Atlant refrigerators: what refrigerant is used, how to check and replace it

Refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant have long established themselves as reliable and affordable equipment. However, even the highest quality model requires maintenance, especially when it comes to refrigerant - the “blood” of any refrigeration system. Not only the cooling efficiency depends on the type of freon, but also the safety of operation, as well as the cost of future repairs.

In this article we will look at what refrigerant is used in Atlant refrigerators of different generationshow to identify it by the markings on the compressor, and what to do if a leak occurs. You will also find out whether it is possible to refuel the system yourself, what risks this carries, and why modern models are switching to environmentally friendly, but more capricious types of freon. If you are faced with the fact that the refrigerator does not freeze well or the compressor works without stopping, this information will help you understand whether the problem is related to the refrigerant.

What refrigerants are used in Atlant refrigerators

Brand Atlant Over its history, it has changed several types of freon, depending on environmental standards and technological capabilities. Today, there are three main types of refrigerant in models:

• 🔹 R-12 - an obsolete refrigerant used in Soviet and early Belarusian refrigerators (until the 2000s). Now prohibited due to its destructive effect on the ozone layer.
• 🔹 R-134a - the most common option in models of 2000–2015. Less toxic, but requires special oil for the compressor.
• 🔹 R-600a (isobutane) is a modern environmentally friendly refrigerant used in new models (after 2016). It is flammable, but harmless to the ozone layer.

You can determine the type of freon in your refrigerator by sticker on the compressor (usually located on the back wall at the bottom) or in technical data sheet. If the marking is erased, refer to the year of manufacture:

Important: R-12 and R-600a refrigerants are incompatible with the same compressor oil! If there is a leak in an old refrigerator (before 2000), refilling with modern freon will require a complete flushing of the system and an oil change - this will increase the cost of repairs by 30–50%.

How to check the refrigerant level in the Atlant refrigerator

Main signs of freon shortage:

• 🔴 The compressor works non-stop, but the refrigerator does not freeze.
• 🔴 The condenser (grid on the back wall) remains cold, not hot.
• 🔴 Frost appears on the evaporator tubes (inside the chamber) only in one corner.
• 🔴 After turning off the power, a hissing is heard - a sign of a leak.

For accurate diagnosis you will need pressure manifold. Connect it to the service port (usually located on the compressor or filter drier) and compare the readings with the standard ones:

• 🔹 R-134a: suction pressure - 0.1-0.3 bar, discharge - 8-12 bar.
• 🔹 R-600a: suction pressure - 0.05–0.2 bar, discharge - 6–10 bar.

If the pressure is below normal, then there is a leak. You can detect it using electronic leak detector or a soap solution (applied to suspected leak sites - pipe joints, soldered seams). Bubbles will indicate a breakdown.

⚠️ Attention: R-600a refrigerant is heavier than air and accumulates in the lower part of the room. If there is a leak, ventilate the room for at least 15 minutes and do not turn on electrical appliances until the gas has completely evaporated - there is a risk of ignition!

Is it possible to fill the Atlant refrigerator with refrigerant yourself?

Theoretically, you can fill the refrigerator with freon yourself, but in practice this is associated with risks:

• 🛠️ Specialized equipment is required: vacuum pump, pressure manifold, refrigerant cylinder and leak detector. The cost of renting or purchasing often exceeds the price of a specialist’s services.
• 🔥 Fire hazard: R-600a is easily ignited by a spark. Even static electricity can become a source of fire.
• ⚖️ Legal restrictions: in the Russian Federation and Belarus, charging refrigerants without a certificate is strictly prohibited (Resolution No. 1179 of 2020). The fine for violation is up to 50,000 rubles.

If you decide to refuel yourself, follow the algorithm:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for at least 12 hours.
2. Connect the pressure manifold to the service port.
3. Evacuate the system with a pump for 30 minutes (removes moisture and air).
4. Slowly charge the refrigerant, monitoring the pressure.
5. Check the tightness soap solution.

⚠️ Attention: When refilling R-600a, you cannot use oxygen cylinders or adapters from R-134a! The pressure in the system is different, and this can lead to rupture of the tubes.

What to do if there is a freon leak in the Atlant refrigerator

The algorithm of actions depends on the type of refrigerant and the scale of the leak:

1. Turn off the refrigerator from the network and open the windows for ventilation (especially important for R-600a).
2. Do not turn on lights and electrical appliances in the room if you suspect a leak of R-600a - a spark can cause an explosion.
3. Inspect the tubes for oil stains (the refrigerant comes out along with oil).
4. Call a specialist. Self-repair is only possible if you have equipment and experience in soldering copper tubes.

