The discovery of a snow coat or ice build-up on the inner surface of the refrigeration chamber always causes concern for the owner. It’s especially offensive when this happens to reliable Belarusian equipment that has served for years without complaints. Violation of the temperature regime not only shortens the shelf life of products, but also creates an extra load on the compressor, which leads to increased energy consumption.
In most cases, ice formation on the back wall in models Atlant with a drip defrosting system (No Frost has nothing to do with it, since ice forms elsewhere) indicates a failure in the defrosting cycle. The water that should drain into the drainage hole freezes into a block. This can be caused by either a trivial human factor or a serious technical malfunction.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of icing, from improper operation to thermostat failure. Understanding the nature of the process will help you make the right decision: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself. It is important to act consistently so as not to aggravate the situation.
The principle of operation of the drip defrosting system
To understand where the failure occurred, you need to clearly understand the physics of the process. In refrigerators Atlant with a direct cooling system or drip defrosting, the back wall is the evaporator. While the compressor is operating, it becomes covered with frost, which then melts during a pause.
The resulting moisture flows down the groove into the drainage hole and enters the container above the compressor, where it safely evaporates. If this cycle is disrupted, the water does not have time to leave and freezes. Drip system requires the serviceability of all moisture removal units.
A frequent mistake is to ignore periodic maintenance. Even if the refrigerator is running quietly, processes can occur inside that lead to ice buildup. The water drainage mechanism may become clogged with crumbs or mold, which blocks the drainage.
Operation errors: why excess moisture appears
Before you commit electronics failure or freon leakage, you should analyze your actions. Often the reason for this is the user himself. Excessive moisture in the chamber is the main enemy of the proper operation of the unit. ice freezes, becomes the user himself. Excessive moisture in the chamber is the main enemy of the proper operation of the unit.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is food storage. Liquid dishes, open pots of soup or compote, not covered with a lid, actively evaporate water. This moisture settles on the coldest surface - the back wall, turning into an ice crust.
The condition of the sealing rubber on the door is also critically important. If it does not fit tightly, warm, moist air from the room constantly enters the chamber. The compressor tries to cool this air, and the moisture instantly condenses and freezes.
- 🥘 Open dishes: Storing liquids without a lid saturates the air with steam, which settles with ice.
- 🚪 Ajar door: Frequent or prolonged opening of the door, as well as a loose seal seal.
- 🌡️ Temperature in the room: Too high ambient temperature in the kitchen causes the refrigerator to wear out.
Check the tightness of the door. To do this, you can clamp a sheet of paper between the seal and the body around the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out too easily, the seal is broken. In this case, seal requires replacement or restoration.
Clogged drain hole: the most common cause
If operating instructions are followed, but ice still builds up, the problem most likely lies in the drainage system. The water drain hole, located at the bottom of the back wall, often becomes clogged with food debris, crumbs or mold.
When the drain is blocked, melt water cannot flow into the tray. It accumulates in the groove and freezes, forming a plug. The next portion of water can no longer pass through this plug and flows out onto the shelves or freezes tightly on the wall.
To fix this problem, it is not necessary to call a technician. You can clean the channel yourself using a soft wire or a special brush. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the plastic elements.
☑️ Cleaning the drainage
After cleaning, it is recommended to rinse the drainage with warm water from a syringe or syringe. This will help dissolve any remaining fat deposits. If the water leaves quickly and with a characteristic gurgle, then the system is free.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
The thermostat (thermostat) is the “brain” that controls the cycles of turning the compressor on and off. If it fails, the refrigerator may run non-stop, trying to reach an unattainable temperature. As a result, the back wall freezes.
In models with electronic control, sensors are responsible for the temperature. If temperature sensor gives incorrect readings, the controller does not give a defrost command or, conversely, turns on the compressor too early, preventing the ice from melting.
A symptom of a thermostat breakdown is often the absence of characteristic clicks when changing the position of the regulator knob (in mechanical models). Also, the refrigerator may not turn on at all or work around the clock.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing the thermostat requires disassembling the case and working with electrical circuits. If you do not have experience, it is better to entrust this task to a specialist, since incorrect installation can lead to a short circuit.
