Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation when a new or properly working unit begins to make strange sounds. If you are wondering why the Atlant refrigerator hisses, it is important to immediately calm down: in most cases this is the normal operation of the system.
Many users get scared when they hear an unusual hum or whistle, and rush to disconnect the device from the network. However hissing often indicates normal movement of refrigerant through the pipes of the circuit. Modern models running on new types of freon can be noisier than old Soviet models.
However, the sounds should not be ignored, especially if they are accompanied by other signs of malfunction. In this article we will look at when noise is normal, and in which cases replacement of parts is required. Understanding the physics of the process will help you save money on calling a technician. repair or replacement of parts. Understanding the physics of the process will help you save money on calling a technician.
Physics of the process: movement of the refrigerant
The main reason for the appearance of hissing sounds in household refrigerators of the brand Atlant lies in the principle of operation of the compression system. The refrigerant circulating in a closed circuit constantly changes its state of aggregation, passing from liquid to gaseous and back.
When the compressed freon passes through the capillary tube and enters the evaporator, the pressure drops sharply. At this point, the liquid boils, turning into steam. It is this process of violent boiling and gas expansion that creates a characteristic sound, reminiscent of water pouring or a quiet hissing.
⚠️ Attention: If the hissing is heard only in the first minutes after turning the compressor on or off, this is absolutely normal. The system equalizes the pressure.
The intensity of the sound can depend on several factors, including the temperature in the chamber and the load on the motor. In the hot season, when the compressor operates under increased load, the circulation becomes more active.
It should also be taken into account that in models with a system No Frost or drip defrosting, sounds may be more pronounced due to the design features of the evaporator. The thin walls of the tubes resonate and enhance the acoustic effect.
Is hissing normal for different Atlant models
Different series of refrigerators Atlant have their own design features that affect the noise level. Older models running on R12 freon were usually quieter, but less environmentally friendly. Modern analogues use gases R600a or R134a.
Freon R600a (isobutane), which is now widely used in production, has excellent refrigeration properties, but requires more precise adjustment of the system. Hissing in such units is a common occurrence, especially during startup.
- 🔊 Volume: New models may sound louder due to powerful compressors.
- 💧 Condensation: Hissing is often accompanied by gurgling when defrosting.
- ⚙️ Cyclicity: Sounds should be periodic, not constant.
If your refrigerator Atlant started hissing immediately after purchase, do not rush to take it back to the store. Let the equipment work for several days. Often, after the initial “break-in” and stabilization of temperature conditions, the sound background becomes quieter.
However, if the hissing turns into a loud whistle or is accompanied by vibration of the case, this may indicate an assembly defect or transportation damage. In this case, it is necessary to check the tightness of the circuit.
Diagnostics: normal or malfunction
How to distinguish normal operation from a breakdown? There is a simple algorithm of actions that will help carry out the initial diagnosis without calling a specialist. The first thing you need to pay attention to is periodicity sounds.
The norm is when the hissing lasts several minutes after the compressor stops. At this moment, the remaining liquid refrigerant boils in the evaporator. If the sound does not stop for hours, you should be wary.
| Symptom | Normal | Pathology |
|---|---|---|
| Time of occurrence | When starting/stopping | Constant or chaotic |
| Temperature in the chamber | Stable | Increasing or products melting |
| Accompanying sounds | Quiet seething | Whistling, knocking, roaring |
| Smell | Absent | Chemical odor (leakage) |
Pay attention to the temperature inside the chambers. If the refrigerator Atlant hisses, but at the same time the food freezes or, conversely, spoils due to lack of cold, then the circulation cycle is broken.
⚠️ Attention: The appearance of oily spots under the refrigerator or a specific smell of chemicals requires immediate disconnection of the device from network.
It is also worth checking whether the unit is level. If the legs are not adjusted, vibration from the compressor is transmitted to the housing and increases the acoustic resonance, making the usual freon hissing louder and more unpleasant.
☑️ Primary diagnosis of noise
Problems with the compressor and motor
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator Atlant. If the hissing noise comes directly from the motor, this may indicate problems with the discharge or suction tube. Sometimes air or moisture gets inside the housing.
When the piston group operates, high pressure is created. If there are microcracks or poor-quality soldering in the system, gas may escape with a characteristic whistle. This is no longer just noise, but direct leakage refrigerant leakage
Another reason is wear of the compressor valves. In this case, gas can bypass inside the assembly, creating noise. This is usually accompanied by the fact that the motor runs non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but cannot cope with the task.
- 🔥 Overheating: The motor is hotter than usual to the touch.
