Modern brand refrigeration units Indesit have proven themselves to be reliable equipment, but over time, even the highest quality systems may require intervention. One of the most common causes of loss of cold is leakage of working gas. Owners often wonder what kind of refrigerant is used in their model, since the cost of repairs and the ability to independently restore performance depend on this.
Understanding what what kind of freon circulates in the system is critical not only for purchasing the correct consumables, but also for complying with safety precautions. Different brands of gases have different physical properties, pressures and compressor oil requirements. An error in choosing a substance can lead to engine failure or even an emergency.
In this article we will analyze in detail what types of refrigerants the Italian manufacturer uses in different generations of its refrigerators. You will learn how to independently determine the type of gas by marking, why you cannot mix different types of freons and what to do if a plug forms in the system.
Main types of refrigerants in Indesit technology
The history of the development of refrigeration technology goes back decades, and during this time the chemical composition of working fluids has changed repeatedly. In older models Indesit, released before the mid-2000s, R134a (tetrafluoroethane) was most often found. This is a colorless, odorless gas that replaced the ozone-depleting freon R12. It had excellent cooling performance, but had a high global warming potential.
Modern refrigerators, including most current models Indesit, have switched to the use of isobutane, labeled as R600a. It is a hydrocarbon refrigerant that is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. However, it has one critical feature: it is explosive when concentrated in air. That is why the volume of filling in such systems is strictly regulated and usually does not exceed 150 grams.
Sometimes in technical documentation or on stickers you can find a mention of mixtures, but for household refrigerators Indesit this is the exception rather than the rule. The main division runs precisely along the line of “old” R134a and “new” R600a. Using the wrong type of gas will cause the compressor to overload or not start at all.
⚠️ Attention: Isobutane (R600a) is heavier than air and will accumulate in the lower part of the room if it leaks. Since it is ignited by a spark, it is strictly forbidden to turn on electrical appliances or use open fire in a room where the isobutane system has depressurized until thoroughly ventilated.
The differences between these gases are fundamental. R134a operates at higher pressures and requires the use of synthetic oils, while R600a operates at low pressures and is compatible with mineral oils. Mixing these refrigerants or oils is strictly prohibited and will result in a chemical reaction that forms an acid that will destroy the compressor from the inside.
How to determine the type Freon by labeling
The most reliable way to find out what refrigerant is used in your refrigerator Indesit is to inspect the factory information sticker. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall, on the back panel or on the door base. This source of information cannot be ignored, since visual identification of gas is impossible.
On the label you are interested in the column "Refrigerant" or “Refrigerant”. The code of the substance (for example, R600a) and its quantity in grams (for example, 130g) will be indicated there. It will also often indicate the type and amount of oil required for the system. If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try to find the refrigerator model on the Internet, but this is a less reliable method.
In some cases, especially after unqualified repairs, the sticker may be replaced or lost. Then the type of refrigerant can be indirectly determined by the year of manufacture and model of the compressor. Models with compressors Aspera or Secop of recent years almost always run on isobutane. Older units with heavy, humming motors are often filled with tetrafluoroethane.
What to do if the sticker is not readable?
If the nameplate is damaged, look at the nameplate of the compressor itself. The type of refrigerant is often stamped there. You can also find a device passport by serial number on the manufacturer’s website or in the instruction archives.
For example, a model released in 2010 may still use R134a, and a similar model from 2012 may already use R600a. Therefore, you need to focus specifically on a specific piece of equipment, and not on general data on the brand.
Correspondence table for models and refrigerants
To simplify diagnostics, we have compiled a summary table covering popular series of refrigerators Indesit. Please note that data may vary depending on the year of manufacture and country of assembly. The exact information is always contained in the passport of a specific device.
| Series / Model | Years of manufacture (approximate) | Refrigerant type | Filling volume (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit C 132 G | 2005 – 2010 | R134a | 140 – 160 |
| Indesit DF 520 | 2012 – 2018 | R600a | 110 – 130 |
| Indesit SB 185 | 2008 – 2015 | R600a | 90 – 115 |
| Indesit BIA 18 | 2015 – 2020 | R600a | 100 – 125 |
| Indesit ER 16 | 2000 – 2006 | R134a | 135 – 155 |
As can be seen from the table, the transition the switch to environmentally friendly isobutane occurred en masse after 2010. R600a's charge volume is typically smaller than R134a's due to its higher efficiency and vapor density. The exact weight is critical: underfilling will lead to poor cooling, and overfilling will lead to increased pressure and shutdown of the thermostat.
