Detection of a snow coat or ice crust on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is a signal that cannot be ignored, especially when it comes to time-tested technology Atlant. Owners are often faced with a situation where the unit no longer maintains a stable temperature, and food begins to deteriorate faster than usual. Ignoring the problem can lead to compressor failure and costly repairs.
Modern models equipped with the No Frost system, in principle, should not become overgrown with ice inside the chamber, since moisture is removed outside. However, classic models with a crying evaporator, which include most refrigerators Atlantfunction differently. In them, the condensate should flow into the drainage hole, and not freeze tightly.
If you notice that the back wall has turned into an ice monolith, this means a violation of heat exchange or a malfunction of the automation. First of all it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection and understand the nature of icing, since this determines further algorithm of actions.
The principle of operation of the condensate drainage system
To understand the nature of the formation of snow, you need to understand the basic physics of the process. During operation compressor the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator tubes located behind the rear panel. The panel cools, and moisture from the air condenses on it, turning into droplets of water.
In a working refrigerator Atlant these drops flow down the grooves into the drainage hole and then into a special tray above the motor, where they safely evaporate. This cycle is called "crying defrost". If snow forms on the wall, it means that the water does not have time to drain and freezes.
- ❄️ Water accumulates on the wall due to slow drainage.
- 🧊 When the compressor is turned on, the moisture instantly crystallizes.
- 🌡️ The thermostat does not give a signal to turn off in time.
Snow may grow unevenly, forming mounds or icicles. It is important to note that the layer of ice acts as a heat insulator, forcing the compressor to work hard, trying to cool the chamber to the set values.
⚠️ Attention: A thick layer of ice on the evaporator significantly increases energy consumption. The thicker the “fur coat,” the longer the motor must work to break through the insulation.
Malfunction of the thermostat: a common cause of icing
One of the most common reasons why ice freezes is the failure or incorrect operation of thermostat (thermostat). This element is responsible for controlling the temperature inside the chamber. If it is “stuck” or shows incorrect data, the compressor may not turn off at all or do it too rarely.
As a result, the back wall freezes through, and the condensate does not have time to drain, turning into a hard shell. In models Atlant thermostats can be mechanical (with a capillary tube) or electronic. Mechanical ones are more likely to wear out the contact group.
You can check the thermostat by paying attention to the operating mode of the refrigerator. If it hums almost without interruption, and the temperature in the chamber is below normal (food freezes even at the back wall), suspicion falls on this particular unit.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
For diagnostics, you need to remove the thermostat, put the multimeter in dialing mode and connect the probes to the contacts. At room temperature the chain should ring. If you place the sensor in a cold place (for example, in a freezer), the circuit should open. Lack of response indicates a malfunction.
Replacing the thermostat is a procedure that can be performed independently if you have basic skills. However, it is important to choose an analogue with exactly the same parameters, otherwise the operating modes will go wrong.
Problems with the seal and the entry of warm air
The tightness of the refrigeration chamber is the key to the correct operation of the entire system. If the rubber seal on the door is worn out, dirty or simply does not fit tightly, warm, moist air from the room constantly flows in.
This air, in contact with the cold back wall, instantly gives off moisture. Since there is a constant flow of heat, the cooling system cannot cope with the removal of condensate, and it turns into a snow mass. Often the problem is localized in the corners or in the center of the door.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter: if it pulls out without resistance, it means the seal is broken. Also visually inspect the rubber for cracks, dents or peeling.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Inspection method |
|---|---|---|
| Ice all over the wall | Faulty thermostat | Temperature measurement in the chamber |
| Snow at the door | Poor seal pressure | Test with a sheet of paper |
| Ice in the corner | Clogged drainage | Visual inspection of the hole |
| Frost on food | Constantly open door | Observation of habits |
If the seal is simply dirty, it is enough wash with warm water and soap. If the rubber is deformed, you can try softening it with a hairdryer or replacing it with a new one. For models Atlant finding original seals is not difficult.
Clogged drainage hole
The most commonplace, but very common reason for the formation of an ice plug is a clogged drainage channel. The hole located at the bottom of the back wall can allow crumbs, packaging particles, or mucus that forms over time to get into it.
When the drain is blocked, the condensation has nowhere to go. It accumulates in the groove and freezes, blocking the entrance even more. As a result, water begins to spread over the shelves and freeze there, forming puddles and ice.
You don’t need to be a master to fix this problem. It is enough to take a soft wire, a cotton swab or a special brush and carefully clean the channel. After this, it is recommended to pour a little warm (not hot!) water into it to make sure that it flows freely into the tray.
☑️ Cleaning the drainage system
Regular preventative cleaning of the drainage will help avoid serious problems. This should be done at least once every six months during general cleaning of the refrigerator.
Incorrect temperature setting and user habits
Sometimes the reason lies not in a breakdown, but in improper operation. If you set the temperature controller to maximum cooling (usually values 6-7 or "Max"), the compressor will work almost non-stop.
In this mode, the back wall freezes more than usual, and the moisture removal system does not have time to cope with the volume of condensate. The optimal temperature for storing food in the main chamber is considered to be from +2 to +5 degrees.
Frequent opening of doors or placing hot pots inside also has a negative effect. A sharp jump in humidity and temperature causes the system to operate in emergency mode, which often leads to the formation of a “coat” of frost.
⚠️ Attention: Never put hot foods in the refrigerator Atlant. This not only causes icing, but also creates extra load on the compressor, reducing its life.
Check the thermostat settings. If it is turned to maximum, try returning it to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4) and wait a day. If the snow has stopped growing, then the equipment is working properly.
Freon leakage and other technical faults
A more serious reason why snow forms may be a violation of the tightness of the circuit or a leak refrigerant. If there is little freon in the system, the compressor works longer, trying to gain temperature, but the cooling efficiency drops.
In some cases, when freon leaks, ice can form only in a certain place, for example, near the entrance of the tubes to the evaporator, or, conversely, disappear completely, leaving a wall.