- ⚡ Surges voltage: Can damage the winding and cause humming.
- 🛠️ Resource: Old compressors are noisier due to the wear and tear of mechanical parts.
If you notice that after the start relay clicks, the compressor hums, but does not start, and then a hissing sound is heard - this is a sign of jamming or an interturn short circuit. You cannot operate such a device.
In some cases, hissing may be caused by the tubes coming too close to each other and vibrating. Easy separation of the pipes by hand (with the device turned off!) can eliminate contact and reduce the noise level.
Is it possible to lubricate the compressor?
Lubricating the compressor of the Atlant refrigerator at home is impossible and useless. The system is sealed and the oil circulates along with the freon. An attempt to drill a hole for lubrication will lead to instant depressurization and failure of the equipment.
The influence of the defrosting system on acoustics
In refrigerators with a system No Frost or drip defrosting, hissing is often associated with defrosting cycles. When the heating element heats the evaporator, the ice melts and water drips into the pan. Hissing at this moment is the sound of water interacting with hot elements or simply the sound of dripping water.
This is especially loud in models Atlantwhere the drainage system can be designed so that water falls on a hot compressor or heated tray. This creates the effect of a “steam bath” with corresponding sounds.
If the drain hole is clogged, water may pool and evaporate unevenly, causing gurgling sounds. Regular drainage cleaning helps reduce noise levels and prevent mold.
It is important to monitor the condition of the fan in the system No Frost. If ice builds up on the blades, the fan begins to hum and whistle, which can be mistaken for the hissing of freon. Defrosting the chamber for 24 hours often solves this problem.
A critical sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system is an ice coat on the back wall, which does not melt even after a long period of time shutdown. In this case, the hissing can be caused by the operation of the heating element, which heats the ice, but cannot melt it due to sensor failure.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations where independent actions can only do harm. If the hissing is accompanied by a loss of cold, it means that the amount of freon in the system has decreased. It is impossible to refill the refrigerator yourself - evacuation and precise dosage of gas are required.
A specialist is needed if:
- ❄️ No cold: The food is melting, the temperature is above +10°C.
- 🛢️ Oil stains: Traces of oil are visible on the pipes or floor.
- 🔌 Knocks out plugs: When turned on, a short circuit occurs.
Also, professional diagnostics are needed if the refrigerator Atlant operates in non-stop. This indicates that the system cannot achieve the specified parameters, and the compressor wears out in vain.
Do not try to solder pipes yourself or change the compressor without the appropriate equipment. This is a complex technical procedure that requires a license to work with refrigerants and special tools.
If the device is under warranty, any independent repair will result in loss of warranty. In this case, it is better to immediately contact an authorized service center.
Prevention of noisy operation
In order for your Atlant to serve for a long time and quietly, it is important to follow the operating rules. Defrost the chamber regularly, even if the system is declared No Frost. Once every six months to a year, a complete shutdown for a day will help the system rest.
Watch the gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. For normal air circulation around the condenser, a minimum of 10 cm of free space is required. If the radiator overheats, the pressure in the system increases and the noise increases.
Use a surge protector to protect against power surges. Unstable power supply is a common cause of failure of electronics and the compressor, which ultimately leads to the appearance of extraneous sounds.
Wipe the door seals and check their fit. If the door does not close tightly, the compressor is forced to work more often and more intensely, which increases the load on the entire system and the level of noise produced.
Following these simple rules will extend the life of your refrigerator and make its operation as silent as possible. Remember that equipment Atlant is famous for its reliability, but it also requires careful handling.
Why does the refrigerator hiss? immediately after defrosting?
After defrosting, moisture may remain in the system. When first started, it freezes in the capillary or evaporator, creating a plug. Gas passing through the constriction makes a whistle. This usually goes away after 2-3 hours of work. If the noise persists for a day, the capillary may be clogged.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it hisses?
If the temperature inside the chamber is kept normal (from +2 to +6 in the refrigerator compartment), the food does not spoil, and the hissing is not accompanied by odor or oil, operation is permitted. Most likely, this is the operating noise of freon.
How to reduce the noise level without repairs?
Try to level the refrigerator by tightening the legs. Make sure it does not touch the wall or furniture. Sometimes it is enough just to move the unit a couple of centimeters or place anti-vibration pads under the legs.
Is hissing dangerous to health?
The sound itself is safe. However, if the hissing is caused by a freon leak, it is worth ventilating the room. Modern refrigerants (R600a) are flammable, while older ones (R12) release toxins when exposed to fire. But in small quantities, typical of household leaks, they are not fatal, although inhaling them is not recommended.