A refrigerant is what keeps your refrigerator cold. Generally, the refrigerant is self-contained, and you should never have to refill it. Most people don't think of refrigerant loss when their refrigerator doesn't work properly. However, refrigerant loss does happen under certain circumstances. Read on to learn more about the signs and causes of refrigerant loss. How Your Refrigerator Uses Refrigerant Refrigerators use refrigerant in a way similar to air conditioners. Your refrigerator consists of a compressor, condenser, and evaporator.