Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation when the refrigerator stops freezing, and the first thought becomes the need to refill the refrigerant. However, for the repair to be successful, it is not enough to simply call a technician or buy a gas cylinder at random. Critical important know the exact brand of the substance used in your specific model, since mixing different types of freon can damage the compressor forever.
Company Indesit over many years of production, it has produced hundreds of modifications of refrigeration equipment that used various refrigerants. In older models released before the mid-2000s, R134awas most often used, while the modern line has almost completely switched to environmentally friendly R600a. Confusion in these designations is the most common reason for unsuccessful attempts at self-repair or poor-quality service in unverified workshops.
In this article we will look in detail at how to determine the type of gas by the sticker, what is the fundamental difference between isobutane and tetrafluoroethane, and also consider the technical nuances of refilling. You will learn to read technical documentation and understand why pressure in the system is not the main indicator of the amount of freon.
Main types of refrigerants in Indesit technology
Historically, in refrigerators of the brand Indesit two main types of refrigerants were used. The transition to new substances was dictated by international environmental agreements prohibiting the use of freons, which destroy the ozone layer. Understanding the physical and chemical properties of each type helps not only in repair, but also in the correct operation of the device.
The first and most common in middle-aged models is R134a (tetrafluoroethane). This is a colorless gas that replaced the banned R12. It has excellent refrigeration properties, is not flammable and is relatively safe when leaked in small quantities. The pressure in the system with this gas is higher than that of analogues, which requires the use of more powerful compressors and durable condenser tubes.
The second type is R600a (isobutane). This gas is now the standard for most refrigerators Indesit, including the popular series BIA, DS i EF. It is a hydrocarbon compound that has excellent cooling performance and low energy consumption. However, it has a critical feature: high flammability. That is why working with such a refrigerator requires special care and compliance with safety precautions.
⚠️ Attention: Using the wrong type of freon, for example, filling R134a into a system designed for R600a, will lead to a sharp surge in pressure and possible rupture of pipelines or failure compressor.
The differences between gases lie not only in the chemical formula, but also in the types of compressor oils used. For R134a you need synthetic polyester oil (POE), which actively absorbs moisture from the air. For R600a mineral oil is traditionally used, which is less sensitive to moisture, but requires ideal purity of the system from decay products of old oils.
Where to find information about the brand of freon
The most reliable way to find out what kind of gas is pumped into your unit is to study the factory markings. Manufacturers are required to indicate this information, since safety of operation and disposal methods depend on it. Ignoring factory data and trying to determine gas by eye or smell is unacceptable.
First of all, inspect the back wall of the refrigerator. There should be a metal or paper service stickerlocated there. It may be located at the bottom of the cabinet, near the compressor, or on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment if access to the rear panel is difficult. Look for the line "Refrigerant" or "Refrigerant", next to which the code will be indicated.
If the sticker is worn out or missing, information can be found in technical data sheet (user manual) that came with the device. Typically, one of the first pages in the “Technical Specifications” section provides a complete specification, including the type and weight of the gas being charged in grams. Also, the data may be duplicated on the packaging if it has been preserved.
In cases where the documentation is lost and the sticker is unreadable, you can use online services. Knowing the exact model refrigerator (indicated on the same service sticker, for example Indesit DF 520), you can find the specification on the manufacturer's official website or in spare parts databases. However, this method is less reliable, since within the same model there could be different years of production with different content.
Correspondence table for models and types of gas
Although only the sticker provides accurate information, there is a stable pattern of distribution of freon types by year of manufacture and series of equipment Indesit. Below is a summary table that will help you figure out which gas is most likely used in your case. Remember that this is reference data and not the absolute truth.
| Production period | Series / Model | Refrigerant type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| until 2005 year | Indesit Stinol, models | R134a | High pressure, non-flammable |
| 2005 - 2012 | Indesit BIA, CIB | R600a / R134a | Transition period, check needed |
| after 2013 year | All modern series (EF, DS) | R600a | Low pressure, flammable gas |
| Industrial cabinets | Indesit Professional | R404a | Rarely used, for superfreezes |
As can be seen from tables isobutane (R600a) completely dominates modern household appliances. Its advantage is that significantly less substance by mass is required to achieve the same temperature. If about 150-200 grams of gas are filled into a system with R134a, then 50-70 grams are enough for R600a. This makes the system more compact and quiet.
It is important to note that there are dual-circuit systems where different operating principles may be used in the freezer and refrigerator compartment, but the type of refrigerant is usually the same for the entire circuit. In rare cases of complex systems No Frost old-style mixtures could be used, but for household refrigerators Indesit this is uncharacteristic.
Signs of a leak and the need for replacement
Freon is a substance that circulates in a closed circuit and, under ideal conditions, does not is spent. If the refrigerator stops freezing, this almost always means that the system has failed. Simply “adding” gas without finding and fixing the cause of the leak is a temporary solution that could cost you a new compressor.
