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[Solved] Candy refrigerator - How to check if there is refrigerant in the system?

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  • #1 16667795
    mich83
    Level 9  
    Posts: 42
    Rate: 3
    Hello. How to properly check if there is refrigerant in the refrigerator? I had a professional and unsealed the end of one tube coming out of the compressor (The one on the left side of that black "box" He saw that nothing was flying, found that there was no cooling agent. Should it be checked like that?
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  • #2 16668434
    stanislaw1954
    Level 43  
    Posts: 15002
    Help: 1981
    Rate: 4560
    In my opinion - the only indication of whether there is a refrigerant is the correct operation of the refrigerator, assuming that the unit is operational. Cutting off the end of the tube is a release of the refrigerant, unless it was not there before due to a leak in the system, then nothing will escape, because there was nothing left.
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  • #3 16668741
    ROBSON33
    Admin of household appliances group  
    Posts: 9725
    Help: 465
    Rate: 1712
    mich83 wrote:
    , Saw that nothing was flying, stated the lack of cooling agent. Is this how it should be checked?


    The guy knew what he was doing, just after the symptoms, he was sure that there was no factor, and by cutting the tube he only made sure.
    Considering the above, the diagnosis is absolutely correct.
  • #4 16668778
    jack63
    Level 43  
    Posts: 11693
    Help: 847
    Rate: 2766
    And in my opinion, and according to the law, he behaved like paprake!
    He should wear a so-called vampire and check the pressure. Then recover the factor and weigh it. Only who does that ...
    The factor into space, the law is in force and the papery is spreading.
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  • #5 16668786
    ROBSON33
    Admin of household appliances group  
    Posts: 9725
    Help: 465
    Rate: 1712
    jack63 wrote:
    Then recover the factor and weigh it. Only who does that.


    Does a colleague know how much factor is in such a refrigerator?

    Having some experience, he would not write nonsense to my colleague.
  • #6 16668922
    jack63
    Level 43  
    Posts: 11693
    Help: 847
    Rate: 2766
    What nonsense did I write?
    I know how much refrigerant is in the refrigeration system of the refrigerator. It is enough to read the nameplate for the rest.
    And the ignorance of the law that concerns the industry does not speak well of the moderator ...
  • #7 16668965
    ROBSON33
    Admin of household appliances group  
    Posts: 9725
    Help: 465
    Rate: 1712
    A colleague read with understanding?

    mich83 wrote:
    He saw that nothing was flying


    The fact should be checked with a needle, but as he deals with such equipment on a daily basis, after symptoms he knew that it was empty there.

    PS. I know the act as well as the requirements.
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  • #8 16669096
    jack63
    Level 43  
    Posts: 11693
    Help: 847
    Rate: 2766
    I understand, just what gave him breaking the tube when he knew there was no factor ???
    After all, assuming a vampire, although it is true to the art, allows you to introduce nitrogen and at least try to find a hole, and more.
    What if the capillary was tightly clogged and he broke the tube just after turning off the compressor?

    Ps. Adrian signed the amendment to the law. It is "not better" than the previous one, and sometimes worse ...

    Request for information to the author of the topic. What happened next ??? How this "party" ended.
  • #9 16669432
    mich83
    Level 9  
    Posts: 42
    Rate: 3
    The refrigerator was cooling less and less and all the time it practically "walked" "until it practically stopped cooling. I called an insurance professional. As I wrote, he opened that tube, found that there was no refrigerant and the installation was unsealed. He found the refrigerator beyond repair. I understand that it is not profitable to repair it?
  • #10 16670297
    stanislaw1954
    Level 43  
    Posts: 15002
    Help: 1981
    Rate: 4560
    mich83 wrote:
    I understand that it is not profitable to repair it?
    Rather yes, because finding a leak is only half the job. Only later you can wonder if it can be repaired or replaced, for example, of the evaporator. And costs everywhere ...
  • #11 16670340
    jack63
    Level 43  
    Posts: 11693
    Help: 847
    Rate: 2766
    If the leak is under the foam, the refrigerator cannot be returned to its original condition. Unless in a factory. Maybe there are magicians with the right foam and you can buy an evaporator for your fridge, but I don't think it will pay off even when the compressor is ok, which I doubt when it was running empty or in air.
    If the insurance covers the purchase of a new refrigerator, then you won ... another crap, because only such are produced. Sorry, but this is our climate ...
  • #12 21365822
    mich83
    Level 9  
    Posts: 42
    Rate: 3
    I gave up on the repair.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion addresses how to verify the presence of refrigerant in a Candy refrigerator system. The initial method described involved a professional technician unsealing and cutting the end of a tube from the compressor to check for escaping refrigerant, concluding the system was empty. Opinions vary: some agree this confirms the absence of refrigerant, while others criticize the method as improper and illegal, recommending the use of a vacuum pump ("vampire") and pressure gauges to measure and recover refrigerant without release. The importance of reading the nameplate for refrigerant quantity is noted. The refrigerator showed progressive cooling failure, eventually ceasing to cool, and was deemed beyond repair due to refrigerant loss and system unsealing. Repair challenges include locating leaks, especially under insulation foam, and the high cost or impracticality of replacing components like the evaporator or compressor. Insurance coverage may favor replacement over repair, with remarks on the general quality and climate suitability of current refrigerators.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Household fridges typically hold about 50–150 g of refrigerant, and “appliances left curbside might be picked up by peddlers who may improperly vent refrigerant.” [EPA, 2025]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps homeowners and DIY-curious readers decide how to check, diagnose, and legally handle a fridge that’s not cooling.

