Owners of popular Belarusian equipment are often faced with the need to fine-tune the temperature regime, especially when the seasons or the volume of loaded products change. The question of what number to set the freezer in the Atlant refrigerator becomes especially relevant when you turn it on for the first time or after defrosting, when you need to quickly restore the cold.
Incorrectly set temperature can lead to both food spoilage due to insufficient cooling, and to excessive energy consumption due to excessive compressor power. Understanding the operating principle of a mechanical thermostat will help you extend the service life of the unit and keep supplies fresh for a long time.
In this article we will look in detail at what the numbers on the regulator scale mean, how external factors influence the choice of the optimal value, and what mistakes users most often make when operating two-chamber models.
Deciphering the thermostat scale
On the control panel of Atlant refrigerators there is usually a rotary switch with a digital designation from 1 to 7 (in some models up to 5 or 8). Main rulewhich every user should know: the higher the number, the below temperature inside the chamber, that is, the more intense the compressor works.
Many people mistakenly believe that number 1 means “maximum cold,” but this is not so. One corresponds to the minimum cooling power, and seven corresponds to freezing or maximum load mode. Position "0" or "OFF" means complete shutdown of the refrigeration unit.
For standard operating conditions in a heated room, the optimal handle position is in the range from 3 to 4. This value ensures a balance between energy consumption and sufficient cooling of products in the main and freezer compartments.
It is worth considering that the thermostat scale is not linear and does not directly display degrees Celsius. It serves as an indicator of the degree of compression of the refrigerant in the system. Therefore, switching from number 3 to 4 can give a more noticeable increase in cold than switching from 1 to 2.
Optimal settings for different seasons
The ambient temperature directly affects the operation of the refrigeration circuit. In the summer, when the apartment is hot, heat exchange in the condenser (located at the back or on the sides) is difficult, and the compressor has to work harder.
In winter, on the contrary, when the room is cool, the load on the system is reduced. If you do not adjust the settings, the freezer may become too cold, which will lead to excessive ice formation and excessive consumption of electricity, although for modern models with one compressor this is less critical than for older ones.
It is recommended to adhere to the following seasonal gradation:
- 🌡️ Summer: at high temperatures in the kitchen (above +25°C) it is better to set the regulator to value 2 or 3 to avoid continuous operation of the motor.
- 🍂 Off-season: standard position 3 or 4 is suitable for most situations when the room temperature ranges from +18 to +23°C.
- ❄️ Winter: if in an apartment heating is on, leave 3 or 4. If the room is cold (below +16°C), the refrigerator may not turn on, and then you should consider installing it in a warmer zone or using special circuit heaters (for older models).
⚠️ Attention: It is not recommended to operate the Atlant refrigerator at ambient temperatures below +10°C or above +32°C, unless otherwise stated in the instructions for your specific model. This can lead to solidification of the oil in the compressor or its overheating. MXM or XM not otherwise stated. This may cause the oil in the compressor to solidify or overheat.
Operating modes of the freezer
The freezer compartment in Atlant refrigerators, as a rule, does not have a separate temperature controller. It is cooled due to the cooling capacity of the main circuit, and the intensity of freezing is regulated by a general thermostat.
However, many models have the “Super Freeze” function, which is indicated by a red button or switch next to the main numbers. When this mode is activated, the compressor operates continuously, ignoring the temperature sensor readings, which allows you to quickly freeze fresh food.
You cannot always use the maximum freezing mode. This leads to:
- 🔋 Significant increase in electricity bills.
- 🧊 Excessive fouling of the evaporator with ice, which impairs heat transfer.
- ⏳ Reduced compressor life due to the lack of rest cycles.
Usually it is enough to turn on “Super Freeze” 3-5 hours before loading a large batch of products and turn it off a day after that. The rest of the time, the standard setting at number 3 or 4 is sufficient.
Why doesn’t the freezer freeze at maximum?
