How to properly refill the Biryusa refrigerator: choosing freon, oil and step-by-step instructions

Refrigerators Biryusa are one of the most common in Russia due to their reliability and affordability. However, even they require periodic maintenance, especially when it comes to replacing the refrigerant or oil in the compressor. The wrong choice of freon or oil can lead to compressor breakdown, refrigerant leakage or reduced cooling efficiency.

In this article Let's look at, how to refill a Biryusa refrigerator depending on the model and year of manufacture, what types of freons (R134a, R600a) and oils (MOBIL EAL Arctic 32, Shell Clavus G 32) are suitable, and also give step-by-step instructions for refilling yourself. We will pay special attention to the typical mistakes that beginners make and ways to avoid them.

If your refrigerator Biryusa stops freezing, makes uncharacteristic sounds, or the compressor works without stopping - these are direct signs of problems with the refrigerant. But before refueling, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the cause: a freon leak, a clogged capillary tube or compressor wear. Independent refueling requires special equipment and skills, so if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist.

1. What freon is used in Biryusa refrigerators?

Modern models Biryusa (produced after 2010) are mainly charged with two types of refrigerants:

• 🔹 R600a (isobutane) - environmentally friendly, but flammable Freon. Used in most household models (Biryusa-18C, Biryusa-22, Biryusa-130 etc.).
• 🔹 R134a is an older refrigerant, found in refrigerators produced before 2015 (Biryusa-6, Biryusa-10).

How to determine what kind of freon is in your refrigerator?

1. Look at nameplate (metal plate) on the back or inside the refrigeration chamber. The type of refrigerant is indicated there.
2. If the nameplate is missing, check compressor modelcompressors are usually used R600a compressors are usually used Danfoss (series NL, NLE), For R134a — Secop (previously Danfoss SC, SL).
3. As a last resort, contact Biryusa service center for the refrigerator model.

⚠️ Attention: R600a —flammable gas. If leaked, it can ignite from an open flame (for example, a gas stove). Refilling with such freon is carried out only in a well-ventilated area, without sources of sparks.

2. What kind of oil should I fill in the Biryusa compressor?

Oil in the refrigerator compressor Biryusa performs three key functions:

1. Lubrication of rubbing parts.
2. Heat removal from the compressor.
3. Dissolution of refrigerant (for R600a special oil is required).

The table below shows the compatibility of oils and freons for refrigerators Biryusa:

Important: For R600a it is strictly forbidden to use mineral oils —they do not dissolve in isobutane, which leads to clogging of the capillary tube. Only synthetic oils based on polyolesters (POE).

⚠️ Attention: When replacing freon (for example, from R12 to R134a) Be sure to flush the system and change the oil. Remains of old oil may react with the new refrigerant.

3. Equipment for refilling the Biryusa refrigerator

For self-refueling you will need:

• 🔧 Vacuum pump (for pumping air from the system).
• 🔧 Gauge manifold with hoses.
• 🔧 Cylinder with freon (volume depends on the refrigerator model).
• 🔧 Scales for precise dosing of refrigerant.
• 🔧 Keys for service ports (usually 5/16" or 1/4").
• 🔧 Leak detector (electronic or soap solution).

Equipment cost starts from 10–15 thousand rubles (for a budget set). If refueling is needed one-time, it is cheaper to contact the service (service price: 2–5 thousand rubles depending on the region).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use household kitchen scales —they are not enough accurate. An error of 5–10 grams of freon can lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator.

Where to buy freon and oil for Biryusa?

Freon R600a i R134a is sold in cylinders of 600–800 g in refrigeration stores (for example, "Holod-Service", "KrioProf"). data-i="150">can be ordered online (Wildberries, Ozon) or in specialized services. Pay attention to quality certificates - fakes may contain impurities that are harmful to the compressor. MOBIL EAL Arctic or Shell Clavus can be ordered online (Wildberries, Ozon) or in specialized services. Pay attention to quality certificates - counterfeits may contain impurities that are harmful to the compressor.

4. Step-by-step instructions for refilling the Biryusa refrigerator

Before starting work unplug the refrigerator from the mains and let it stand for 1-2 hours (so that the pressure in the system stabilizes).

Step 1. Leak diagnosis

• 🔍 Check the soldering areas of the tubes for oil stains (a sign leaks).
• 🔍 Apply a soap solution to suspicious areas - if bubbles appear, there is a leak.
• 🔍 Use an electronic leak detector for an accurate determination.

Step 2. Pumping out old freon

1. Connect gauge manifold to the service port (usually located on the compressor).
2. Open the valve and bleed the remaining freon into a recycling cylinder (not into the atmosphere!).
3. Close valve and connect vacuum pump.

Step 3. Evacuate the system

• 🕒 Vacuum the system for 20–30 minutes (to pressure -1 bar).
• 🕒 Close the valve and watch the pressure gauge for 10–15 minutes. If the pressure rises, there is a leak.

