Owners of Belarusian brand refrigerators Atlant often face a situation where the rear inner A layer of ice or frost forms on the wall of the refrigerator compartment. For models with a drip defrosting system, which include most devices from this manufacturer, the periodic appearance of moisture and even a small amount of snow is normal. However, when the ice crust becomes too thick, occupies a significant area or turns into a dense block, this phenomenon cannot be ignored.
Such a problem may indicate either a banal violation of operating rules or a failure of important components of the cooling system. Understanding the physics of the process will help you quickly diagnose the cause. In refrigerators Atlant with one compressor, the cold is distributed unevenly, and the back wall is the coldest place where moisture from the air condenses, turning into frost during the compressor operation cycle.
If you notice that the refrigerator has stopped coping with defrosting on its own, you need to carry out a thorough diagnostics. Seal failure or a malfunction of the automation can lead to spoilage of products and increased energy consumption. In this article, we will look in detail at the main factors influencing the formation of ice and methods for eliminating them.
The operating principle of a drip defrosting system
To understand why icing occurs, you need to understand the mechanics of the device. Refrigerators Atlant equipped with a so-called “crying” system. During the cooling process, the compressor forces refrigerant into the evaporator, which is hidden behind the back panel of the chamber. The temperature of the evaporator drops significantly below zero, which leads to the freezing of moisture from the food and air on its surface in the form of frost.
When the temperature reaches the set value, the thermostat opens the circuit and the compressor turns off. At this moment, the defrosting cycle begins: the frost melts, turning into water, which flows down the groove into the drainage hole and then into a special tray above the motor, where it evaporates. If this cycle is disrupted, the water does not have time to drain and freezes, forming an ice cap.
It is important to understand that in single-compressor models Atlant the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator compartments is regulated by one unit. This creates certain operating conditions under which the back wall will always be colder than the front of the chamber. Condensate is a natural product of the interaction of warm air with a cold surface, and its presence indicates that the cooling system is functioning.
⚠️ Attention: If ice covers more than 30% of the back wall or turns into a thick layer of snow that does not melt during a compressor pause, this indicates a malfunction of the defrost system or depressurization of the circuit.
The condition is considered normal when individual droplets or a thin film of moisture is visible on the back wall, which periodically disappears. If you observe a constant increase in the ice mass, you need to look for the cause in improper operation or technical problems. Ignoring the problem can lead to ice getting to the products, and the compressor will work for wear.
Violation of the rules of operation and storage of products
One of the most common reasons why the back wall freezes is the user himself. Incorrect placement of food or violation of the temperature regime can disrupt the fine settings of the refrigerator. Warm air entering the chamber carries a large amount of moisture, which instantly settles on the coldest surface - the back wall.
Frequently opening doors or leaving them in the open position leads to an active flow of heat from the room. The cooling system tries to compensate for the loss of cold and works without stopping. As a result, moisture does not have time to evaporate and accumulates in the form of ice. It is also critically important not to place hot foods inside the chamber.
You should pay attention to the packaging of the products. If you store vegetables, fruits or soups in open containers, the moisture from them actively evaporates and settles on the walls. Sealed packaging is a key factor in maintaining a normal microclimate inside the chamber. In addition, products should not touch the back wall, as this disrupts air circulation and locally increases humidity.
Another important aspect is the condition of the sealing rubber on the door. If it is dirty, damaged or simply does not fit tightly, warm air constantly enters the chamber. This causes the compressor to work longer and moisture to condense more actively. Checking the tightness is the first thing to do when ice appears.
- 🥘 Do not place hot pots or pans in the refrigerator, let the dish cool to room temperature.
- 🥦 Store soups, sauces and chopped foods only in closed containers with lids.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door closes until it clicks, and do not leave it open for more than 1 minute.
- 🧹 Regularly wipe the sealing rubber from grease and crumbs to ensure a tight fit.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
Thermostat (thermostat) is the “brain” that controls turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature inside the chamber. If this element fails, it may not send a signal to turn off the motor in time. As a result, the refrigerator operates in continuous mode, the back wall is supercooled, and moisture does not have time to drain into the drainage, turning into ice.
In modern models Atlant with electronic control, sensors (thermistors) are responsible for the temperature. Their readings are read by the control module. If the sensor “lies” and shows that the chamber is warmer than it actually is, the system will increase the cold. Diagnosis of such faults requires special equipment, but an indirect sign may be the lack of cyclic operation of the compressor.
Often the problem lies in incorrect settings. Users, wanting to cool food faster, turn the thermostat knob to maximum. For single-compressor models Atlant this can be disastrous. In the mode maximum cold the compressor simply does not turn off, which leads to deep freezing of the rear wall even in summer.
How to check the thermostat yourself?
For a longer check, you can try turning thermostat knob to position "0" or "Off". If the compressor does not turn off within 30-40 seconds (except for models with an inverter motor), the thermostat or relay is likely faulty. However, only a technician with a multimeter can make an accurate diagnosis.
