How To Fix A Freon Leak In Refrigerator

If the refrigerator is leaking Freon this is a problem that needs to be addressed. Some indications of a leak may include the temperature inside of the refrigerator is warm. This can lead to environmental troubles as Freon is toxic. This leak will need to be repaired right away. This leak can be harmful and Freon should not be allowed to get out into the air.

In this article, we will address all the questions related to Freon and how you can fix a freon leak in the refrigerator.

What Is Freon?

Freon is a gas that when it becomes really cold it turns into a liquid. It is often in a sealed system and used to keep the refrigerator cold. If the refrigerator was made before 1995 there is a good chance that it will have Freon. The Freon system is located on the back of the refrigerator. It consists of a compressor and an evaporator. It is connected by copper lines.

Freon’s Purpose In The Refrigerator

This gas is put into the compressor where it will become a liquid. It will then move to the condenser and the evaporator so it will keep the refrigerator cool. When it goes through this system the Freon will turn back into a gas. This process will keep on happening to keep things cold.

Leaks And The Danger

Freon leaks can be dangerous. They can harm the throat, lungs, and irritate the sinuses. If Freon can get into the ground it can contaminate the soil and any groundwater.

Finding The Leak

It can be hard to find a Freon leak since it will be back into a gas stage. There may be chemical smells or even a musty smell around the refrigerator. There may also be puddles near the unit which will look oily.

If a person is looking for a leak they will need to wipe down the Freon lines. They should then be lightly sprayed using a mixture of soap and water. If there is a leak, a bubble will come out of the line. This may be a slow process but it is the right way to determine if there is a leak.

A Freon leak detector can also be purchased. This device will begin to send out a signal or beep if there is a leak.

Steps To Fix A Freon Leak In Refrigerator

On the back of the refrigerator, there will be a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. It is best to consult the owner’s manual for the exact location.

Step 1: Look for the copper line that is running out of the compressor. This is the fuel line.

Step 2: A saddle clamp will need to be installed. This will stop the leak and will allow the Freon to continue to leak. This part can be purchased at a hardware store. This will help puncture the line so that more Freon can be added later.

Step 3: A special vacuum pump will need to be rented to remove the air out of this system. This cannot be done with a regular vacuum since a special smaller hose attachment will be needed. It is important to remove all of the air out of the system

.Step 4: Once the line is vacuumed, coolant can be added. This coolant will be in a bottle that will have a special hone on it. Once the correct amount has been added PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) oil will also need to be added to lubricate the compressor. Once this is done the coolant will not be able to leak out.

TIP: To avoid leaks do not move the refrigerator around often. Be sure to keep the refrigerator up with regular maintenance.

In some cases, you will be able to repair a Freon leak on your own. In other cases or if you are not sure what you are doing then you should contact a professional refrigerator repair person. Freon can be dangerous to work with and it can be harmful. It is recommended to call a professional repair person who can handle the leaks.

Freon leaks are not too common. If the refrigerator is not working properly or not staying cool there can be another issue instead of a Freon leak. If you are also having trouble with your fridge, then you should contact a repair person to determine what the problem is and to get your refrigerator working again.