What Indesit refrigerators are refilled with: types of freon, oils and rules safety

Refrigerators Indesit are one of the most popular on the Russian market due to the combination of price, quality and ease of repair. But even reliable equipment requires maintenance, especially when it comes to refrigerant system. The question “what do refrigerators fill with Indesit" arises among owners when there is a freon leak, after replacing a compressor, or when diagnosing malfunctions. In this article we will figure out which refrigerants and oil are used in brand models, how to determine the right type, and what to do if refueling is required.

Many people mistakenly think that all refrigerators are filled the same way. In fact, the choice of freon depends on year of manufacture, model, type of compressor and even environmental standards. For example, old Indesit (before 2010) often work on R-12 or R-134a, and modern ones - on R-600a (isobutane) or R-134a. No less important is the question oil: its type must match the refrigerant, otherwise the compressor will quickly fail.

If you plan to refill yourself, it is important to understand: a mistake in choosing freon or oil can lead to compressor failure, leakage or even fire (in the case of flammable refrigerants). Therefore, before starting work, it is worth checking the technical characteristics of your particular model.

What refrigerants are used in Indesit refrigerators

Refrigerant (freon) is the “blood” of the refrigeration system. The cooling efficiency, noise level and even energy consumption depend on its type. Refrigerators use several types of freon, and their choice is determined by both technical and environmental requirements. Until the 2000s, most models were filled with difluorodichloromethane. This freon is highly efficient, but destroys the ozone layer, so its production is prohibited by the Montreal Protocol. Today Indesit Several types of freon are used, and their choice is determined by both technical and environmental requirements.

Until the 2000s, most models were fueled R-12 (difluorodichloromethane). This freon is highly efficient, but destroys the ozone layer, so its production is prohibited by the Montreal Protocol. Today R-12 found only in very old refrigerators or in countries where environmental restrictions are not yet in effect. You can replace it with R-134a, but you will need to flush the system and change the oil.

Since the 2010s, Indesit switched to more environmentally friendly refrigerants:

• 🔹 R-134a - non-toxic, non-flammable, but requires special oil (POE). Used in most middle-class models, for example Indesit DF 4180 W or Indesit BIAA 13.
• 🔥 R-600a (isobutane) - flammable, but ultra-efficient and environmentally friendly. Used in modern models with low power consumption (class A+++). For example, Indesit ITS 5180 W or Indesit ITF 118 W.
• ❄️ R-404A is a mixture of refrigerants, used in some commercial and two-compressor models (rarely).

You can determine the type of freon in your refrigerator by nameplate (sticker on the back wall or inside the chamber) or from the documentation. If the nameplate is erased, pay attention to year of manufacture:

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2000 and is refilled R-12, do not try to refill it with the same freon. Modern analogues (R-134a) require a complete oil change and flushing of the system, otherwise the compressor will fail.

What oil is used with freon in Indesit

The oil in the refrigerator performs two key functions: lubricates the compressor and dissolves freon for effective circulation. Use of the wrong oil is one of the main causes of breakdowns after refilling. The type of oil depends on the refrigerant:

• 🛢️ Mineral oil - used with R-12 and some older models on R-22. Today it is almost not used.
• 🧪 POE (Polyolester) is a synthetic oil for R-134a and R-600a. It is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), so it requires sealed packaging.
• 🔬 PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) —rarely used in refrigerators, more often in car air conditioners.

In most modern ones Indesit used POE oil. Its brand is indicated on the compressor nameplate (for example, POE 32 or POE 46). The number indicates viscosity: the higher the temperature in the condenser, the higher the value required. For household refrigerators, it is usually sufficient POE 32.

If you have not found information about oil, you can focus on the type of freon:

• 🔹 For R-134a — POE 32 or POE 46.
• 🔥 For R-600a —only POE 32 (isobutane is sensitive to viscosity).
• ⚠️ For R-12 —mineral oil (but it is better to replace freon and oil completely).

⚠️ Attention: POE oil actively absorbs moisture from the air. If a can of oil has been opened for more than 15 minutes, it cannot be used - this will lead to blockage of the capillary tube.

