How to determine the type of freon in a refrigerator: a step-by-step guide

The refrigerator stopped freezing, and the technician asked to name the type of freon to refill? Or have you decided to understand the equipment yourself, but don’t know what refrigerant circulates in the system? You can determine the brand of freon yourself - without disassembling the unit and special devices. In 90% of cases, it is enough to carefully inspect the refrigerator and use our instructions.

In this article you will find 7 working methods refrigerant identification - from checking the nameplate to analyzing the model year. We will also tell you why you can’t refill a refrigerator “by eye”, how freons differ R134a, R600a and R12, and what will happen if you confuse the types. For convenience, we added compatibility table by brands and years.

Spoiler: most modern refrigerators (after 2010) use R600a (isobutane) or R134a. But there are nuances - for example, in some models LG and Samsung (propane) is still found. And in Soviet units it is almost always flooded R290 (propane). And in Soviet units it is almost always flooded R12 —it has been banned in new devices for 20 years, but it still “drives” in old refrigerators.

1. We are looking for information on the nameplate

The most reliable way is to check technical sticker (nameplate), which is on every refrigerator. It is usually located:

• 📍 On the back wall (most often - in the upper part, near the compressor).
• 📍 Inside the chamber - on the side wall or ceiling (relevant for models Liebert, Electrolux).
• 📍 Under the drawers for vegetables (in some Atlant and Stinol).
• 📍 On the door - on the side or bottom (rarely, but found in Beko).

On the nameplate, look for inscriptions like:

• 🔹 Refrigerant: R600a or Refrigerant Type: R134a
• 🔹 Gas: Iso-Butane (this is R600a)
• 🔹 HFC-134a (for freon R134a)

If the sticker is worn off or missing (for example, after repair), proceed to the next method. By the way, on some refrigerators Samsung and LG premium class, the nameplate is hidden under the decorative panel - it can be carefully removed with a screwdriver.

2. Determine freon by refrigerator model

If the label is missing or unreadable, use model database. data-i="93">—it is indicated on the same nameplate (for example,. Most manufacturers indicate the type of refrigerant in the technical specifications on the official websites. Here's how to find information:

1. Find the model - it is indicated on the same nameplate (for example, RB37J5230SA for Samsung or C 1801 for Atlant).
2. Enter the model into the search engine with the addition of the word "specification" or "technical data". Example request: Indesit BIAA 13 specification manufacturer's website.
3. Look for the "Refrigerant" section or "Refrigerant" in the PDF instructions or on the product page.

For convenience, we have collected data on popular brands in the table below. Please note: one manufacturer may have used different freons in different years. For example, Atlant before 2005, poured R12, and after 2010 - only R600a.

Find the model on the nameplate

Enter "model + specification" into the search engine

Check the "Refrigerant" or "Refrigerant" section

Check the data with our table below-->

Table: Types of freon by brand and year of manufacture

Important: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 1995, it is likely 99% of it contains freon R12. Its production is prohibited, but some service centers still store leftovers for repairing older models.

⚠️ Attention: The data in the table is based on the most common models. Check the type of freon for a specific series of refrigerator - even one brand could produce units with different refrigerants in the same year.

3. We analyze the year of manufacture and the country of manufacture

If the model of the refrigerator is unknown, you can focus on year of production and countryHere are the key guidelines:

• 📅 Until 1995 - almost always R12 (in the USSR and Europe) or R22 (in the USA).
• 📅 1995–2010 - transition period: R134a (in No Frost systems) or R600a (in drip models).
• 📅 After 2010 — 90% of refrigerators operate on R600a (isobutane) or R290 (propane).

By country:

• 🇪🇺 Europe: since 2015 prohibited R134a in household refrigerators (used only R600a/R290).
• 🇺🇸 USA/Canada: until now found R134a in middle-class models.
• 🇨🇳 China: in cheap refrigerators (for example, Haier, Midea) can be R134a even after 2020.

Example: if you have a refrigerator Indesit 2008 (Italy), most likely it contains R134aAnd if LG 2018 (Korea) - almost certainly R600a.

How to find out the year of manufacture by serial number?

The serial number of a refrigerator often contains an encoded year. For example, in models Samsung the first digit after the letters indicates the year (8 = 2018, 9 = 2019). 3–4 characters (for example, Atlant the year can be encrypted in 3–4 characters (for example, C1801-001, where 18 = 2018).

4. Determine freon by compressor type

The type of refrigerant is directly related to compressor. compare:

• 🔧 Piston compressor (old models) - usually R12 or R134aFound in refrigerators until 2010.
• 🔧 Inverter compressor (modern models) - almost always R600a or R290. These freons are more environmentally friendly and efficient in systems with continuously variable power control.
• 🔧 Linear compressor (occurs u LG) - usually R600a, less often R134a.

How to find out the type of compressor? Inspect the back wall of the refrigerator:

• 🔹 If the compressor black color, with a ribbed surface - most likely piston (old type).
• 🔹 If the compressor silver, with a smooth body and inscription Inverter — inverter.

You can also listen to the operation of the refrigerator:

• 🔊 The piston compressor emits rhythmic humming with pauses.
• 🔊 The inverter works almost silent, with a smooth change in tone.

⚠️ Attention: Some refrigerators (for example, Samsung RB** series) have two compressors - for the refrigeration and freezer compartments. They can use different freons! Check each circuit separately.

5. We check the defrosting system

Type defrosting will also tell you which freon is filled:

• ❄️ Drip system (manual defrosting) - most often R600a or R290. These freons work better in simple single-circuit systems.
• ❄️ No Frost (automatic defrosting) - usually R134a (in old models) or R600a (in new ones). Freon is not used in No Frost systems. data-i="213">on the back wall you can see R12 not used in No Frost systems.
• ❄️ Low Frost (y Bosch, Siemens) - only R600a.

