When the refrigerator stops freezing or makes strange sounds, the first thought is a refrigerant leak. But what kind of gas is used in the refrigerator today? The answer depends on the model, year of manufacture and even the country of origin. In the 2020s, the refrigerant market has undergone major changes: the old freons are a thing of the past, replaced by environmentally friendly, but more flammable alternatives.
This article will help you understand the types of refrigerants, their advantages and disadvantages, and will also give practical advice on choosing gas for refueling. We will compare R134a, R600a, R290 and other options, explain why modern refrigerators Samsung, LG and Indesit use different gases, and what to do if your unit requires a rare refrigerant.
What is refrigerant and why is it needed in a refrigerator
Refrigerant is a working substance that circulates through the refrigerator system, absorbing heat from the chamber and releasing it outside through the condenser. Without it, the compressor would run idle, and the food would quickly spoil. The principle of operation is based on the physical properties of gas: when evaporating, it takes up heat, when compressed, it releases.
Modern refrigerants are divided into two large groups:
- 🔹 Freons (CFC, HCFC) - outdated refrigerants that destroy the ozone layer. Since 2020, their production has been prohibited by the Montreal Protocol, but they are still found in older models.
- 🔹 Ecological refrigerants (HFC, HC) are new gases with zero ozone depletion potential. These include R134a, R600a, R290.
It is important to understand that filling the refrigerator with the wrong gas can lead to compressor failure or even a fire. For example, R600a (isobutane) is flammable, and R134a requires special oil to lubricate the system.
The main types of refrigerants in refrigerators in 2026
The table below shows the current refrigerants used by manufacturers of household appliances. Data is based on technical data sheets of models Atlant, Beko, Liebherr and other brands.
| Refrigerant | Chemical formula | Application | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | CH₂FCF₃ | Old models (before 2015), car air conditioners | Low toxicity, non-flammable | High GWP (global warming potential) |
| R600a | CH(CH₃)₃ (isobutane) | 90% of modern household refrigerators | Eco-friendly, low energy consumption | Flammable, requires caution when refueling |
| R290 | C₃H₈ (propane) | Premium models, industrial refrigerators | Minimum GWP, high efficiency | Explosive, expensive |
| R410A | Mixture R32/R125 | Air conditioners, rarely refrigerators | High cooling capacity | High pressure in the system |
The most common today R600a - it is used in 9 out of 10 new refrigerators. However, in industrial models (for example, for restaurants) it is often found R290, despite its flammability, due to its high energy efficiency.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2010, it may contain outdated refrigerant R12 or R22. These gases are prohibited from production, but they can still be found from specialized suppliers. Refilling with such refrigerants requires changing the compressor oil!
How to determine what gas is in your refrigerator
There are three reliable ways to find out the type of refrigerant:
- Technical passport - look for the “Refrigerant” or “Refrigerant” section. It is usually indicated on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall.
- Marking on the compressor —the gas abbreviation is often stamped on the metal body of the compressor (for example, “R600a”).
- Consultation with a specialist —if documents no, call a specialist with a manifold gauge. It will determine the gas by the pressure in the system.
For example, in refrigerators Samsung RL Series is used R600a, and in old ones Indesit (before 2012) it could stand R134a. If the sticker has worn off, pay attention to model number —you can find technical documentation on it on the Internet.
Find the refrigerant sticker on the back wall
Make sure the gas is compatible with the compressor oil
Check the system for tightness (there are no leaks)
Prepare a cylinder with the required refrigerant and a pressure gauge-->
Is it possible to replace one refrigerant with another?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice it comes with risks. For example, replacing R12 to R134a requires:
- 🔧 Flushing the system from old oil (mineral → synthetic).
- 🔧 Replacing the filter drier.
- 🔧 Thermal control valve settings (if any).
A more dangerous case is replacing R134a with R600a. Due to the different thermal conductivity of gases, the compressor may overheat. Strongly not recommended mix refrigerants or use unsuitable analogs!
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost replacement refrigerant often requires reconfiguration of the electronic unit. This cannot be done without special equipment.
What will happen if you mix up the refrigerant?
If you charge R600a instead of R134a, the compressor will work with overload due to higher discharge pressure. This will lead to its rapid wear. Otherwise (filling R134a instead of R600a) the refrigerator will not freeze well, since the heat capacity of the gas is lower.
Where to buy refrigerant for the refrigerator and how much does it cost
Refrigerants are sold in cylinders of different sizes - from 13.6 kg (for workshops) up to 500 g (for one-time refills). Prices in 2026:
- 💰 R600a —from 800 rub/kg (the most affordable).
