Refrigeration oils are very important for keeping your fridge or air conditioner running well and lasting longer. Knowing their features and picking the right type for your system helps everything work smoothly. At Fubex Lubricants, we provide premium refrigeration oils for all types of systems. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and no-questions-asked returns. Need help choosing the right oil? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly team is ready to assist!
Awais I., Sales Director, says: “Refrigeration oil may seem simple, but it’s vital for system performance. Fubex oils prevent wear, stop rust and foam, and keep compressors and equipment running smoothly and efficiently.”
This guide explains the different types of refrigeration oils, their key properties, and how to choose the right one. With this information, you can keep your system protected and working efficiently.
Refrigeration Oil Types
Refrigeration systems need special oils to run smoothly. These oils help reduce friction, protect parts, and keep the system working well. Today, different types of refrigeration oils are used based on the kind of refrigerant in the system. Below are the main types of refrigeration oils, explained in an easy way.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is one of the oldest refrigeration oils. It is made from refined petroleum and works best with older refrigerants like R-12 and R-22. These refrigerants were common in older cooling systems.
Mineral oil is affordable and easy to find. However, it does not work well with newer refrigerants used in modern systems. Because of this, mineral oil is now mostly used in older refrigeration equipment.
Alkylbenzene Oil (AB Oil)
Alkylbenzene oil, also called AB oil, is more stable than mineral oil. It mixes well with HCFC refrigerants and performs better at both low and high temperatures.
AB oil also resists oxidation, which means it stays cleaner for a longer time. However, like mineral oil, it is not suitable for most new refrigerants such as HFCs. This limits its use in modern refrigeration systems.
Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) Oil
PAG oil is commonly used with HFC refrigerants. You will often find it in automotive air conditioning systems.
This oil provides good lubrication and handles heat well. However, PAG oil attracts moisture from the air. This can cause rust or corrosion if the system is not sealed properly. Because of this, careful handling and storage are very important.
Polyol Ester (POE) Oil
POE oil is one of the most widely used refrigeration oils today. It works well with both HFC and HCFC refrigerants, making it a great choice for modern systems.
POE oil offers excellent lubrication and can handle high temperatures. It also helps reduce wear on moving parts. Like PAG oil, POE oil absorbs moisture, so proper system maintenance is necessary to avoid problems.
Polyvinyl Ether (PVE) Oil
PVE oil is another option for systems using HFC refrigerants. It provides strong lubrication and has better resistance to moisture compared to POE oil.
PVE oils are commonly used in Japanese air conditioning systems, but they are becoming more popular worldwide. Their balanced performance makes them a reliable choice for modern refrigeration and cooling applications.
Refrigerant Oil Properties to Consider When Choosing Refrigeration Oils
Picking the right refrigeration oil is very important for smooth and safe system operation. To make the best choice, you need to understand a few key oil properties, including the difference between PVE oil vs POE oil.
Viscosity
Viscosity tells us how thick or thin the oil is. Thicker oils create a stronger protective layer on machine parts, which helps reduce wear. However, thick oil may not flow well in very cold temperatures.
Thinner oils flow easily but may not protect parts as well. The right viscosity depends on the compressor type and how the refrigeration system operates.
Pour Point
The pour point is the lowest temperature at which the oil can still flow. This is very important for refrigeration systems that work in freezing or very cold conditions.
If the oil has a low pour point, it will keep flowing smoothly and prevent blockages. This helps the system run without problems, even at low temperatures.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric strength shows how well the oil can resist electricity. This property is especially important in systems that use high-voltage compressors.
Oils with high dielectric strength help prevent electrical shorts. They protect important components and make the system safer to use.
Thermal and Oxidation Stability
Refrigeration oils are often exposed to high heat. If an oil cannot handle heat well, it can break down and form sludge or harmful acids.
Oils with good thermal and oxidation stability stay clean and stable. This helps protect the system and keeps it running longer without damage.
Moisture Resistance
Many refrigeration oils can absorb moisture from the air. Too much moisture can freeze inside the system, causing blockages and rust.
Using oils with good moisture resistance helps prevent corrosion and keeps the system clean. This is especially important for moisture-sensitive oils like POE and PVE.
Compatibility with Refrigerants
Refrigeration oil must match the refrigerant used in the system. If the oil and refrigerant are not compatible, they can react with each other. This can cause sludge, acid buildup, and poor lubrication. When this happens, the system may not work properly and parts can wear out faster.
Each type of refrigerant needs a specific oil to stay stable and efficient. Here are some common examples:
- HFC Refrigerants (such as R-134a and R-410A): These refrigerants usually work with POE and PVE oils. Mineral oil and AB oil do not mix well with HFC refrigerants and should not be used.
- HCFC Refrigerants (such as R-22): These are compatible with mineral oils and AB oils, which are often used in older refrigeration systems.
