The question of what kind of refrigerant circulates inside your system refrigeration equipment, often arises not out of idle curiosity, but out of urgent need. Owners of Bosch equipment may encounter a situation where the unit stops freezing, and the technician names the reason - a gas leak. Without knowing the exact labeling of a substance, it is impossible to carry out high-quality repairs or safely refill the system.
Modern models of the German brand, like any other household appliances, go through stages of evolution used refrigerants. If the old models from the end of the last century used compounds that destroy the ozone layer, then modern lines are switching to environmentally friendly mixtures. Understanding these differences is critical for owners planning do-it-yourself repairs or calling a specialist.
In this article we will analyze in detail what gases are used in different generations of Bosch refrigerators. You will learn to find technical information on the device body, understand the difference between R600a and R134a, and also learn why independently replacing the type of freon can lead to irreversible consequences for the compressor.
The main types of refrigerants in Bosch technology
Historically, that Bosch, following global trends and environmental standards of the European Union, changed the composition of working fluids in its cooling systems. At the moment, three main types of substances can be found in operation. The most common in modern models is isobutane (R600a). This is a hydrocarbon gas that is characterized by high energy efficiency and minimal impact on the environment.
However, in models produced from the mid-90s to the mid-2000s, tetrafluoroethane (R134a)was most often used. This freon replaced the banned R12 and is still found in many kitchen units that have been serving their owners for more than 15 years. It is safe for humans, but requires the use of synthetic oils in the system.
The third type, which is less common and mainly in industrial or specific equipment, is mixtures containing propane. They are practically not used in household Bosch refrigerators due to their increased flammability, although R600a is also flammable, but in smaller volumes. It is important to understand that chemical composition determines the type of oil and pressure in the system.
- 🧊 R600a (Isobutane): the most popular choice for modern built-in and freestanding Bosch models due to its silent operation.
- ❄️ R134a (Tetrafluoroethane): standard for middle-aged equipment, requires thorough evacuation of the system before refueling.
- ⚙️ R12 (Difluorodichloromethane): obsolete freon, which can only be found in very old models that are subject to disposal or deep modernization.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to mix different types of refrigerants or replace one with another without completely re-soldering the system and changing the oil. This is guaranteed to lead to failure of the compressor within several hours of operation.
Where to find information about the type of freon
To determine exactly what gas is pumped into your specific unit, you don’t need to be a refrigeration engineer. The manufacturer is obliged to place this information in an accessible place. Most often, the technical sticker is located on the back wall of the case, but in modern models, especially built-in ones, access to it can be difficult.
The second place where information is duplicated is the inside of the refrigerator compartment. Look for a metal or paper tag on the side of the inside, often close to shelves or above crisper drawers. It indicates not only the type of gas, but also its quantity in grams, which is extremely important for the technician when refueling.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can use the model number of the device. Knowing the exact model (for example Bosch KGN39..), you can find a technical data sheet on the Internet or contact an official service center. However, visual inspection is the fastest way.
Pay attention to the color of the marking tube or the cylinder itself if you are planning to purchase gas for the master. R600a is characterized by white or gray markings, while R134a is often marked in light blue. But you can’t rely on color alone - always check the technical documentation.
- 🔍 Back wall: main metal plate with the Bosch logo and technical data.
- 📄 Inner wall: sticker to the left or right of the shelves, often contains a QR code or barcode.
- 📘 Instructions: in the "Technical Specifications" section the type of refrigerant for your model is always indicated.