Have you noticed an oily, musty substance leaking from your refrigerator? Then you may have a freon leak. Freon is a chemical that helps cool refrigerators and freezers.
Yet, Freon is a toxic substance, so you must take the proper precautions if you decide to fix the leak yourself.
In this post, we’ll cover how to fix a freon leak in your refrigerator, safely.
Contents
How to Fix Freon Leak in Refrigerator
Repairing your freon leak is necessary because the chemical is toxic. If the leak is significant, consider calling an experienced repair technician who knows how to dispose of the leaking freon.
Refrigerators made after 2020 no longer have freon. So you might be better off buying a new, eco-friendly, freon-free refrigerator if you notice a leak.
The best fix for a freon leak is to use a cold-weather epoxy seal. After sealing the leak and following the instructions on the packaging, you’ll need more freon to replace what is lost.
Some states have strict regulations on freon, so you’ll need a licensed repair technician to refill any lost refrigerant.
Some leaks come from rusted holes, which a technician will fix by welding a patch on the tubing. Your refrigerator might need new tubing, especially if the existing parts have several holes. Leaking freon can come from old valves on the compressor or condenser. A technician can replace the valves.
Finally, technicians might need to repair the compressor or condenser; this is a costly repair, over $600. New refrigerator prices begin at around $600 for a basic model.
how to tell if Your refrigerator is leaking freon
Freon leaves clear signs, so you can determine if the leak is water or Freon. If the leak leaves an oily residue on the floor or has a musty smell, then it’s freon.
If you have a freon leak, the refrigerator will continuously run as it struggles to stay cool. So if your freezer is warm, you likely have a freon leak.
Can You Replace a Freon Refrigerator?
Now that the substance is banned, finding a replacement for a freon refrigerator can be difficult. Appliance repair shops and auto parts stores might sell them, but they need buyers to show EPA certification.
How to Add Freon to Your Refrigerator
Adding freon can be dangerous, so you should only attempt to do so if you have experience working with the substance.
- Begin by adding a saddle valve to punch a hole in the copper pipe.
- Remove air from the pipes using a vacuum pump.
- Put a hose on the saddle valve and add freon through it.
- Finally, add PAG oil to lubricate the compressor.
Conclusion
Freon is a toxic substance that can make you sick. So, if you have a freon leak, you should call a professional if you don’t have experience dealing with the substance.
Or, you can fix the leak with an epoxy patch, refill the freon yourself, or replace your refrigerator with a new, freon-free model.