How to determine the volume of freon for refilling

Lack or excess of freon is equally harmful: in the first case, the refrigerator does not cool, in the second - The compressor is overloaded. The exact volume depends on:

• 📏 Length of the pipeline (the longer, the more freon is needed).
• 🔧 Type of compressor (powerful models require more refrigerant).
• 🌡️ Temperature conditions (models with No Frost fill 10–15% more).

Average values for Indesit:

• 🔹 Single-chamber refrigerators: 30–50 grams.
• 🔹 Double-chamber (without 60–90 grams in grams next to the type of freon). No Frost): 60–90 grams.
• 🔹 Models with No Frost: 90–120 grams.

The exact volume can be found:

1. On the compressor nameplate (sometimes indicated in grams next to the type of freon).
2. In the service manual (search by model + service manual).
3. At an authorized dealer Indesit (by VIN code or serial number).

Step-by-step instructions for refilling an Indesit refrigerator

Independent refilling requires tools and skills, but is possible if you follow the technology. Below is the basic algorithm for refrigerants. R-134a i R-600a.

Required equipment:

Gauge station with hoses|Cylinder with freon (with adapter for R-600a)|Vacuum pump|Thermometer for overheating control|Keys for service ports-->

Step 1. Preparation

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost (if it was working).
2. Find the service ports: usually these are suction (thick tube) and discharge (thin tube). models Indesit they are located on the compressor or next to the filter-drier.
3. Connect the pressure gauges: blue hose - to the suction port, red - to the freon cylinder, yellow - to the vacuum pump.

Step 2. Evacuation of the system

Open the blue and yellow valves at the station, turn on the vacuum pump for 15-20 minutes. The pressure gauge needle should fall to -1 bar. Close the valves and wait 10 minutes: if the pressure does not rise, the system is sealed.

Step 3. Filling with freon

1. Turn the freon bottle upside down (for liquid filling).
2. Open the red valve for 5-10 seconds, then close. Repeat until the pressure at the suction port reaches 0.2–0.5 bar 0.2–0.5 bar (For R-134a) or 0.1–0.3 bar data-i="179">Turn on the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, monitoring the temperature of the discharge tube (should be warm, but not hot). (For R-600a).
3. Turn on the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, monitoring the temperature of the discharge tube (should be warm, but not hot).

Step 4. Check

After refueling:

• 🔹 The temperature in the freezer should drop to -18°C in 1-2 hours.
• 🔹 The compressor should operate in cycles (turn on/off), and not continuously.
• 🔹 The discharge tube should not freeze.

What to do if after The refrigerator does not cool the refills?

If the temperature does not drop, there are possible reasons:

1. Lack of freon —refill in small portions (5-10 grams each).

2. Clogged capillary tube —flushing is required or replacement.

3. Faulty compressor —check the resistance of the windings (should be 20–40 Ohms).

4. Wrong oil —drain and replace with a suitable one (see section above).

⚠️ Attention: When refueling R-600a (isobutane), it is strictly forbidden to smoke or use open fire within a radius of 5 meters. This freon is flammable, and its vapors are heavier than air and accumulate below.

Frequent errors when refueling and how to avoid them

Even experienced technicians sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here are the most common ones:

1. Refilling freonSymptoms: the compressor gets hot, the discharge tube. ice cold, the refrigerator does not turn off. Solution: bleed off excess freon through the service port.
2. Using the wrong oil. For example, mineral oil leads to jamming of the compressor. R-134a leads to compressor jamming. Solution: complete oil change with flushing of the system.
3. Leaky hose connection. Symptom: pressure in the system drops after evacuation. Solution: check the seals and repeat evacuation.
4. Refilling without vacuuming. Moisture remains in the system, which freezes in the capillary tube. less than 20 minutes.

Another typical problem is wrong choice of freon. For example, if instead of R-600a refill R-134a, the refrigerator will work, but:

• 🔹 Energy consumption will increase by 15–20%.
• 🔹 The temperature in the chambers will be unstable.
• 🔹 The compressor will wear out faster due to inconsistency oils.

To avoid mistakes, always check with nameplate data and use only certified refrigerants. For example, for Indesit ITS 5180 W c R-600a only brand isobutane is suitable Isoceane 600a or analogues.