When ordering spare parts or calling a technician, always give the full model index. There are hundreds of modifications in the line Indesit e, and a difference of one digit can mean a gas circulation system. A mistake at this stage will result in the purchase of unnecessary materials.
Signs of a leak and the need for refilling
The refrigerant in the closed circuit of the refrigerator Indesit is not consumed and does not disappear without a trace. If the gas level drops, it means depressurization has occurred. Symptoms of a leak appear gradually. At first, you may notice that the refrigerator begins to turn on more often or work without interruption, trying to gain temperature.
Then more obvious signs appear: soft snow in the freezer, lack of cold in the upper chambers, hot sides of the case (the condenser stops giving off heat because gas does not circulate). In the case of the R600a, the leak can sometimes be heard as a quiet hiss if you put your ear to the back wall, although this is not always possible.
- ❄️ The compressor works constantly, but does not cool or cools poorly.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the chambers is higher than the set temperature, food begins to deteriorate.
- 🔇 The motor is silent (the thermal protection was triggered due to overheating when trying to pump air instead of gas).
- 💧 The appearance of oily spots under the refrigerator or on the tubes of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: If you find an oil stain, this is almost a 100% sign of a leak. The oil escapes along with the gas through a microcrack. In systems with R600a, even a small loss of oil can lead to the compressor jamming.
It is difficult to find the leak on your own without equipment. Soapy water only helps with large fistulas, which are rare. Most often, gas escapes through microcracks in the foamed part of the housing or through corrosion of the evaporator tubes. Diagnostics requires leak detector or the use of nitrogen under pressure.
Features of self-filling
Filling a refrigerator Indesit with refrigerant is a technically complex process that requires specialized equipment: vacuum pump, pressure gauge station and scales. You cannot simply “add gas” from a can, as is done with car air conditioners. The system must be absolutely dry and evacuated.
The process begins with finding and eliminating leaks. If you simply put new gas into a leaky system, after a few days or weeks the problem will return and moisture and air will enter the system. Moisture in combination with refrigerant and oil forms an acid that corrodes the motor windings.
☑️ Professional refilling algorithm
Particular attention should be paid devote to the filter drier. During any depressurization, it absorbs moisture from the air and loses its properties. When refilling, it must be replaced, otherwise the capillary tube will become clogged with ice and the cold will disappear again. This is a consumable item that cannot be restored.
Safety when working with refrigerants
Working with refrigerants requires strict adherence to safety rules. R134a can decompose when heated to form toxic phosgene, and R600a is explosive. Therefore, any work on soldering tubes should be carried out only after complete pumping of gas from the system and purging with nitrogen.
Never try to check the presence of gas with a lighter! This is a direct path to fire, especially if there is isobutane in the system. To detect leaks, use electronic leak detectors or a soap solution (foam). The room where the work is carried out must be well ventilated.
Storing freon cylinders also requires caution. They should be in an upright position, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Damage to the cylinder can lead to a sudden release of gas and frostbite on your hands due to the rapid evaporation of the liquid.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to fill R134a instead of R600a into an Indesit refrigerator?
No, this is strictly prohibited. These gases have different operating pressures, temperatures and, most importantly, different oil requirements. A compressor designed for isobutane will not be able to operate correctly on tetrafluoroethane, which will lead to its overheating and breakdown, or to a lack of cold.
How much does it cost to refill a refrigerator with freon?
The cost depends on the region, the type of refrigerant and the complexity of the work (do I need to look for a leak, change filter). The gas itself is inexpensive, the main part of the price is the work of the master and the use of equipment. On average, repairs with refilling cost 30-50% of the cost of a new budget refrigerator.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze after refilling?
There may be several reasons: the refill dose was incorrectly selected (underfilling or overfilling), there is moisture left in the system (capillary clogged), the filter drier has not been replaced, or the compressor has a low compression. It is also possible that the leak was not properly repaired.
Where can I get accurate information about refilling for my model?
The only reliable source is the factory sticker on the body of your specific refrigerator Indesit. Data on the Internet may differ for different years of production of the same model. If there is no sticker, it is better to refer to the official service manuals.