Buying a new household appliance always causes excitement, especially when it comes to large equipment, such as refrigerator. Immediately after delivery and unpacking, owners often wonder about the correct course of action to avoid damaging expensive equipment in the first minutes of operation. Particular attention should be paid to the time interval necessary to stabilize the operation of the compressor and achieve the specified temperature conditions.
Many people mistakenly believe that the device begins to freeze instantly, but the physics of the process requires time to circulate the refrigerant and cool the internal chambers. Atlant refrigerators, like any other equipment must undergo a primary freezing stage, which can last from several hours to a day depending on the model and environmental conditions. Ignoring this period can lead to spoilage of food or incorrect operation of the thermostat.
In this article we will look in detail at why you can’t load food right away, how the room temperature affects the operating time and what nuances are typical for systems No Frost and drip defrosting. Understanding these processes will allow you to avoid common mistakes and extend the service life of your new unit.
Physics of the process: why you need to wait
The operating principle of any refrigeration equipment, including popular models Atlantis based on the circulation of refrigerant (freon) in a closed circuit. When first started, the system is empty of thermal load, but the oil in the compressor should be evenly distributed throughout the pipelines, and the refrigerant itself should fill the evaporator. This process does not occur instantly, requiring a certain time to reach operating mode.
If you try to load warm products into the unit that has just been turned on, the compressor will be forced to work at the limit of its capabilities, trying to compensate for the sudden influx of heat. This creates excess pressure in the system and can lead to premature wear of the motor. The optimal time to enter the no-load mode is from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the ambient temperature in the room.
In addition, it is important to consider that temperature sensors and thermostats are calibrated to operate in a certain range. If there is a sudden load surge, the controller may read readings incorrectly, which will lead to cyclic errors in operation. Therefore, the initial startup should always take place in “idle” mode, when the doors are closed and the chambers are empty.
Operating time depending on the system defrosting
The duration of the primary cooling cycle directly depends on what defrosting system is installed in your model Atlant. Technologies No Frost (full or combined) require more time for the first run, since not only the walls of the chambers are subject to cooling, but also the system of air ducts and fans.
In models with a drip system (crying evaporator), the process can go a little faster, since the cold is generated directly on the back wall freezer or refrigerator compartment. However, even here you should not rush things, expecting an instant result. The time difference can be from 2 to 4 hours in favor of simpler systems.
Below is a comparative table showing the approximate ramp-up time for various configurations:
| System type | Minimum time (hours) | Maximum time (hours) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip (single-compressor) | 4 | 6 | Gathers cold in the main chamber faster |
| No Frost (full) | 6 | 10 | Requires time for circulation air |
| Combined (Frost Free) | 5 | 8 | No Frost freezer, drip refrigerator |
| Two-compressor models | 4 | 7 | Independent operation of the circuits speeds up the process |
It is worth noting that the indicated time intervals are relevant provided that the refrigerator is connected to a network with a rated voltage. If your network experiences frequent voltage surges, the stabilization time may increase, since the electronics will operate in protective mode.
Correct preparation for the first launch
Before asking about the operating time, you need to make sure that the preparatory stage has been completed correctly. Transport boltsif they were installed (although in modern Atlantakh they are often not there, but shelf clamps may be) must be removed. Internal shelves and drawers must be arranged according to the instructions to ensure proper air circulation.
The vertical position of the unit is a critical point. If the refrigerator was tilted while climbing stairs, it must be allowed to settle. Oil from the compressor may have flowed into the circuit, and it takes time to return to the engine crankcase, which is calculated as 1 hour of settling for every hour of inclination.
⚠️ Attention: Do not plug in the device if you smell gas or see damage to the power cord. In case of mechanical damage to the case received during delivery, draw up a report with the courier before signing the documents.
After installation on a flat surface and adjusting the legs for stability, you can begin connecting. Make sure the outlet is grounded and meets wattage requirements. The use of extension cords or tees is not recommended, as this may cause fire hazardous situation or loss of warranty.
☑️ Checklist before switching on
Algorithm of actions when turning on for the first time
Startup process Atlant refrigerator must be consistent. First, make sure that all internal components are in place. Then plug the power cord into a power outlet. At this moment, you may hear a quiet click or hum - this is a normal reaction of the compressor to the supply of electricity.
After turning on, do not open the doors for the first hour. Each opening admits warm, moist air, which condenses on the cold walls and increases the load on the system. If your model is equipped with a digital display, it will light up immediately, but the temperature inside will begin to drop only after 15-20 minutes.
Sequence of actions:1. Installation by level.
2. Connection to 220V network.
3. Setting the minimum power (if there is adjustment).
4. Waiting 4-6 hours without food.
In some models with electronic control, it may be necessary to activate the “Super Freeze” mode to speed up the process, but in standard situations it is enough to leave the device in automatic mode. The system itself will determine the required intensity of work.
Why is a new refrigerator humming?
In the first hours of operation, the vibration may be a little stronger than usual due to the uneven distribution of refrigerant and oil in the system. If after a day the hum does not subside and is accompanied by a knock, contact service.
How to check that the refrigerator has started to freeze
You can determine that refrigeration unit has reached operating mode in several ways. The simplest one is tactile. 4-5 hours after switching on, carefully touch the shelves in the freezer. They should be noticeably cold. In the refrigerator compartment, the cold may be less pronounced, but the air should already be cool.
If you have a model with a system No Frost, pay attention to the absence of frost on the back wall - in such systems the wall remains dry, and the cold is pumped by the fan. In drip models, the first drops of moisture may appear on the back panel of the refrigerator compartment, which indicates the start of the defrost cycle and normal operation.
It is also worth listening to the cyclical operation of the motor. Normally, the compressor should turn on, run for a certain time, gain temperature and turn off. If the motor hums continuously for more than 12 hours without stopping, this may indicate a freon leak or a malfunction of the thermostat.
⚠️ Attention: If after 8-10 hours of operation it is still warm inside the chambers and the compressor is hot and running non-stop, immediately unplug the device and contact an authorized service center. Operation in this mode is prohibited.
Frequent user errors during startup
One of the most common errors is loading products immediately after switching on. Many users, wanting to cool drinks or food faster, fill the chambers to capacity. This leads to the fact that temperature conditions it is not set for days, and the quality of food storage is at risk.
Another mistake is setting the maximum cooling power right away. Although in some cases this is acceptable, most often the system itself will optimally allocate resources. Forced operation at the limit in the first hours can lead to a false diagnosis of a malfunction if the compressor goes into overheating protection.
You should also not ignore the operating instructions that come with Atlant. There may be specific requirements for a particular series, for example, the need for preliminary defrosting (if the device was in a warehouse without preservation) or special conditions for models with a zero zone.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator immediately after delivery?
If transportation was carried out in an upright position and without strong shaking, then after 2-3 hours of settling. If the refrigerator was lying or tilted strongly, you need to wait at least 4-6 hours (or better yet, a day) for the oil to drain into the compressor.
How long should the compressor run when first started?
When turned on for the first time, the compressor can operate continuously until the set temperature is reached. This may take from 4 to 10 hours. After this it should turn off. If it does not turn off for more than 12 hours, this is a cause for concern.
Is it normal that the side walls of the refrigerator are hot?
Yes, this is normal. In modern models Atlant capacitors (heat exchangers) are often built into the side walls. During active cooling work, they can heat up to 50-60 degrees Celsius, releasing heat into the room.
Do you need to wash the inside of the refrigerator before first use?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust and the smell of plastic or packaging materials may remain inside. Wipe the internal surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special product for household appliances, and let dry.