Cost of leak repair and refilling in service centers:

• 💰 Leak search + soldering: from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles.
• 💰 Refilling R-134a: 1,500–2,500 rubles.
• 💰 Refilling R-600a: 2,000–3,500 rubles (due to increased safety requirements).

If the refrigerator is older 15 years, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a new one than to repair an old one. For example, eliminating a leak in a model Atlant MHM-1705 (1998) with an oil change and flushing the system will cost 8,000–12,000 rubles - this is 70–80% of the cost of a new entry-level refrigerator.

What will happen, if you ignore the freon leak?

Prolonged operation of the compressor without refrigerant leads to its overheating and failure. The average lifespan of a compressor in this mode is 1–3 months. In addition, oil without freon does not circulate through the system, which accelerates corrosion of the tubes and leads to new leaks.

Which refrigerant is better for Atlant: comparison of R-134a and R-600a

If you have to choose between refills R-134a or R-600a (for example, when replacing a compressor), consider the following factors:

For refrigerators Atlant after 2020, the manufacturer recommends R-600a as a more efficient and environmentally friendly option. However, if your model was manufactured before 2016, switching to isobutane will require:

• 🔧 Changing the compressor oil.
• 🔧 Flushing the system from the remains of old freon.
• 🔧 Rations new service ports (if the old ones are incompatible).

In most cases, such an upgrade is not economically feasible. The exception is premium segment models (for example Atlant NRM-6024-100), where replacing freon will extend the service life by 5–7 years.

Where to buy refrigerant for Atlant and how not to run into a fake

You only need to purchase freon for refilling the refrigerator in certified stores or from authorized dealers. Caution is associated with the spread of counterfeit refrigerants, which:

• 🚨 May contain impurities that destroy the compressor.
• 🚨 Have incorrect pressure, which leads to depressurization of the system.
• 🚨 Often diluted with cheap gases (for example, propane instead of isobutane).

Verified suppliers in Russia and Belarus:

• 🏪 Kholod-Service LLC (official partner Atlant).
• 🏪 "Freon-Trade" (warranty for cylinders, quality certificates).
• 🏪 Online store "HolodMaster" (sent with a quality certificate).

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Cylinder marking: the type of refrigerant, net weight and manufacturer's data must be indicated.
• 🔍 Cylinder color: R-134a - light blue, R-600a - gray with red stripe.
• 🔍 Certificate availability (for R-600a a mark of conformity with TR CU 010/2011 is required).

⚠️ Attention: in markets and in unverified online stores they often sell “universal” freon" for all refrigerators. This is a hoax! This refrigerant does not have clear characteristics and is guaranteed to damage the compressor.

Frequently asked questions about the refrigerant in Atlant refrigerators

Is it possible to mix R-134a and R-600a in one refrigerator?

No, this is strictly prohibited! Refrigerants have different pressures, boiling points and compatibility with oil. Mixing will lead to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor.
• 💥 Destruction seals.
• 🚨 Complete breakdown of the refrigerator.

If you need to switch from one freon to another, the system must be washed and refilled with new oil.

How often should you check the freon level in the refrigerator?

Under normal conditions the refrigerant does not evaporate. Checking is required only if there are signs of a leak:

• 🔹 The compressor runs without stopping.
• 🔹 The temperature in the chamber does not hold.
• 🔹 Oil stains have appeared on the tubes.

Preventive It is enough to carry out diagnostics once every 5–7 years (during scheduled maintenance).

What to do if after refueling the refrigerator does not freeze?

Possible reasons:

• 🔧 Insufficient refueling —check the pressure with a pressure gauge.
• 🔧 Air in the system —re-evacuation is required.
• 🔧 Clog in the capillary tube —needs repair or replacement.
• 🔧 The compressor is faulty —check the windings with a tester.

If the problem persists, contact the service department - you may need to replace the filter drier.

Is it possible to use autofreon (for example, for air conditioners) in the Atlant refrigerator?

No! R-134a for air conditioners) have different additives and purification levels. Their use in the refrigerator will lead to:

• 🛑 Rapid wear of the compressor.
• 🛑 Corrosion of copper tubes.
• 🛑 Loss of cooling capacity.

Always use the refrigerant specified in the refrigerator's passport.

How much freon is needed to refill the Atlant refrigerator?

The volume of refrigerant depends on the model:

• 🔹 Single-chamber (for example, MX-2826): 50–70 grams.
• 🔹 Double-chamber (for example, XM-4426): 90–120 grams.
• 🔹 Side-by-Side (for example, NRM-6024): 150–200 grams.

The exact quantity is indicated on the nameplate compressor or in the service manual. An excess of freon is just as harmful as an underfill!