Correct setting of the temperature regime is the key to the long service of your Atlant and safety of products. Many owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to set the regulator to the maximum value and forget about the problem. However, such a misconception often leads to excessive consumption of electricity and accelerated wear of the compressor.
In this article we will look at what the numbers on the thermostat mean, how the room temperature affects the operation of the unit and why the settings should be different in winter and summer. Understanding the operating principles of thermostat will help you avoid frequent breakdowns.
In addition, you will learn how to independently diagnose a sensor malfunction if the refrigerator stops turning off or, conversely, does not get cold. Proper operation begins with studying the instructions and basic settings.
Deciphering the thermostat values
The rotary knob of the thermostat in brand refrigerators Atlant usually has a scale from 1 to 7 (sometimes from 0 to 7). It is important to understand that these numbers do not represent degrees Celsius. These are conventional units of cooling power, where a higher number corresponds to a lower temperature inside the chambers.
If you set the knob to minimum value (1), the compressor will work rarely, maintaining a temperature of about +5...+7°C. This is an economical mode, suitable for storing vegetables or when there is not enough food in the refrigerator. On the contrary, position 7 makes the unit work almost without stopping.
What does position 0 mean?
Position "0" on the thermostat means a forced shutdown of the power supply to the compressor. In this mode, the refrigerator does not cool, but the light inside is on if it is connected to the network.
There is also a position indicated by a snowflake or the letter "min/max", which depends on the specific model. It activates the fast freezing mode, which compressor does not turn off automatically. Using this mode all the time is strictly prohibited.
Optimal settings for different seasons
Ambient air temperature directly affects the efficiency of refrigeration equipment. In the summer, when the apartment is hot, heat exchange is disrupted and the compressor takes more time to cool the chambers. In winter, the situation is the opposite: in an unheated room or at a low temperature in the room, the unit may not turn on at all.
For the summer period, it is recommended to set the regulator to values 3 or 4. This allows you to maintain a balance between high-quality cooling and engine load. If the room is very hot, you can increase the power for a short time, but make sure that ice does not form on the rear grille.
⚠️ Attention: In winter, it is not recommended to operate the refrigerator at temperatures below +10°C. The oil in the compressor thickens, which can lead to it jamming when you try to start.
In the cold season, if the refrigerator is on an insulated balcony or in a cool kitchen, it is optimal to set the regulator to 2 or 3. Higher values can cause the temperature in the main chamber to drop below normal, and food near the back wall will begin to freeze.
Super freezing mode and its effect
The Super Freeze function is designed to quickly reduce the temperature in the freezer. It is necessary when you load a large amount of fresh products that need to be kept as healthy as possible. In this mode, thermostat bypasses the shutdown cycle.
The super freezing mode should be turned on in advance, approximately 3-4 hours before loading the products, or immediately after placing them. You cannot keep the refrigerator in this mode all the time: this will lead to freezing of the evaporator, increased pressure in the system and, as a result, failure of the compressor.
Usually, manufacturers recommend using this mode for no more than 24 hours in a row. After the food has frozen, you must manually return the regulator to its normal position. In some models Atlant with electronic control, this process is automated.
Constant operation at maximum power also negatively affects rubber door seals, which may lose elasticity faster than usual. Taking good care of equipment extends its service life.
The influence of refrigerator loading on settings
The degree of filling of the refrigerator compartment also dictates its own setting rules. An empty refrigerator cools faster, but also loses cold instantly when the door is opened. A fully clogged unit will hold its temperature longer, but will require more time to cool initially.
If you have just defrosted your refrigerator or bought a new one, do not fill it with food right away. Let the equipment run idle for 2-3 hours on medium settings (3-4). This will stabilize the temperature background.
When fully loaded, try not to set the regulator to maximum. Air circulation between products must be free. If the shelves are packed tightly and the handle is set to 6 or 7, zones with critically low temperatures may form in the depths of the chamber.
Table of settings and temperatures correspondence
For the convenience of users, below is a table showing the approximate correspondence between the position of the thermostat handle and the temperature inside the main chamber. Please remember that these values may vary slightly depending on the model and operating conditions.
| Knob position | Approximate temperature | Recommended use | Compressor operating mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | +7...+9°C | Minimum load, economy energy | Rare starts |
| 3 (Average) | +3...+5°C | Daily operation, standard load | Normal cycle |
| 5 (Max) | 0...+2°C | Hot weather, heavy load | Frequent switching on |
| 6-7 (Super) | Below 0°C | Quick freezing mode (short-term) | No stops |
Using the table will help you navigate if you notice that food in the refrigerator is spoiling faster than usual or, conversely, freeze. Adjusting the position of the handle is the easiest way to solve these problems without calling a technician.
Diagnostics of thermostat malfunctions
Sometimes it happens that even the correct setting does not produce results. The refrigerator either hums continuously or is silent; it is warm inside. This may indicate a breakdown thermostat or leakage of freon.
If the compressor is running without stopping, and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is above +10°C, check whether the ventilation grill is blocked by food. If the ventilation is free, most likely the temperature sensor has failed or there is a refrigerant leak.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear clicking sounds when you try to turn on the compressor, but it does not start, do not try to turn the regulator endlessly. This may indicate a problem with the start relay or the motor itself.
In the opposite situation, when the refrigerator is silent and warm inside, try turning the knob counterclockwise until it clicks. If there is no click and the engine does not start, the thermostat itself may be faulty. For accurate diagnosis, you need to test the contacts with a multimeter.
☑️ Diagnosis of temperature problems
Frequent errors during operation
One of the most common mistakes is setting the regulator to maximum immediately after turning on the new refrigerator. This creates an extreme load on the system, which in the first hours of operation already experiences stress during the initial filling with freon.
Another mistake is ignoring seasonality. Users often leave the settings set in winter for the summer. As a result, in hot weather, the refrigerator cannot cope with the heat flow, the food spoils, and the owner is perplexed as to why the equipment “stopped freezing.”
Also, you should not turn the thermostat knob often and sharply. Mechanical contacts inside the device have their own switching cycle life. Sudden movements can lead to premature wear of the mechanism or violation of calibration.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Why does the Atlant refrigerator not turn off after defrosting?
If, after defrosting and setting the regulator to the average value (3-4), the compressor runs for more than 2-3 hours without a break, this may indicate a freon leak or a thermostat malfunction. Also check whether the door closes tightly.
Which number should you set the regulator to in summer?
In summer, when the room temperature is above +25°C, it is optimal to set the knob to value 3 or 4. If the room is very hot, you can temporarily increase the power to 5, but watch out for the formation of ice.
What does it mean? flashing temperature indicator?
In models with electronic control, a flashing indicator signals an increase in the temperature in the chamber above the permissible norm. Check whether the door is closed and whether you have loaded a large amount of warm food.
Is it possible to store the refrigerator at sub-zero temperatures?
It is strictly not recommended. At temperatures below +5°C, the oil in the compressor thickens, and water hammer may occur during startup. In addition, the plastic case and seals may be damaged.