The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops freezing, but the compressor continues to hum without interruption, often indicates a refrigerant leak. Many owners of household appliances immediately begin to look for information on how to charge the system in order to save on calling a technician. However, it is important to understand that the process of restoration refrigerant in the circuit is not just adding gas, as in a car, but a complex technical procedure that requires maintaining tightness and precise pressure parameters.
Unlike the old ones models, modern units often use new types of freons, which require a special approach to charging. Errors at the preparation stage can lead to failure of an expensive compressor or the formation of ice plugs in the capillary tube. That is why, before starting work, you need to carefully weigh your capabilities and the availability of specialized equipment. Indesit often use new types of freons, which require a special approach to vacuuming and charging. Errors at the preparation stage can lead to failure of an expensive compressor or the formation of ice plugs in the capillary tube. That is why before starting work you need to carefully weigh your capabilities and the availability of specialized equipment.
In this article we will analyze the technological process in detail, explain why you can’t just “add gas,” and describe the necessary tools. You will learn about the nuances of working with different types of refrigerants and understand in which cases independent repair is really justified, and when it is better to trust the professionals. Remember that working with the refrigeration circuit requires complete tightness, and any microscopic leak in the connection will reduce all efforts to zero.
Diagnostics of leaks and preparation of equipment
Before starting the active phase of work, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the absence of freon. If the compressor is running, but there is no cold, and there is no uniform frost on the evaporator (inside the freezer) or it appears only in patches, there is a high probability of depressurization. It is also worth checking for oily stains in the places where the tubes are soldered or near the compressor, which is a sure sign of a leak.
To carry out high-quality refueling, you will need a specific set of tools, without which the process is impossible. First of all, it is necessary vacuum pumpto remove air and moisture from the system, since even a microscopic amount of water will turn into ice and clog the capillary. You also need a pressure gauge station (manifold) with flexible hoses and a cylinder with the appropriate type of gas.
- 🔧 A pressure gauge station with a set of hoses for connecting to the service pipe.
- 🔧 Vacuum pump with a capacity of at least 4 cubic meters/hour for effective removal of moisture.
- 🔧 Gas burner (propane-oxygen or propane-air) and solder for sealing the tube after refilling.
- 🔧 High-precision electronic scales for weighing the amount of refilled freon.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on the refrigerant pipes, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Working with electricity and flammable gases simultaneously creates a critical risk of electric shock or fire.
It is also important to determine the type of freon that was originally used in your model. Usually this information is indicated on a sticker located on the inside wall of the camera or on the back wall of the case. Using the wrong refrigerant or mixing different types can lead to a chemical reaction that destroys the oil in the compressor and renders the unit unusable.
Choice of refrigerant: R600a or R134a?
Refrigerators Indesit of different years of manufacture can be charged with different types refrigerants. The most common are isobutane (R600a) and tetrafluoroethane (R134a). These substances have fundamentally different physical and chemical properties, which directly affects the refueling technology and safety requirements.
Isobutane R600a is a hydrocarbon and belongs to the class of flammable gases. It has excellent cooling performance and requires less refilling (usually 30-60 grams). However, it is its flammability that requires extreme caution: there should be no open sources of fire, sparks or operating electrical equipment in the room that could give a spark. Freon does not burn and is less demanding in terms of fire safety, but it is more sensitive to the presence of moisture in the system. High-quality vacuuming is critically important for it, since water reacts with oil and acids, forming aggressive compounds. In addition, R134a requires synthetic oil, which cannot be mixed with the mineral oil used in older systems.
Freon R134a does not burn and is less demanding in terms of fire safety, but it is more sensitive to the presence of moisture in the system. High-quality vacuuming is critically important for it, since water reacts with oil and acids, forming aggressive compounds. In addition, R134a requires synthetic oil, which cannot be mixed with the mineral oil used in older systems.
When purchasing a cylinder, pay attention to its cleanliness and compliance with standards. Do not use gases of questionable origin or cylinders that have previously been used for other purposes. Filling with low-quality refrigerant can lead to rapid wear of the compressor and the need to replace it, which is much more expensive than the cost of the initial high-quality repair.
System vacuum technology
Evacuation is perhaps the most important stage in the entire process. Its purpose is to remove not only air from the circuit, but also, more importantly, moisture. Water that gets into the system freezes at low temperatures and forms an ice plug in the narrowest part - the capillary tube, completely blocking the circulation of freon.
The process begins by connecting the hose from the vacuum pump to the service pipe (or to the place where the tap was made). After turning on the pump, it is necessary to keep the system in vacuum for a certain time. For household refrigerators Indesit the minimum pumping time is 30-40 minutes, but experienced professionals recommend increasing this period to 1-1.5 hours to ensure that moisture is removed.
During the pumping process, you can slightly warm up the compressor and condenser with a hair dryer or a warm rag. Heating helps evaporate moisture that may have been absorbed into the oil or deposited on the walls of the tubes, allowing the pump to remove it more efficiently. However, do not overheat the elements, the temperature should not exceed 50-60 degrees.
