Correct setting of the temperature in the refrigerator is the key not only to the safety of food, but also to long compressor service. Equipment owners Atlant often wonder which number is best to set the rotary control to ensure perfect balance. The wrong choice can lead to either food spoilage or excessive energy consumption and rapid freezing of the chambers.
In this article we will analyze in detail the principle of operation of the thermostat, explain the relationship between the numbers on the scale and the real temperature inside the chamber. You will understand why the “maximum” value does not always mean “better”, and learn how to configure equipment depending on the season and how busy the shelves are.
Optimal settings directly affect the operation compressor and the system air circulation. If you have just purchased the device or have defrosted it, accurate calibration will help you get to operating mode faster. Ignoring the manufacturer's recommendations can lead to breakdown of important components.
Principle of operation of the temperature controller
The regulator, or thermostat, is a mechanical or electronic device that monitors the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. When the temperature rises above the set threshold, the thermostat closes the circuit, starting compressor. As soon as the air cools to the desired value, the circuit opens and the engine stops.
On mechanical models Atlant the scale is usually graduated from 1 to 7 (or from Min to Max). The golden rule applies here: the higher the number, the lower temperature there is inside the chamber. That is, by setting the regulator to “7”, you will force the refrigerator to work almost without interruption, trying to achieve the lowest possible temperatures.
Do not confuse the number on the handle with degrees Celsius. The number "3" does not mean +3 degrees. This is a conditional index of cooling power. The actual temperature depends on many factors: the ambient temperature in the kitchen, the tightness of the seals and the amount of food.
⚠️ Attention: A sharp turn of the regulator from minimum to maximum creates additional load on the compressor start relay. Change the settings smoothly, taking pauses between switches.
Optimal values for different seasons
The external temperature in the room plays a critical role in choosing the position of the regulator. In the summer, when the apartment is hot, the refrigerator takes longer to cool, but it also cools down more slowly. In winter, the situation is the opposite: the ambient temperature is low, and it is easier for the compressor to maintain cold.
In summer, when the temperature in the kitchen reaches +25...+28°C, it is recommended to set the regulator to medium values (3 or 4). This will compensate for heat gain without extreme load on the motor. If you set the number too low, the products may begin to deteriorate due to insufficient cold.
In winter, especially in unheated rooms or when ventilated, when the temperature drops to +15...+18°C, the load should be reduced. Installation on division 2 or 3 will be quite enough. An attempt to set the “maximum” in winter can lead to the fact that the compressor simply will not turn off, since heat loss is minimal.
There is a common misconception that in winter you need to set the regulator to minimum so that the refrigerator “rests”. In fact, if the room is too cold (below +10°C), the oil in the compressor thickens and starting may be difficult, but this is a matter of operation at low temperatures, and not of setting the knob.
Decoding the Atlant thermostat scale
Understanding what is hidden behind each number on the control panel Atlant, will help you avoid mistakes. The scale is nonlinear, and changing the position of the knob even by one division can significantly affect the microclimate inside.
- 🔹 Min (or 1): Minimum cooling mode. The compressor operates rarely, the temperature in the chamber can reach +8...+10°C. Suitable for short-term storage of drinks or when the refrigerator is almost empty.
- 🔹 Average values (3-4): Optimal operation zone. The standard range of +2...+5°C required for most products is supported here. It is in this sector that it is recommended to keep the regulator in normal mode.
- 🔹 Max (or 6-7): Intensive freezing mode or “Super-cooling”. Temperatures can drop to 0°C or below. Constant operation in this mode leads to the formation of a “fur coat” and excessive consumption of electricity.
Many users mistakenly believe that the number indicates the number of degrees. This is wrong. The number “5” does not guarantee that the chamber will be exactly +5°C. The actual temperature depends on the serviceability thermostat and amount of refrigerant.
⚠️ Attention: Prolonged setting of the regulator to the maximum value (6-7) can lead to freezing of food in the refrigerator compartment and freezing of the evaporator, which will require defrosting.
