The discovery of ice crusts or icicles inside the refrigerator compartment Atlant often becomes an unpleasant surprise. Equipment owners expect perfect operation, but instead of fresh food they receive blocks of ice that make it difficult to close the door or take up useful space. This phenomenon does not always indicate a critical breakdown, but it cannot be ignored.
Excessive freezing of moisture disrupts the temperature regime, which leads to spoilage of food and increased energy consumption. The compressor is forced to work with increased load, trying to cool the volume isolated by the ice “coat”. Regular defrosting in such cases it becomes only a temporary measure hiding the real problem.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of ice formation in models with a drip system and No Frost. Understanding the principles of operation of the evaporator will help you diagnose a malfunction yourself or understand when you need to call a technician.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that ice is forming rapidly (within a few hours), immediately disconnect the device from the network. Operating equipment in this mode can lead to failure of the compressor or swelling of the housing.
The principle of operation of the moisture removal system and evaporator
To understand the cause of icing, you need to figure out where the moisture should go in a working refrigerator. In classic models Atlant with a drip system, condensate flows down the back wall into a gutter and then through a drain tube into a container above the compressor, where it evaporates.
In models with a system No Frost moisture settles on a hidden evaporator located behind the rear panel. The defrosting heating element is periodically turned on, which melts the formed frost, and the water also goes into the drainage. A failure at any stage of this cycle results in the water not having time to drain and freezing.
The key element here is the balance between the evaporator temperature and the efficiency of water removal. If this balance is disturbed, the water freezes right on the wall or in the channel. Air circulation also plays an important role: if it is disturbed, zones with different temperatures and humidity form in the chamber.
Faults of sensors and control system
One of The most common technical cause of icing is the failure of the defrost sensor. This small element monitors the temperature of the evaporator and tells the control unit when to turn on the heater. If the sensor “lies” or does not work, the heating element does not turn on in time.
As a result, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a thick layer of ice, which blocks the air circulation channels. The cold stops entering the chamber evenly, and a “snow coat” forms on the back wall of the refrigerator. Replacing the sensor is a procedure that requires disassembling the rear panel and having a multimeter for testing.
Also, problems can be caused by a malfunction of itself control unit. The electronics may simply not send a signal to start the defrost cycle. In older models Atlant with mechanical control, the defrost timer could stick, which is why the refrigerator worked only in cooling mode.
How to check the defrost sensor?
To check the sensor, you will need a multimeter. It is necessary to “ring” the sensor: in a cold state its resistance should be infinite, and when heated (if it is working and of the thermistor type) it should change. The exact resistance values depend on the sensor model and are indicated in the technical documentation. If the device shows an open circuit or short circuit in any state, the element is faulty.
Problems with the defrost heater and heating elements
If the sensor is working properly, but the ice continues to build up, attention should be switched to the heating element. Defrosting heating element is a consumable item that burns out over time. It is impossible to determine this visually without removing the back panel of the freezer or refrigerator compartment.
Burning of the coil leads to defrosting not happening at all. Ice accumulates layer by layer until it completely blocks the system. In refrigerators Atlant with a system No Frost this leads to the fan starting to hum, trying to drive air through the ice plug, but cooling does not occur.
Sometimes the cause is not a burnout, but a poor contact in the power supply circuit of the heating element. Contact oxidation or wire breakage may interrupt the voltage supply. In this case, replacing the heating element itself will not help - you need to restore the circuit.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
Clogged drainage system
In models with a drip system, the most common cause of ice on the back wall is a clogged drainage hole. It is located at the bottom of the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment. Condensation drains there, but if the hole is clogged with crumbs, mold or ice, the water has nowhere to go.
Water accumulates in the groove, overflows and freezes on the shelf or bottom of the chamber, forming an icy puddle. Over time, this ice can rise up the back wall. Cleaning the drainage often solves the problem without calling a technician.
For cleaning, you can use soft wire, cotton wool on a wire, or a special brush-brush. It is important to be careful not to puncture the thin drain tube that runs inside the housing. After mechanical cleaning, it is recommended to rinse the channel with warm water.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, knitting needles) to clean the drainage hole without restrictions. You can damage the tube, and refrigerant or oil will leak out, which will require expensive repairs.
Seal failure and operating rules
The reason is not always a breakdown of the electronics. Often users themselves create conditions for icing. The door does not fit tightly is the main enemy. If the rubber seal is dirty, damaged or simply worn out, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber.
Moisture from the air instantly condenses on the cold back wall and freezes. You can check the tightness in a simple way: hold a piece of paper in the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily without resistance, the seal requires replacement or adjustment.
The placement of products also affects the formation of ice. If you put a hot pan or just warm food in the refrigerator, it will actively produce steam. This steam settles on the coldest surface - the back wall, turning into frost.
Fault diagnosis table
To quickly assess the situation, use the table below. It will help compare symptoms with possible causes and determine further actions.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Ice only at the bottom of the chamber, water on the floor | Clogged drainage hole | Low (you can do it yourself) |
| Thick coat of ice all over the wall | Faulty defrost sensor or heating element | Medium (need master) |
| Ice freezes unevenly, in clumps | The door seal is broken | Low/Medium |
| Ice + lack of cold in the chamber | Full evaporator block with ice (No Frost) | High (disassembly) |
As can be seen from the table, simple cases of blockage can be eliminated independently. However, if the problem lies in the electrical part of the system No Frost, diagnostics with instruments will be required.
It works non-stop, trying to break through the thermal insulation of the ice. A layer of ice with a thickness of more than 5 mm is considered critical - with such a thickness, thermal conductivity drops significantly, and operating efficiency drops to zero.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does ice freeze in only one corner of the refrigerator?
This may indicate a local violation of air circulation or misalignment of the refrigerator. If the device is not level, condensation may flow not into the drain, but into a corner, where it freezes. Partial blockage of the freon outlet channel in this place is also possible.
Is it possible to defrost a refrigerator Atlant with a hair dryer?
You can use a hair dryer, but with extreme caution. Direct the flow of warm (not hot!) air only at the ice masses, avoiding contact with plastic parts and especially the rear condenser grille (at the back of the refrigerator), as it may be coated with varnish that will melt. It is better to use natural defrosting.
How often do you need to defrost a refrigerator with a No Frost system?
The system No Frost does not require regular manual defrosting to remove ice, as it does this automatically. However, once every 6-12 months it is recommended to completely turn off the refrigerator for washing and treating with an antiseptic in order to maintain hygiene.
Does the amount of food affect the formation of ice?
Yes, it does. An overcrowded refrigerator disrupts air circulation. If food is placed close to the back wall, it blocks the outlet of cold air and becomes covered with frost. There should be a gap of at least 2-3 cm between the food and the back wall.