Fridge Gas Filling Guide
A fridge does not use up its gas. If it needs gas, there is a leak, and a refill without fixing the leak only lasts weeks.
Updated 11 November 2026
Which gas does my fridge use?
Most new fridges in Pakistan use R600a (isobutane), an eco-friendly gas. Older fridges often use R134a. The gas type is printed on the rating plate inside or at the back. A mechanic must refill with the same gas.
Signs of a gas leak
- The compressor runs but nothing gets properly cold.
- Frost forms on only one small part of the freezer plate.
- Cooling slowly gets weaker over weeks.
- An oily mark near a pipe joint at the back.
What decides the refill cost
The cost of gas filling is mostly labour and the leak repair, not the gas itself. It depends on:
- finding and welding the leak;
- whether the condenser or evaporator must be replaced;
- the gas type and the amount;
- home visit or workshop.
Ask the mechanic for the full cost including leak repair, and ask for a short guarantee on the work.
Safety
R600a is flammable. Gas work should be done only by a trained mechanic, with the fridge unplugged and no flame nearby. If your fridge is under warranty, use the brand's service centre.
Match the gas type before refilling
Before any refill, read the rating plate and confirm the gas (often R600a or R134a) and the charge in grams. Never accept a different gas "because it is available". AC gases such as R32, R410a and R22 must never go into a fridge. Our refrigerant gas types guide explains each gas.