The symptoms of a refrigerant shortage are quite specific. First of all, you will notice that the compressor works non-stoptrying to gain temperature, but it is warm inside. On the rear grille of the radiator (condenser), the cooling will be uneven: only a small area near the entrance will be hot, and the rest will remain cold or barely warm.
- 🧊 In the refrigerator compartment, food begins to deteriorate, and in the freezer the ice melts, while the unit itself hums continuously.
- 🔥 The compressor becomes very hot to the touch, since it is not cooled by the returning gas.
- 💧 The appearance of swelling on the side walls (in the foamed part) may indicate corrosion and micro-leaks inside the housing.
- 🔊 Change the sound of the motor: it may become more strained or, conversely, too quiet due to lack of load.
If you detect swelling of the side wall, this is a serious signal. In models Indesit with a foamed evaporator (located under the plastic inside the chamber), tube corrosion is a common occurrence. In this case, simple refilling will not help; a complex repair will be required with the installation of an external evaporator (“crying” on the back wall).
⚠️ Attention: If you smell gas or hear hissing, immediately unplug the refrigerator, open the windows for ventilation and do not use an open flame. R600a is explosive when concentrated in air.
Why can’t you just add freon?
Adding gas without evacuating the system will leave air and moisture inside. The moisture will freeze in the capillary tube, creating an ice plug, and the air will increase pressure, which will lead to overload of the compressor and its combustion.
Refilling technology and necessary equipment
The process of replacing the refrigerant in the refrigerator Indesit is a technologically complex operation, requiring special equipment and skills. She does not tolerate haste and approximate actions. The main task of the master is not just to fill the volume with gas, but to create conditions for its effective circulation.
The first step is always vacuum systems. After finding and eliminating the leak (soldering, replacing the filter-drier), all air and moisture vapor must be removed from the circuit. For this, a vacuum pump is used, which is connected to the service pipe. The pumping time is usually from 15 to 30 minutes, until the pressure reaches a deep vacuum.
Refilling is carried out strictly by weight. The service sticker always indicates the mass in grams (for example 64g). The use of cylinders with volumetric flasks or electronic scales is mandatory. Refilling "by eye" or by pressure in a system with isobutane is unacceptable, since small deviations in mass (±5 grams) critically affect the operation.
☑️ Algorithm of the wizard's actions
After refueling, the system starts up and the uniform heating of the condenser is checked. If done correctly, the entire rack at the back should be warm (or hot at the bottom) and frost will begin to form in the freezer compartment. The final stage is sealing the service pipe by crimping and soldering.
Safety measures when working with R600a
Working with isobutane requires compliance with the strictest fire safety rules. Unlike safe R134aleakage of R600a in a confined space in the presence of a spark can cause a pop. Therefore, repairs of such refrigerators are often carried out in well-ventilated areas or in the open air.
It is strictly forbidden to use an open flame to solder tubes if there is still gas in the system. Before starting any soldering work, it is necessary blow out the system nitrogen or simply provide intensive ventilation of the work area for 10-15 minutes after opening the circuit.
You should also avoid using tools that produce a spark. Electric soldering irons must be in working order, and sockets must be grounded. Craftsmen often use special explosion-proof fans to pump air in the work area. Ignoring these rules turns ordinary repairs into a dangerous undertaking.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to fill the Indesit refrigerator with freon from a car air conditioner?
No, this is strictly prohibited. Car air conditioners use R134a freon (often mixed with oil), and modern Indesit refrigerators use R600a. They have different chemical bases, different operating pressures and require different types of oils. Mixing will lead to breakdown of the compressor.
How much does it cost to refill freon at a service center?
The cost consists of the price of the gas itself, the work of the technician and the visit. Refilling R600a may cost more due to the need for fire safety precautions and the use of more accurate weighing equipment. You need to find out the exact price in a specific workshop, as tariffs change.
Why does the refrigerator freeze after refueling, but is buzzing a lot?
The hum can be caused by several reasons: air entering the system during refueling, a malfunction of the compressor itself, which could have suffered from working without freon, or vibration of the tubes. If a buzzing sound appeared immediately after the repair, the vacuum technology may have been broken.
How often do you need to change the freon in the refrigerator?
Freon has no expiration date and does not require scheduled replacement. In a working, sealed refrigerator, it circulates for decades. If you are offered a “preventative” gas replacement, this is a sign of dishonest service. Replacement is only necessary if there is a leak.
Is freon R600a dangerous for human health?
When inhaled in large concentrations, R600a (isobutane) can cause suffocation, as it displaces oxygen, and have a mild narcotic effect. However, the amount of gas in the refrigerator (about 60 grams) with a one-time leak in a ventilated room is not fatal, but requires caution due to the risk of fire.