Owners of household appliances often think about what exactly is inside their equipment, especially when they hear extraneous sounds or encounter insufficient cooling. Compressor is the heart of any refrigeration unit, and the service life of the entire unit depends on its serviceability. The brand's refrigerators Indesit, like many others, use different types of engines, which often causes confusion among consumers and repairmen.
The Italian concern that owns the brand does not produce compressors on its own, but purchases them from specialized partner factories around the world. This means that two outwardly identical models of refrigerators Indesit may contain completely different units. Understanding which particular unit is installed in your case is critical for the correct selection of spare parts and diagnostics.
In this article we will examine in detail the main types of compressors that can be found in equipment of this brand, their design features and manufacturers. You will learn why some models have a piston mechanism, while others have a more modern inverter, and how this affects noise and energy consumption.
Knowledge of the markings and technical characteristics will help you avoid mistakes when ordering replacement parts. We will also touch on the topic of compatibility, since not all analogues are suitable for specific modifications Indesit.
The reliability of the refrigeration chamber directly depends on the quality of this unit. Modern models are equipped with protection systems against overheating and power surges, but even they do not always save from failure.
The main manufacturers of compressors for Indesit
Analysis of service centers and spare parts warehouses shows that the company Indesit (now part of Whirlpool Corporation) cooperates with several large global manufacturers. Most often in old and middle-aged models you can find the company's products Embraco. These Brazilian or European units have proven themselves to be reliable and durable, although not without noise when starting up.
The second most popular supplier is the Chinese giant Secop (formerly Danfoss Compressors). These compressors are often installed in budget refrigerator lines. They are distinguished by their compact size and affordable price, which makes them attractive for mass production. However, their service life may be slightly lower than that of top European analogues.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a new compressor for replacement, never focus only on power or dimensions. The refrigerant, oil type and electrical characteristics must strictly comply with the factory specifications of your model Indesit.
Also, in newer models released after 2015, compressors from GMCC and Toshibaare increasingly found. These manufacturers specialize in low vibration rotary and piston models. The use of such components allows refrigerators Indesit to meet modern energy efficiency standards of class A+ and higher.
Sometimes you may come across units from the brand Aspera, which is also one of the concern's partners. It is important to understand that the brand on the nameplate may not match the logo on the compressor itself if a previous replacement was carried out, so always check the factory sticker inside the chamber.
Types of compressors: piston and inverter
Traditionally in refrigerators Indesit compressors dominate. The principle of their operation is the reciprocating movement of a piston, which compresses the refrigerant and pushes it through the system. Such engines operate in a cyclic mode: they turn on at full power, cool the chamber to a given temperature and turn off completely. piston compressors. The principle of their operation is the reciprocating movement of a piston, which compresses the refrigerant and pushes it through the system. Such engines operate in a cyclic mode: they turn on at full power, cool the chamber to a given temperature and turn off completely.
The advantage of piston models is their maintainability and relatively low cost. The startup of such a compressor is accompanied by a characteristic sound, which many users perceive as normal. However, constant on and off cycles create peak loads on the electrical network and mechanical parts of the unit. In contrast, compressors that are beginning to appear in premium lines operate continuously, but with variable shaft rotation speed. The electronics smoothly regulate the power, maintaining the temperature without sudden changes. This ensures silence and energy savings of up to 30-40%.
Unlike them, inverter compressors that are starting to appear in premium lines Indesit, operate continuously, but with variable shaft rotation speed. The electronics smoothly regulate the power, maintaining the temperature without sudden changes. This ensures silence and energy savings of up to 30-40%.
You can determine the type of engine you have installed by the nature of the work. If the refrigerator is silent, then it hums sharply and after a while it becomes silent again - this is a classic piston unit. If the sound is monotonous, quiet and the refrigerator practically does not turn off, you are dealing with inverter piston technology
It is worth noting that inverter systems are sensitive to voltage drops in the network. For their stable operation in conditions of unstable power supply, it is recommended to use stabilizers, which is an additional expense for the owner.
Technical characteristics and markings
Each compressor has a factory marking, which contains all the necessary information for identification. There is a sticker or engraving on the metal case, usually near the pipes or on the side wall. It indicates the model, power, type of refrigerant and cylinder volume.
For refrigerators Indesit the most common compressors operating on refrigerants R600a (isobutane) and R134a. The first type is more modern, environmentally friendly and requires less freon to refill. The second type was found in older models and requires a different type of oil to lubricate the mechanism.
An important parameter is cooling capacity, which is measured in watts or calories per hour. It shows how much heat the compressor can remove per unit time. Incorrect selection of this parameter will lead to the fact that the refrigerator will not gain temperature or will work without stopping.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing a compressor operating on
R600arequires special care due to the explosiveness of the gas. Such work should only be carried out in well-ventilated areas using professional equipment.
Also pay attention to the starting torque (LBT or HBP). For domestic refrigerators, units with low starting torque (LBP) are usually used, since the pressure difference in the system at start is minimal. Installing an engine that is unsuitable for this parameter can lead to its rapid combustion.