Step 4. Filling with freon

1. Connect the freon cylinder to manifold.
2. Open the valve and slowly fill the refrigerant, monitoring the weight on the scales.
3. For Biryusa-18C s R600a usually required 60–80 grams, for Biryusa-22 — 90–110 grams.

Step 5. Checking operation

• ✅ Turn on the refrigerator and wait until the compressor starts.
• ✅ Check the temperature in the chambers (should drop to +4...+6°C in 1-2 hours).
• ✅ Inspect the service port for leaks.

Checked the type of freon according to the nameplate|Prepared the oil (if replacement is required)|The system is evacuated (pressure -1 bar)|The freon cylinder is connected correctly|The scales are zeroed and ready for weighing-->

5. Typical mistakes when refueling and how to avoid them

Even experienced professionals sometimes make mistakes. Here are the most common:

❌ Recharging freon

Too much refrigerant leads to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor.
• ❄️ Freezing of the capillary tubes.
• 🔊 Increased noise during operation.

How to avoid: Strictly follow the filling standards for your model (see the table in the refrigerator passport).

❌ Using the wrong oil

For example, pouring mineral oil instead of POE for R600a leads to:

• 🛑 Clogged capillary tube.
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor.
• 💥 Breakdown after 1-2 months.

How to avoid: Buy oil only from proven brands (Mobil, Shell, Emkarate) and check the manufacturer's recommendations.

❌ Incomplete vacuuming

If moisture or air remains in the system:

• 💧 An ice plug forms in the capillary tube.
• 🔧 Corrosion of metal parts accelerates.

How to avoid: Vacuum the system for at least 20 minutes and check the tightness with a pressure gauge.

6. When refilling does not help: signs of serious damage

Sometimes the problem is not a freon leak, but other malfunctions. Refilling in these cases will not solve the problem and can aggravate it:

🔴 The compressor does not starts

Possible reasons:

• 🔌 The start-protection relay is faulty.
• 🔋 The compressor winding has burned out.
• 🔌 Problems with the power supply (check the socket and power supply cord).

🔴 The refrigerator works, but does not freeze

Causes:

• 🧊 Clogged capillary tube (needs cleaning or replacement).
• 🔧 Faulty thermostat or sensor temperature.
• 🔥 Freon leak in a hard-to-reach place (for example, in the evaporator).

🔴 The compressor works without stopping

This can be caused by:

• 🔥 Refilling freon.
• 🧊 Refrigerant leak.
• 🔧 Malfunction of the thermostat.

⚠️ Attention: If after refilling the compressor heats up to 80–90°C (can be checked with an infrared thermometer) - turn it off immediately refrigerator. This is a sign of a critical malfunction that can lead to fire.

7. Cost of refueling at the service vs. self-repair

Prices for refilling refrigerators Biryusa in service centers in 2026:

Self-refueling will cost less (about 1,500–2 500 ₽ for freon and oil), but will require the purchase or rental of equipment. If you have no experience, the risk of error is highwhich can lead to breakdown of the compressor (its replacement costs 8,000–15,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: Some services offer "cheap" refilling without vacuuming. This is a gross violation of technology that will lead to repeated leakage within 1-3 months.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refilling Biryusa refrigerators

You can Is it possible to fill a Biryusa refrigerator with R134a freon instead of R600a?

No, replacement R600a to R134a without modification of the system is impossible. These freons have different pressures and require different oils. Forced replacement will lead to compressor failure. If you need to switch to a different refrigerant, the compressor needs to be replaced and the system flushed.

How much freon is needed for Biryusa-18?

For model Biryusa-18C s freon R600a usually required 60–80 grams. The exact amount is indicated on the nameplate or in the passport of the refrigerator. When refilling, use scales accurate to 1 gram.

What will happen if you overfill freon?

An excess of freon leads to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor (risk of failure).
• ❄️ Freezing of the capillary tube (the refrigerator stops working) freeze).
• 🔊 Increased load on the engine (noise increases).

If it’s overfilled, you need to bleed off the excess through the service port.

How often do you need to refuel the Biryusa refrigerator?

In normal conditions conditions freon does not evaporate. Refilling is required only when:

• 🔧 Leakage (mechanical damage to tubes).
• 🔧 Repairing the compressor or replacing system parts.
• 🔧 Switching to another type of refrigerant (for example, during modernization).

If the refrigerator is working properly, refilling is not needed for the entire service life (10–15 years).

Is it possible to refill a refrigerator without a vacuum pump?

No, evacuation is mandatory. Without it, moisture and air will remain in the system, which will lead to:

• 💧 Formation of ice plugs.
• 🔧 Corrosion of metal details.
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor.

As a last resort, you can use nitrogen for purging, but it is less effective.