the warehouse for a long time without packaging and there is a smell or moisture inside, or if it is turned on again after transportation.