If, when setting the regulator to 6 or 7, the food in the freezer is still soft, the problem may not be in the settings, but in a freon leak, a malfunction of the thermostat, or a clogged capillary tube.
Table of correspondence between settings and temperatures
Although the exact values depend on the specific model (Atlant 4008, 6221 etc.) and the load of the chambers, you can provide average data on what temperature is approximately achieved at different positions of the thermostat handle in the main chamber.
| Knob position | Operating mode | Approximate t° in the refrigerator compartment | Approximate t° in the freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | Economy | +8...+10°C | -6...-8°C |
| 3 (Average) | Standard | +4...+6°C | -14...-16°C |
| 5 (High) | Intensive | +2...+4°C | -20...-22°C |
| 7 (Max) | Frozen | 0...+2°C | -24...-26°C |
As can be seen from the table, for storing most products (meat, dairy, ready meals) in the main The range of +3...+5°C is ideal for the camera, which corresponds to the position of the regulator between 3 and 4. Lower values can lead to vegetables freezing at the back wall.
Factors influencing the choice of number
Choosing a specific number on the thermostat is not just following the instructions, but adapting to real operating conditions. The load on the refrigerator plays an important role: a full unit holds the cold better, but requires more time for initial cooling.
The frequency of door opening also makes its own adjustments. In a large family where the refrigerator is opened dozens of times a day, it makes sense to keep the settings closer to 4. For one person or a couple who rarely look inside, a value of 2 or 3 is sufficient.
In addition, you should pay attention to the condition of the sealing rubber bands. If they are worn out and allow warm air to pass through, the refrigerator will try to compensate for heat loss by constant operation of the compressor, even if you turn the regulator to maximum.
☑️ Diagnosis of a temperature problem
The location of the refrigerator also matters. If it stands next to a radiator, stove, or in direct sunlight, heat transfer is disrupted. In such cases, even at number 5 it can be warmer inside than at number three in a cool pantry.
Typical errors when setting up
One of the most common mistakes is an attempt to “increase” the cold, when, on the contrary, the chamber is too cold and vegetables freeze. Users see ice and think that they need to add power by switching from 3 to 5, although they need to do the opposite - reduce the number.
Another mistake is a sudden change in settings. The thermostat is an inertial system. If you turn the knob from 2 to 6, the temperature will not change instantly, but over the course of several hours of compressor operation. Constant twisting of the regulator back and forth disorients the automation.
⚠️ Attention: Never change the thermostat settings more than once every 4-6 hours. The system takes time to stabilize and reach a new temperature regime.
Also, users often ignore the placement of products. If you tightly fill the chamber with warm foods and immediately turn on maximum cold, the compressor may not be able to withstand the load. It is better to load the refrigerator gradually, starting with medium settings.
What to do if the food in the freezer is covered with a thick crust of ice?
This is a sign that you are storing them for too long or the temperature is too low. Check the tightness of the bags and make sure that the regulator is not set to maximum unnecessarily.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator not turn off, even if you lower the temperature?
If the compressor runs without stopping even at minimum settings (number 1 or 2), this may indicate for a refrigerant leak, thermostat malfunction or loss of circuit tightness. Also check whether the door is stuck to the body due to ice.
Is it possible to keep the regulator constantly at maximum (7)?
It is strictly not recommended. Constant operation at maximum power quickly wears out the compressor, leads to freezing of the cold exhaust channels and a significant increase in electricity consumption. Use the maximum only for quick freezing.
What figure corresponds to -18 degrees in the freezer?
In most Atlant models, the temperature of -18°C is achieved when the regulator is positioned at 4 or 5. However, the exact value depends on the model and the ambient temperature. For accurate control, use a separate thermometer placed between the products.
Why does ice form on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment?
A small amount of ice on the back wall (in models with a drip system) is a normal process. The ice melts when the compressor rests. If there is too much ice and it prevents the door from closing, perhaps the regulator is set at too high a value or the drainage hole is clogged.