How to determine the defrosting system?

• 🔍 In refrigerators with drip system visible on the back wall frostwhich melts during defrosting.
• 🔍 In models No Frost there is no frost - moisture is removed by a fan.
• 🔍 In Low Frost there is frost, but it is much less than in drip systems.

Exception: some refrigerators LG with system Smart Inverter use R290 even in No Frost models. Therefore, it is better to double-check the data on the nameplate.

6. Pay attention to the color of the oil in the compressor

This method is suitable if you already disassembled the refrigerator or see the oil through the inspection window of the compressor. The color of the oil depends on the type of freon:

• 🟡 Yellow or light brown - oil based mineral components, used with freon R12.
• 🔵 Bluish or transparent — semi-synthetic oil for R134a.
• 🟢 Green or emerald — synthetic oil (POE), compatible with R600a and R290.

Important: this method inaccurateas the oil can oxidize over time or be replaced during repairs. For example, after refueling, synthetic oil could be poured into the refrigerator, and it will be green, although the freon remains the same. R134a They could fill in synthetic oil, and it will turn green, although the freon remains the same.

If you see oil black this is a sign of severe contamination of the system. In this case, freon must not only be determined, but also completely replaced along with the oil and filter-drier.

⚠️ Attention: Some “masters” pour the wrong oil into the refrigerator during repairs in order to save money. This leads to compressor failure within 1–2 years. Always ask for a certificate for refrigerant and oil!

7. When you can’t do without a specialist

If all of the above methods did not help, you will have to contact a specialist. Here are the cases in which this is necessary:

• 🔧 Refrigerator very old (before 1990), and there are no stickers on it.
• 🔧 You suspect freon leak — in this case, you need not only to determine the type, but also to find the location of the leak (evacuating the system is often required).
• 🔧 Refrigerator imported and rare model (for example, Japanese Hitachi or Panasonic until 2000).
• 🔧 You are planning self-filling - without experience it is easy to make a mistake with the type of freon or pressure.

What the master will do:

1. Connect manometric manifold to the service port and determine the type of freon by pressure.
2. Check oil compatibility in the compressor.
3. If necessary, do gas analysis using a leak detector.

The cost of such diagnostics is from 1,000 to 2,500 rubles (depending on the region). This is cheaper than repairing the compressor after filling with the wrong freon.

What happens if you mix up the freon?

Refilling the refrigerator inappropriate refrigerant leads to serious damage. Here are the problems that will arise depending on the error:

The most dangerous mistake is filling R290 (propane) into a system designed for R134a. Propane has a higher pressure and can rupture the condenser or damage the compressor after just a few days of operation.

Another nuance: freons R600a i R290 flammable (as opposed to R134a). If a leak occurs during refueling and there is an open fire nearby (for example, a gas stove), a fire is possible.

⚠️ Attention: If after refueling the refrigerator begins to work louder, does not turn off longer or does not cool, immediately unplug it from the network and call a technician. These are signs of freon incompatibility with the system.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about freon in the refrigerator

Is it possible to refill freon yourself?

Technically it is possible, but highly not recommended without experience. For refueling you need:

• 🔧 Manometric manifold (costs from 3,000 rubles).
• 🔧 Vacuum pump (from 5,000 rubles).
• 🔧 Cylinder with freon (from 1,500 rubles per 1 kg).
• 🔧 Knowing the exact amount of refrigerant for your model.

An error in the pressure or type of freon will lead to compressor failure. If you want to save money, it’s better to find an on-site technician - it will cost less than repairs after an unsuccessful refill.

How to understand that there is little freon in the refrigerator?

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🌡️ Refrigerator does not cool or freezes slightly.
• ⏳ The compressor works without stopping (no on/off cycles).
• 🔊 Appeared hissing sound (leak in the tubes).
• 💧 Condenser (grid at the back) does not heat up.

If you notice at least 2 of these signs - call a technician to check for leaks.

Is it possible to replace R12 with R134a in an old refrigerator?

Technically possible, but you will need:

1. Full oil change to synthetic (POE).
2. Replacement filter drier.
3. Flushing the system (if there was one) leak R12).

The cost of such a repair is from 5,000 rubles, but it will extend the life of the refrigerator by 3-5 years. Without changing the oil, the compressor will burn out in a few months.

What is dangerous about freon R600a?

Freon R600a (isobutane) flammable, but its dangers are often exaggerated. The risks are minimal because:

• 🔥 Concentration required for combustion 31–50 g/m³ (in the refrigerator maximum 150 g freon).
• 🚫 Leakage occurs slowly - the gas is heavier than air and accumulates at the bottom.
• 🛡️ Modern refrigerators have protection against leaks (sealed connections).

Danger arises only if:

• 🔥 There is an open fire (gas stove, fireplace) next to the refrigerator.
• 🔧 Someone deliberately damaged the pipes (for example, during repairs).

In a domestic environment R600a safer R134aas it is less toxic.

Which freon is the most environmentally friendly?

In terms of environmental friendliness, freons are ranked as follows (from best to worst):

1. R290 (propane) - OWP=0 (does not destroy ozone), GWP=3 (minimal greenhouse effect).
2. R600a (isobutane) - OWP=0, GWP=3.
3. R134a — OWP=0, but GWP=1430 (strong greenhouse gas).
4. R12 — OWP=0.82 (destroys the ozone layer), banned since 2010.

In Europe, since 2020, only R600a i R290are allowed. There are no restrictions in Russia, but manufacturers are gradually abandoning R134a.