Setting after defrosting and loading food
Immediately after defrosting or turning on a new refrigerator, an increased heat flow is observed. The walls of the chamber are warm, the air is not cooled. At this point, it is better to set the regulator to a medium value so as not to force the engine.
If you have just loaded the refrigerator with a large amount of room temperature products (for example, after shopping at the supermarket), the cooling system will receive a thermal load. In the first hours, you can temporarily increase the power, but not to the maximum.
☑️ Actions after loading the products
It is important to give the technique time to stabilize. Rapid cooling of a large volume of warm food will force the compressor to work non-stop. This is acceptable for a short period of time, but should not become cold.
Remember that warm air rises and cold air sinks. Therefore, the correct location of products also affects the readings of the temperature sensor, which is usually located at the top of the chamber or on the side wall.
Table of recommended settings
For the convenience of users, we have compiled a summary table that will help you navigate in choosing the position of the regulator depending on operating conditions.
| Situation / Season | Recommended figure | Purpose of setting |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (hot kitchen) | 3 - 4 | Heat gain compensation |
| Off-season / Normal | 3 | Economic storage mode |
| Winter (cool kitchen) | 2 - 3 | Preventing hypothermia |
| Loading warm products | 4 (temporarily) | Quick mode recovery |
| Long absence | Min (1) | Energy saving (empty refrigerator) |
This table is indicative. The exact values may vary slightly for different models Atlant, for example series MXM or KSH. Always check the instructions for your specific device.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze even at maximum?
If, when the regulator is set to the maximum value (7), the compressor runs constantly, but there is no cold, there may be a freon leak or the thermostat itself is faulty. In this case, you need to call a specialist.
Frequent errors when adjusting
One of the most common mistakes is setting the regulator to maximum “just in case.” Users think that this way the products will be preserved better. In fact, this only leads to the fact that the vegetables in the boxes freeze, losing their taste, and an ice crust forms on the walls.
The other extreme is setting the minimum value in hot weather. In an attempt to save on electricity, users end up with spoiled dairy products and meat. Bacteria actively reproduce at temperatures above +6°C, which makes storage dangerous.
- ❄️ Error: Change settings frequently. You shouldn't turn the handle every day. The temperature needs time (up to 24 hours) to stabilize.
- ❄️ Error: Ignoring chamber fullness. An empty refrigerator and a full one require a different approach to setting the thermostat.
- ❄️ Error: Installing the regulator near the heat source. If the handle is close to a hot wall or lamp, the readings may be incorrect.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and scale markings may vary depending on the model year. Always check the latest information in the product data sheet, as the manufacturer may make changes to the design of thermostats.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Why does ice form on the back wall of the Atlant refrigerator?
The formation of a “fur coat” or ice on the back wall often indicates that the temperature regulator is set to too high a value (5-7). The compressor works without interruption, without having time to thaw the condensate. Try lowering the value to 2-3. Also, the reason may be a loose door or damage to the seal.
What value of the regulator saves the most energy?
The most economical mode is to set the regulator to the minimum values (1-2), at which the temperature in the chamber remains safe (about +5...+7°C). However, if the temperature is lowered too much, the food may spoil. The golden mean is value 3, which provides a balance between food safety and electricity consumption.
Is it possible to store medicines in the Atlant refrigerator?
You can store medicines only if you control the temperature with a thermometer. The standard regulator setting to “3” or “4” usually provides +3...+5°C, which is suitable for many drugs. However, some medications require strictly +2...+8°C, and you cannot rely only on the number on the handle - use an external thermometer.
What does a flashing temperature indicator mean on modern models?
In models Atlant with electronic control, a flashing indicator usually signals an increase in the temperature in the chamber above a critical norm. This can happen after defrosting, opening the door for a long time or a malfunction. If the indicator does not stop flashing after several hours of operation, check the position of the regulator and the tightness of the door closure.