☑️ Vacuum checklist
After pumping is complete, you cannot simply turn off the pump and disconnect the hose. First you need to close the valve on the manifold, then turn off the pump. If you do the opposite, the oil from the pump may be drawn back into the refrigerator system, which is unacceptable.
The process of filling the refrigerator with freon
After successful evacuation, the stage of direct filling begins. The amount of refrigerant is strictly regulated by the manufacturer and is indicated on the same label as the type of gas. Typically for refrigerators Indesit this value varies from 30 to 100 grams depending on the volume of the chambers and the compressor model.
Refilling is best done by weight, using electronic scales. The freon cylinder is placed on the scale, and you control how many grams of gas have entered the system. An excess of freon is just as dangerous as its deficiency: it leads to increased pressure, compressor overload and poor cooling.
There is also a filling method based on pressure, but it is less accurate and requires experience, since the pressure depends on the ambient temperature. If you do use this method, use the low pressure gauge as a guide. For R134a, the working suction pressure is usually 0.06-0.08 MPa, and for R600a - about 0.04-0.06 MPa, but these values can vary.
| Freon type | Working pressure (suction) | Type oil | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | 0.06 - 0.08 MPa | Synthetic (POE) | Moisture sensitive, does not burn |
| R600a | 0.04 - 0.06 MPa | Mineral | Flammable, lower dose |
| R12 | 0.05 - 0.07 MPa | Mineral | Outdated, prohibited from production |
During the refueling process, the refrigerator must be turned off. After entering the calculated amount of gas, you can briefly turn on the unit to check the operation of the system, but final sealing (soldering of the tube) is carried out only after checking the pressure and absence of leaks.
Soldering and sealing of the system
The final stage is the reliable sealing of the filling hole. For this, a copper tube is used, which is pre-soldered into the system (if a standard service valve was not used). After all checks are completed, the tube is cut, leaving a small “stump,” and sealed with a torch.
When soldering, it is important not to overheat the joint and prevent solder from getting inside the tube, which can cause a narrowing of the passage channel. The burner flame should be directed at the tube, and not at the solder - the base metal should melt, which itself will “pull” the solder into the gap.
How to check the quality of soldering?
After the seam has cooled, wipe the soldering area with a clean rag. If there are no traces of oil or fat left on the fabric, and visually the seam looks smooth and uniform without holes, the connection is made with high quality. Additionally, you can wash the seam and apply pressure with nitrogen, but in domestic conditions they are often limited to visual inspection and checking the operation of the unit during the day.
After the system is sealed, it is necessary to wipe all connections with a soapy solution and turn on the refrigerator. The appearance of bubbles will indicate a leak in the seam, and the procedure will have to be repeated. If there are no bubbles, leave the refrigerator running for several hours to check the temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when working with an open flame near the refrigerator. Oil vapors or freon residues may remain in the system, which in combination with fire can be dangerous. Ventilate the room.
Typical mistakes and possible complications
Self-refueling refrigerators Indesit is often accompanied by errors that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is insufficient vacuuming. The moisture remaining in the system freezes in the capillary after some time, and the refrigerator stops freezing again, creating the illusion of a repeated leak.
Another common problem is the use of low-quality solder or violation of soldering technology. Soft tin-lead solder does not withstand vibration and pressure, so hard copper-phosphorus solder must be used for copper tubes of refrigerators. Its use guarantees the durability of the connection.
Also, amateur craftsmen often ignore the need to replace the filter-drier. This element collects moisture and oil breakdown products. If the tightness of the circuit is broken, the filter becomes saturated with moisture and loses its properties. If it is not replaced when refilling, a new portion of freon will quickly become contaminated.
Do not forget about the cleanliness of your hands and tools. If dust or dirt gets inside the tubes during installation, it can lead to clogging of the capillary tube. All work must be carried out carefully, and the ends of the tubes should be immediately closed with plugs or a finger (with a glove) to prevent air from entering.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to fill the Indesit refrigerator with regular car freon?
No, absolutely not. Car air conditioners and household refrigerators operate on different types of refrigerants and oils. Mixing or replacing will lead to a chemical reaction, destruction of the compressor and a potential explosion of the system.
How much does it cost to fill a refrigerator with freon yourself?
The cost consists of the price of a freon cylinder (about 1000-2000 rubles), rental or purchase of a vacuum pump and pressure gauges. If there is no equipment, its purchase can cost 5-10 thousand rubles, which is often comparable to calling a specialist.
Why does the refrigerator freeze after refueling, but then stops?
Most likely, an ice plug has formed in the capillary tube due to residual moisture in the system (poor vacuum) or a malfunction filter drier. A micro-leakage at the soldering site is also possible.
Is it necessary to bleed off old freon before refueling?
Yes, if there is gas left in the system under pressure, it must be vented before soldering new tubes. However, you cannot simply “add” freon without evacuation and searching for leaks - the system must be sealed and dry.
What pressure should be in the R600a system?
In operating mode at the suction, the pressure of isobutane (R600a) is usually lower than that of other freons, and is about 0.04-0.06 MPa (0.4-0.6 bar). The exact values depend on the ambient temperature and the specific compressor model.