Where to buy freon and oil for Indesit

You can purchase refrigerants and oils in the following places:

• 🛒 Specialized stores (for example, "Holod-Service", "Freon-Market") They sell cylinders from 1 kg, which is convenient for one-time refilling.
• 🌍 Online stores (AliExpress, "220 Volt", "VseInstruments.ru") Prices are lower, but delivery may take time.
• 🔧 Service shops. centers. Many workshops sell freon and oil wholesale and retail.

Average prices for 2026:

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Certificate of quality (freon must comply with GOST or ISO).
• 🔹 Date of production (POE oil has a shelf life of 2-3 years).
• 🔹 Availability of adapter (for R-600a a special valve is needed).

⚠️ Attention: There is counterfeit freon on the market, diluted with air or other gases. This “refrigerant” does not cool, but does not cool. only spoils the compressor. Buy only from trusted suppliers.

When refilling does not help: signs of other faults

Sometimes owners mistake other faults for a freon leak, check:

• 🔌 Thermostat. If it is faulty, the compressor does not turn on or runs without stopping. You can check it with a multimeter: the resistance between the contacts should change when you turn the knob.
• ❄️ Capillary tube. A clog causes the compressor to heat up, but there is no cold. Sign: the condenser (grid at the back) is cold, but it should be. hot.
• 🔊 Start relay. If the refrigerator clicks when turned on, but does not start, the problem is in the relay or compressor. You can check the relay by replacing it with a known good one.
• 🌡️ Temperature sensor (on models with electronic control). If it breaks down, an error may appear on the display, for example: F02 or E1.

If the problem remains after filling with freon, perform diagnostics according to the diagram:

1. Check the voltage in the socket (should be 220–230 V).
2. Ring the compressor: the resistance between the windings is 20–40 Ohm, on the case - infinity.
3. Inspect the capacitor: if it is covered in dust, clean it with a vacuum cleaner.

In models Indesit with a system No Frost may also fail defrost timer or Evaporator heating element. They are checked with a multimeter in dial mode.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refilling Indesit refrigerators

Is it possible to refill an Indesit refrigerator 2005 release with freon R-600a instead of R-134a?

No, this is impossible without completely replacing the compressor and oil. R-600a requires POE oils and a special compressor designed for isobutane. Older models use mineral oil or POE For R-134athat are incompatible with R-600aAn attempt to replace this will lead to jamming of the compressor.

How much does it cost to refill an Indesit refrigerator at a service center? center?

The cost depends on the region and type of freon:

• 🔹 Refill R-134a: 2500–4000 ₽ (including diagnostics).
• 🔹 Refill R-600a: 3000–5000 ₽ (due to the high price of freon and safety requirements).
• 🔹 Oil change + refilling: 4000–6000 ₽.

The price usually includes checking for leaks and vacuuming.

How to understand that there is a freon leak in the Indesit refrigerator?

Signs of a leak:

• 🔹 The refrigerator does not cool, but the compressor works without stopping.
• 🔹 The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.
• 🔹 Oil stains are visible on the tubes or in the chamber (freon carries away the oil).
• 🔹 After turning off the power, the pressure in the system does not hold (checked with a pressure gauge).

If at least one of the signs is present, a leak diagnosis is needed.

Is it possible to refill an Indesit refrigerator yourself if you have no experience?

Theoretically, yes, but with reservations:

• 🔹 For R-134a the risk is less - this freon is non-flammable.
• 🔹 For R-600a you need skills: isobutane is explosive.
• 🔹 Without a pressure gauge station and a vacuum pump, refueling is impossible.

If you have no experience, it is better to practice on an unnecessary refrigerator or call a specialist.

What to do if, after refueling, the Indesit refrigerator begins to make a lot of noise?

Possible reasons:

• 🔹 Refilling freon —bleed off excess through the service port.
• 🔹 Air in the system —repeat the vacuum and refueling.
• 🔹 Inappropriate oil —drain and replace with the recommended one.
• 🔹 The compressor is loose —tighten the bolts.

If the noise does not go away, check the vibration level: replacement may be required compressor shock absorbers.