Comparison table of popular models
To simplify the identification process, we have prepared a table with the most common models of compressors in technology Indesit. This data will help you navigate when searching for analogues or original spare parts.
| Compressor model | Manufacturer | Refrigerant type | Power (W) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL9FT | Embraco | R134a | 135 | Old Indesit models |
| EGU80HB | Secop | R600a | 95 | Budget two-chamber |
| Asa 95z | Aspera | R600a | 105 | Middle class |
| GMCC MA75 | GMCC | R600a | 88 | New energy efficient |
This table is for informational purposes character, since the manufacturing plant may make changes to the configuration depending on the year of manufacture and region of sales. Always double-check the data on the nameplate of your specific device before purchasing spare parts.
Please note that the power shown in the table is nominal. In real operating conditions, energy consumption can vary depending on the ambient temperature and the degree of loading of the refrigeration chamber with products.
Symptoms of malfunction and diagnostics
Understanding how a working compressor works helps to notice signs of an impending breakdown in time. One of the first symptoms is a change in the sound of the unit. If humming became louder, a metallic clanging or knocking sound appeared, this may indicate wear of the internal mechanical parts.
Another alarming signal is the operating mode. If the refrigerator Indesit starts to turn on too often or, conversely, cannot reach the temperature for a long time and works without interruptions, the problem may lie in a loss of compressor performance. It is also worth paying attention to the temperature of the engine housing: it should be warm, but not hot.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
The so-called “jamming” of the compressor is a common occurrence. In this case, when you try to start, you hear a beep, a relay click, and the engine immediately stops. After some time, the cycle repeats. This indicates that the mechanical part is jammed and the engine cannot turn over.
You should not ignore the burning smell in the engine compartment area. It may indicate overheating of the windings or breakdown of insulation. In such a situation, further operation of the refrigerator is dangerous and can lead to fire.
Replacing a compressor: difficulties and nuances
Replacing a compressor in a refrigerator Indesit is a complex technical process that requires special equipment and skills. Unlike replacing a thermostat or lamp, it is necessary to work with a sealed system filled with pressurized gas.
The process begins with dismantling the old unit and drying the system. Then a new compressor is installed, the tubes are sealed, and the system is evacuated to remove moisture and air. Only after this, refrigerant of a strictly defined weight and type is charged.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing the compressor yourself without a vacuum pump and scales for charging freon will lead to rapid breakdown of the new engine and the entire refrigeration system. Do not try to do this “by eye.”
Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the system. When an old compressor burned out, acid and oil combustion products could get into the tubes. If you do not flush the system with special nitrogen or install a filter drier, the new compressor will fail in a few months.
Is it possible to install a compressor of greater power?
Theoretically it is possible, but this will lead to incorrect operation of the automation, overload of the condenser and possible rupture of the evaporator tubes due to excess pressure. Always install an analogue with identical characteristics.
The cost of replacement work consists not only of the price of the compressor itself, but also of the cost of consumables (freon, oil, filter, solder) and the labor intensity of the process. Therefore, it is often more economically feasible to consider purchasing a new refrigerator if the old one has served for more than 10 years.
Care and extending the service life
In order for the compressor in your refrigerator Indesit to last as long as possible, it is necessary to provide it with the correct operating conditions. First of all, this concerns ventilation. The rear wall of the refrigerator must be at least 5-7 cm from the wall so that the heat from the condenser is effectively dissipated.
Regular defrosting (for systems No Frost this is preventive cleaning of the drainage) also affects the load on the engine. If the evaporator is covered with a thick coat of ice, the compressor has to work longer and harder to maintain the temperature, which shortens its life.
Avoid opening the door frequently and do not place hot foods in the chamber. Every gram of heat that gets inside must be pumped out by a compressor, which creates additional load on the piston group and electric motor.
Following these simple rules will significantly extend the life of the heart of your refrigerator and avoid costly repairs in the coming years. Remember that prevention is always cheaper and easier than replacing the main components.
Is it possible to replace an Embraco compressor with a Secop in an Indesit refrigerator?
Replacement is possible only with complete coincidence of technical characteristics: power, type of refrigerant, pipe diameter and starting torque. The manufacturer can be changed, but the parameters must be identical to the original. You may also need to replace the start relay.
Why does the new compressor get hotter than the old one?
Modern compressors often have higher efficiency, but also operate at higher temperatures. However, if the body is hot to the point where it is impossible to hold your hand, this may indicate problems with the circulation of freon, a clogged capillary, or improper filling.
How long does an Indesit compressor last on average?
The average service life of a high-quality piston compressor is 10-15 years under normal operating conditions. Inverter models can operate for up to 20 years or more due to the absence of constant start and stop cycles.
Is an inverter compressor humming?
An inverter compressor is much quieter than a piston compressor. It doesn't make a loud clicking sound when starting up and hums with a smooth, low sound that often blends in with the background noise of the kitchen. However, if the blower fan malfunctions, the noise may increase.