- Natural Refrigerants (such as ammonia and CO₂): These require special oils like PAO or other synthetic oils. These oils can handle tough conditions and do not absorb moisture easily.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Refrigeration Oil
Choosing the right refrigeration oil helps your system last longer and work better. Below are some important things to consider:
System Type and Age
Older refrigeration systems usually work best with mineral oil or AB oil. Newer systems that use HFC refrigerants often need POE or PVE oils. Using the correct oil for your system helps improve performance and prevents damage.
Operating Environment
If the system runs in very hot, very cold, or humid conditions, the oil must be strong enough to handle it. Oils with a low pour point, good heat resistance, and moisture resistance help keep the system running smoothly.
Oil Miscibility
Oil miscibility means how well the oil mixes with the refrigerant. Good mixing helps the oil move easily through the system and return to the compressor. If the oil does not mix well, it can separate and reduce lubrication, which can harm the compressor.
Cost and Maintenance
High-quality refrigeration oils may cost more at first, but they protect the system better. They also reduce wear and allow longer time between oil changes. In the long run, using the right oil can lower maintenance costs and extend the life of system parts.
Best Refrigeration Oils: Our Top Picks
Looking for the perfect oil to keep your refrigeration systems running smooth and trouble-free? Discover our top picks for the best refrigeration oils that protect, perform, and last longer.
Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 32 Refrigeration Oil
First up in our refrigeration lineup is Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 32 Refrigeration Oil, designed to keep your equipment running smooth and trouble-free. It protects against rust, oxidation, and wear while preventing sludge, foam, and carbon buildup. The oil also separates water easily, helping maintain clean and efficient system performance.
Ideal for air compressors, turbines, motors, blowers, and general shop equipment, it delivers reliable protection where it matters most.
Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 46 Refrigeration Oil
One of our most reliable refrigeration oils is Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 46, and for good reason. Its balanced thickness delivers smooth flow while providing strong protection against wear, foam, and oxidation. Built to fight rust and corrosion, it performs consistently in both hot and cold conditions.
From air compressors and turbines to airline lubricators and light industrial gear drives, it’s made to handle the job with confidence.
Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 68 Refrigeration Oil
Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 68 Refrigeration Oil is a customer favorite — and it’s easy to see why. This premium mineral oil is packed with anti-wear, anti-foam, and oxidation-resistant additives for strong, long-lasting protection. It delivers excellent corrosion resistance, low sludge formation, and stable performance under high heat and pressure.
Perfect for demanding hydraulic and industrial systems, it’s built to perform when conditions get tough.
Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 100 Refrigeration Oil
That wraps up our look at top refrigeration oils, and Fubex ALASKA ISO VG 100 stands out for its performance.Designed for air compressors and industrial equipment, it prevents sludge, foam, and carbon buildup while protecting parts from wear.
It fights rust and corrosion and separates easily from water, keeping systems clean and efficient. From turbines and motors to vacuum pumps and machine tools, it delivers reliable lubrication where it counts.
Maintenance and Regular Oil Checks
Taking care of your refrigeration system is very important, and checking the oil regularly is a big part of it. Keeping an eye on oil levels, thickness (viscosity), and color can help spot problems early, like dirty or broken-down oil. Changing the oil when it gets too acidic or has too much moisture can save money on repairs and make your system last longer.
Tips for Maintenance:
- Check oil for dirt, acid, or contamination regularly.
- Change oil filters on time to prevent clogs.
- Keep an eye on refrigerant levels so the oil mixes well and works properly.
Final Takeaways
Refrigeration oils are very important for keeping all types of refrigeration systems, like industrial systems, running well. They help the system save energy and protect its parts from wearing out. By learning about different types of oils, their features, and which refrigerants they work with, you can pick the right one for your system. Whether your unit is old or new, using the right oil helps it run smoothly and last longer.
FAQs
Q1: What is refrigeration oil, and why do I need it?
Refrigeration oil is a special type of lubricant used in compressors for refrigerators and air conditioners. It helps parts move smoothly, prevents rust, and improves heat transfer. Using the right oil is important because it keeps your system running efficiently, lasts longer, and uses less energy.
Q2: What are the benefits of refrigerant oil testing?
Refrigerant oil testing acts like an early warning system for your equipment. It checks the oil for wear, dirt, and acid buildup, helping prevent costly compressor problems and unexpected breakdowns by allowing you to fix issues before they get serious.
Q3: What is viscosity, and why is it important for refrigeration oils?
Viscosity is how thick or thin an oil is and how easily it flows. In refrigeration systems, it affects how well the oil lubricates and moves through the compressor. Picking the right viscosity helps the system run smoothly without clogging, even in very cold conditions.
Editor-at-Large
A passionate writer in the lubricant industry, Awais Iqbal has been covering oils, greases, and industrial fluids since the start of his career. At 25, he’s already written for blogs, catalogs, and brand guides across the UAE. Awais’s insights help companies connect with their audience, and his clear, helpful writing style is trusted by brands in the region.