It is also worth considering that thermostats tend to wear out over time. The spring weakens, the contacts burn out, and the device begins to work incorrectly. Replacing the thermostat is not a complicated procedure, but it requires disassembling the refrigerator and observing safety precautions.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor does not turn off | Thermostat is faulty | Replacing the sensor |
| The refrigerator rarely turns on | The settings are messed up or freon is leaking | Checking the settings, calling a technician |
| Ice only in one corner | Local leak or blockage | Diagnostics of the defrost system |
| Frost along the entire back wall | Door leakage | Replacing the seal |
Problems with the evaporator defrost system
Behind the rear decorative panel of the refrigerator compartment there is an evaporator. It is on this that the main layer of ice freezes during compressor operation. To defrost it, the design provides a system that is implemented differently in different models. Classic models use natural defrosting during a compressor pause, but if the pause is too short, the ice does not have time to melt completely. Atlant implemented differently. Classic models use natural defrosting during a compressor pause, but if the pause is too short, the ice does not have time to melt completely.
In more complex models it may be present Defrosting heating element (heating element). If it burns out, the ice on the evaporator does not melt at all or melts very slowly. Over time, the ice mass grows, blocks the cold air supply channels, and the refrigerator stops freezing, although the compressor hums without interruption. Visually, this can manifest itself as swelling of the rear wall or the appearance of a bump.
Another common problem is clogging of the drainage hole. Melt water should go into the drain, but if dirt, mold or a piece of product is clogged there, the water accumulates at the bottom of the chamber and freezes, forming an icy puddle that gradually creeps up the wall. Cleaning the drainage is a simple operation that you can do yourself.
☑️ Checking the defrost system
It is also worth mentioning the solenoid valve (solenoid valve) in some models. If it sticks open, refrigerant continues to flow into the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment even when it should only go to the freezer. This causes severe freezing. Diagnosis of the valve requires opening the system and checking its resistance.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to break through the ice plug in the drain yourself with sharp objects (knife, screwdriver) can lead to puncture of the evaporator tubes and leakage of freon. Use only soft wire or special brushes.
The influence of seasonal factors and humidity
External conditions play a huge role in the operation of refrigeration equipment. In summer, when the room is hot and humid, the load on the compressor Atlant increases many times over. Warm air contains more water vapor, which condenses more actively when in contact with a cold wall. If a humidifier is running in the room or clothes are being dried, the refrigerator will freeze up more often.
In winter, the situation may be the opposite, but also problematic. If the refrigerator is in an unheated kitchen or next to a window, where the temperature drops below +10°C, the oil in the compressor thickens, and the thermostat may not turn on the motor often enough. As a result, defrost cycles become infrequent and ice accumulates.
The location of the refrigerator also matters. If it is close to the wall, the radiator at the back cannot effectively transfer heat. The motor overheats, cooling efficiency drops, and the system begins to work intermittently. It is necessary to maintain a gap of at least 5-10 cm from the back wall of the appliance to the wall of the room.
- ☀️ In summer, try not to open the refrigerator unless necessary and ventilate the kitchen.
- ❄️ In winter, do not place equipment closer than 30 cm to windows and radiators.
- 💧 Avoid installing the refrigerator in niches without air ventilation.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the room temperature does not fall below +10°C and does not rise above +30°C.
It is also worth considering that with sudden temperature changes (for example, a draft from an open window blows on the door), the thermostat may not work correctly. Stability of the environment is the key to the long service life of your equipment.
De-icing methods and prevention
If you find that the back wall of the refrigerator Atlant is covered with ice, the first step should be complete defrosting. Unplug the appliance, empty the chambers of food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. This is necessary so that the ice melts even in hard-to-reach places of the defrost system, for example, around sensors or in the drainage channel.
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe the insides with a dry cloth. Pay special attention to the drainage hole - it can be carefully cleaned with a cotton swab or a special soft brush. Pour a little warm (not hot!) water into the drain to make sure that it drains freely.
To prevent the problem from reoccurring, follow these rules:
- Regularly check the tightness of the door.
- Do not load the chamber with products above the marking level.
- Keep the condenser clean (the grille at the back of the refrigerator) - the dust collector impairs heat transfer.
- Carry out preventative defrosting every six months, even if there is no visible ice.
If, after all the measures taken, ice continues to appear with the same intensity, most likely the problem is of a technical nature. This could be a freon leak, a compressor malfunction, or a control module failure. In such cases, self-repair can be dangerous and ineffective.
Why does ice appear immediately after defrosting?
If the ice crust grows within several hours or one day after complete defrosting, this is almost guaranteed to indicate a technical malfunction. Most often this is a loss of tightness of the circuit (freon leakage) or sticking of the valve that allows the refrigerant to pass through. Natural reasons (humidity, an open door) do not give such a quick effect.
Is it possible to scrape ice with a knife?
It is absolutely not possible. The back wall of the refrigerator Atlant is made of thin plastic, behind which are the evaporator tubes. One awkward movement with a sharp object will lead to a puncture and an instant leak of refrigerant. Repairs in this case will be expensive, since soldering and refilling the system will be required.
Is it normal that the back wall is wet?
Yes, for a drip system this is absolutely normal. The water should form drops and flow down. It is the solid ice crust or snow coat that does not melt during the compressor rest cycle that should cause alarm.
Does the amount of food affect the formation of ice?
Yes, it does. An empty refrigerator gains temperature faster when the door is opened, which leads to moisture condensation. However, a refrigerator that is too tightly packed interferes with air circulation. The optimal load is about 50-70% of the volume so that air can circulate freely around the products.