- 💰 R134a —from 1,200 rub/kg (increasing in price due to production cuts).
- 💰 R290 —from 1,500 rub/kg (due to explosion hazard, only sold licensed companies).
You can buy refrigerant:
- 🛒 In refrigeration equipment stores (for example, "Holod-Service", "Frion-Trade").
- 🛒 On marketplaces (Ozon, Wildberries — but check the seller’s certificates!).
- 🛒 From repairmen (they often sell small cans of gas).
Important: When purchasing, check the availability quality certificates for gas. Counterfeit refrigerants may contain impurities that will damage the compressor. For example, in 2023, there were cases of selling diluted R600awhich led to leaks a month after refilling.
Step-by-step instructions for refilling the refrigerator with refrigerant
Independent refilling is possible, but requires tools and knowledge. If you have never worked with freon systems, it is better to contact a specialist. For experienced users - the algorithm of actions:
- Preparation: Turn off the refrigerator, drain the oil from the compressor (if you are changing the type of refrigerant), check the system for tightness with nitrogen.
- Evacuating: Connect the vacuum pump to the service port and pump out the air for 15-20 minutes.
- Recharging:
- Connect the refrigerant cylinder through the pressure manifold.
- Open the cylinder valve and monitor the pressure (for R600a - up to 0.5 bar of suction).
- Fill in portions, checking the temperature at the evaporator outlet (should be −5...−10°C).
For refueling you will need:
- 🔧 Manometric manifold with hoses.
- 🔧 Vacuum pump (with a power of at least 6 cubic meters/h).
- 🔧 Cylinder with refrigerant and adapter.
- 🔧 Leak detector (electronic or ultrasonic).
⚠️ Attention: When working with R600a i R290 it is prohibited to smoke or use open fire within a radius of 5 meters! These gases are explosive at a concentration in air of more than 1.3%.
Frequent problems after refueling and their solutions
Even if the refueling was successful, malfunctions may occur:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not freeze | There is not enough refrigerant or the capillary is clogged | Add gas, clean the system with nitrogen |
| The compressor runs non-stop | Excess refrigerant or faulty thermostat | Drain the excess gas, check the thermostat |
| There is a smell of gas | Leak R600a or R290 (flammable gases) | Immediately turn off the refrigerator, ventilate the room, find and eliminate the leak |
| Frost appears on the tubes | Clogged filter-drier or incorrect amount of gas | Replace filter, refill the system |
If after refilling the refrigerator becomes noisier, check the compressor mounting - the bolts may have become loose. It is also worth making sure that the refrigerant has not gotten into the oil (this can be determined by the foam in the compressor inspection window).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refrigerants in refrigerators
Is it possible to fill a refrigerator with car freon (for example, R134a from an air conditioner)?
No, even if your refrigerator uses R134a. Automotive refrigerants contain high-temperature additives that can damage a household compressor. In addition, the machines use a different compressor oil (PAG), which is incompatible with refrigeration systems.
How much refrigerant is needed to refill a refrigerator?
The quantity depends on the model. On average:
- Single-chamber refrigerators - 30-60 g.
- Double-chamber refrigerators - 80-150 g.
- Side-by-Side - 150-250 g.
See the exact norm in the technical data sheet or on the compressor nameplate.
Why is R600a refrigerant dangerous?
R600a (isobutane) belongs to the class of flammable gases. If leaked, it may ignite from a spark or open flame. However, in domestic conditions, the risk is minimal, since:
- Only 50–100 g of gas circulates in the refrigerator.
- For ignition, a concentration of >1.3% is required, which is unlikely in a ventilated area.
However, when refueling, follow safety precautions: work in gloves, do not smoke, use a leak detector.
How often do you need to refill the refrigerator?
In a working refrigerator, the refrigerant is not consumed - the system is sealed. Refilling is required only if there is a leak, which can be recognized by:
- 🔴 The refrigerator has stopped freezing, but the compressor is working.
- 🔴 There is no heating on the condenser tubes.
- 🔴 Oil has appeared on the floor under the refrigerator (a sign depressurization).
The average service life of the system without leaks is 10–15 years.
Is it possible to use R290 instead of R600a?
Theoretically, yes, since both gases are hydrocarbons (HC). However R290 (propane) has a higher discharge pressure, which can lead to:
- Overload of the compressor.
- Damage to the seal.
- Reduced service life of the system.
If you decide to replace R600a with R290, be sure to:
- Rinse the system.
- Replace the filter drier.
- Adjust the filling dose (for R290 it is 10–15% smaller).