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In some cases, the problem is solved by simple reconfiguration. Make sure the temperature control is not turned up to maximum. For normal mode, a position corresponding to 3-4 divisions or 3-5 degrees Celsius is sufficient.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check a mechanical thermostat, you need to remove it and ring the contacts with a multimeter. In a warm state, the contacts must be closed (there is conductivity). When placing the sensor in the cold (freezer), the circuit should open. If there are no changes, the device is faulty.
Problems with the door seal
We have already mentioned the seal in the context of operation, but its wear is already a technical malfunction. Over time, rubber dries out, cracks or becomes deformed. Warm air constantly penetrates through the resulting cracks.
The humidity in the chamber increases sharply, and the refrigerator simply does not have time to remove the condensation. Ice begins to freeze not only on the back wall, but also around the perimeter of the chamber, as well as on the door.
You can check the condition of the seal visually and tactilely. It should feel soft and elastic to the touch. If the rubber is hard, brittle, or has visible tears, it needs to be replaced. The new tape is usually delivered folded, and before installation it is recommended to warm it with a hairdryer to straighten it.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| Ice only at the bottom of the back wall | Drain hole clogged | Cleaning with a brush or syringe |
| Ice all over the wall and on the products | Thermostat is faulty | Replacing the thermostat |
| Ice on the door and along the edges | Wear of the seal | Replacement or restoration of rubber |
| Thick coat of ice | Constant operation of the compressor | Diagnostics of electronics or freon leak |
Refrigerant leak and other complex breakdowns
If simple methods do not help, it may be a leak refrigerant (freon). When the amount of gas in the system decreases, the compressor works without stopping, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling capacity. The rear wall is covered with a uniform layer of frost or ice.
Another possible reason is a malfunction of the defrost heater (in models with an advanced drip system) or the defrost timer. If the heating element is burned out, the ice does not melt during a pause, but grows more and more with each cycle.
Diagnostics of such problems requires special equipment: pressure gauges to check the pressure in the system and testers to check electrical circuits. It is almost impossible to independently determine the location of a leak without a leak detector.
⚠️ Attention: Freon is a gas that requires careful handling. An attempt to independently refuel or solder the tubes without evacuation of the system will lead to rapid failure of the compressor.
Proper defrosting as a method of prevention
Regular defrosting is the best way to prevent the formation of ice jams. Even if your Atlanta has an automatic defrosting system, it is recommended to completely defrost it once every six months.
To do this, you need to turn off the refrigerator from the network, empty the chambers of food and leave the doors open for at least 12-24 hours. This will allow the ice to completely melt in hard-to-reach places, including hidden cavities of the evaporator.
During defrosting, do not use sharp objects to chip ice or hair dryers to speed up the process. A sudden temperature change can damage the plastic housing or evaporator tubes, which will lead to expensive repairs.
☑️ Defrosting rules
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe all surfaces dry. It is better to turn on an empty refrigerator without load, allowing it to reach temperature for an hour, and only then loading food.
When you need to call a technician
If you have checked the drainage, seal and thermostat, but the problem persists, or if you notice swelling in the back wall (which indicates corrosion and possible leakage), further self-diagnosis impractical.
The technician will conduct professional diagnostics, check the pressure in the system, the integrity of the electrical circuits and the tightness of the circuit. Repairs can range from replacing the sensor to overcooking the circuit.
Timely contacting a specialist will save you money in the long run, since working on wear or operating the device with a freon leak will quickly render expensive components out of order.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if there is some ice on the wall?
Short-term operation is possible, but undesirable. Ice impairs heat transfer, causing the compressor to work longer. This increases energy consumption and reduces the service life of equipment. In addition, ice can damage food packaging.
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant refrigerator?
Models with a drip system are recommended to be completely defrosted 1-2 times a year. If you notice that ice is growing faster, you should increase the frequency of procedures or start troubleshooting.
Why does ice appear only in hot weather?
In the summer, the load on the refrigerator increases. If the seal is slightly worn or the drainage is partially clogged, then it is in the heat, when the humidity in the room is high, that these defects manifest themselves in the form of icing.
Is it dangerous to chip ice with a knife?
Absolutely yes. In modern refrigerators, the evaporator is often built into the wall or very close to the surface. One careless movement will pierce the thin tube, freon will come out, and repairs will become economically unfeasible.
What to do if the drainage hole is frozen?
You cannot pour boiling water there. Use a syringe with warm (not hot) water or leave to defrost naturally. Mechanical cleaning of the ice plug with metal objects is prohibited.