Quick Facts

  • Typical domestic refrigerant charge: 50–150 g, shown on the model/nameplate. [HVAC PT Charts]
  • US law prohibits intentional venting of refrigerant during service; limited exemptions apply. [EPA, 2025]
  • Average refrigerator repair cost range in 2025: $300–$1,000 in the US. [HomeAdvisor, 2025]
  • Nameplate lists refrigerant type and exact charge; use it for any recharge. [RefrigeratorDiagrams]
  • If the leak is under the cabinet foam, repair is often uneconomical. [Elektroda, jack63, post #16670340]

How do I check if my refrigerator still has refrigerant without venting it?

Do not cut tubes. A certified technician can attach a service piercing (“vampire”) valve to the low side, connect gauges, and diagnose via pressures and temperatures. This avoids illegal venting and preserves evidence for leak checks. Ask for a Section 608–certified tech and a written diagnosis. [EPA, 2025]

Is cutting a copper tube to “see if anything flies out” a valid test?

No. Cutting a tube can vent refrigerant, violate regulations, and complicate leak tracing. Proper practice is to access the system with service tools, recover any charge, and pressure‑test with nitrogen. As one poster noted, correct operation—not tube cutting—is the indicator when the system is sealed. [Elektroda, stanislaw1954, post #16668434]

What’s a “vampire” valve in refrigeration?

It’s a clamp‑on piercing valve that taps a sealed copper line to add a temporary service port without brazing. Example: SUPCO Bullet BPV31, rated to 500 PSI, for low‑side access. Many pros remove solderless piercing valves after service because they can seep over time. [Supco BPV31]

My fridge runs constantly and cools less—does that mean it’s out of refrigerant?

Continuous running with poor cooling can indicate undercharge or a leak. It can also be a blocked capillary, failed fan, dirty condenser, or control fault. A tech should verify via pressures, superheat, and a nitrogen leak test. “An undercharge results in long or continuous running.” [RefrigeratorDiagrams]

What if the capillary tube is clogged—could that mimic no refrigerant?

Yes. A clogged capillary can stop flow and look like an empty system. Cutting the tube after shutdown could mislead diagnosis. Proper steps are recovery, vacuum, and nitrogen testing through an added service port to distinguish leak vs. restriction. [Elektroda, jack63, post #16669096]

Where do I find the exact refrigerant type and charge for my model?

Check the appliance nameplate or model label, typically inside the fridge or at the rear. It specifies refrigerant (e.g., R‑600a, R‑134a) and the exact charge in grams or ounces. Always charge by the nameplate value. [RefrigeratorDiagrams]

Is venting isobutane (R‑600a) from a household fridge allowed in the US?

Intentional venting of refrigerants during service is prohibited. EPA has listed certain hydrocarbon refrigerants for specific end‑uses, but that does not permit intentional venting during maintenance. Recover refrigerant before opening the system. [EPA, 2025]

How much does a refrigerator recharge or leak repair cost?

Nationally, 2025 repair costs average about $650, with a normal range of $300–$1,000. Leak finding, parts, and labor drive totals. Ask for a written quote covering recovery, leak detection, parts, recharge, and warranty. [HomeAdvisor, 2025]

When is repair not worth it?

If the leak is inside the cabinet foam or the evaporator embedded in insulation, restoring factory condition is impractical. Even with a good compressor, parts and labor often exceed the fridge’s value. Many pros recommend replacement in this scenario. [Elektroda, jack63, post #16670340]

What’s the quick, legal way to proceed if I suspect a leak? (3 steps)

  1. Read the nameplate to confirm refrigerant and charge.
  2. Book a Section 608–certified technician; request recovery and nitrogen pressure test.
  3. Approve repair only with a leak‑fix plan and documented recharge amount. [EPA, 2025]

How much refrigerant is in modern fridges, and what do they use?

Modern household fridges often use R‑600a with small charges, typically 50–150 g. About 95% of the European market uses R‑600a, reflecting efficiency and low GWP. Always follow the exact nameplate charge. [HVAC PT Charts]

What do forum experts say about diagnosing low charge vs. leaks?

One expert emphasized that proper operation indicates sufficient charge if the unit and seal are intact. Another warned that cutting a tube is poor practice and prevents nitrogen leak testing. Use service valves, recovery, and pressure testing instead. [Elektroda, jack63, post #16668778]

Could a constantly running fridge damage the compressor if it’s empty?

Yes. Running with little or no refrigerant reduces cooling and lubrication, risking overheating and compressor failure. If cooling declines and runtime increases, disconnect power and schedule service to recover and test. [Elektroda, jack63, post #16670340]

What happened in the original Candy fridge case from the thread?

The owner reported progressive cooling loss, a tech opened a tube and declared it empty and unsealed. The owner later chose not to repair and moved on. [Elektroda, mich83, post #21365822]
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