in ,

How To Remove Freon From A Fridge

Freon tank with gauges


Removing the Freon from a fridge is not as easy as you may think. It is not difficult because there are a lot of complex connections or difficult steps to master, the difficulty comes in through the various state and federal laws, including the EPA regulations, that stop most people from doing this chore themselves. You have to be a section 608 certified technician before you are allowed to remove the Freon from your fridge or air conditioner and similar appliances.

Removing the freon is easy enough, it is the qualification required to complete the job stops many home and appliance owners from doing the job themselves. Hiring a one of the Section 608 certified technicians to do the job for you is expensive but is recommended. 

If you still want to do this task yourself, just keep reading to see the different steps you have to take to get the job done without harming the environment.

Steps Needed To Remove The Freon From A Fridge

Step 1 – Do your research first- check to see what laws your state or national government has governing the removal process. The important key is that you can’t just open or cut the lines and let the Freon escape into the air.

Step 2 – Before hooking up the recovery cylinder make sure it is a complete vacuum before you get started. Make sure to hook up the glass tube as this will help you determine if the Freon is completely gone or not.

Step 3 – Following your fridge’s diagram connect the proper lines to the right connectors on the recovery cylinder. Then open both valves at once and open the fridge. Wait till the pressure has equalized before starting the extraction.

Step 4 – Now open the recovery unit‘s valve and this will force vapor into the system pushing the Freon out into the recovery cylinder.

Step 5 – Monitor the process- look at the glass tube to see if the Freon has stopped flowing or not. Once it has you know the process is complete and you can close the valves. Once the valves are closed you can remove the recovery system.

Step 6 – Properly dispose of the Freon.

Why You Do Not Do This Yourself

Inspector in hard hat and yellow vest shaking finger "No"

According to the EPA, you are not allowed to do this removal on your own. While it is handy to have the knowledge when there are no certified technicians in your area. It is still a risky thing to do. The EPA does not want Freon to escape into the atmosphere and will charge any DIY person $25,000 if they catch unqualified people removing the Freon from their appliances.

Also, there are plenty of junk shops, used appliance dealers who are willing to take your old appliance off your hands. Usually, they will take those appliances for free and may expect you to have the Freon removed before they come and pick the appliance up.

If you don’t they may pass their fees of removal onto you. 

The right way to remove Freon from your appliances

Technician removing Freon from air conditioner
  • The first step in having the Freon removed from old fridges and air conditioners, and similar appliances, is to call a professional certified technician.
  • Then schedule an appointment once you agree to the cost of their services. You may want to get more than one estimate before making the arrangements. That is so you get the best price possible.
  • After the technician has removed the Freon you call one of the many junk dealers, etc., and schedule a pick-up. Most companies will have their own procedure on how you should prepare the appliance and where to put it so they can pick it up easily.
  • When you get that information, move your appliance into place just before the scheduled pick up. Make sure to have help in moving the heavy appliances to avoid injury. Once that is done, just go on about your day and let the junk dealers come and get the old appliance.

While you are able to remove the Freon from your old appliances and are very capable in doing these tasks you should resist temptation and let the pros handle the job. They are the ones specially trained to handle this gas and can do it very safely.

You risk poisoning yourself along with adding chemicals to the atmosphere if something goes wrong when you do it on your own. Take the safer route, even though it is a little more expensive to do so.

Getting a fine is not going to make your day and it will be more expensive than if you hired a professional in the first place.

Please keep in mind that we may receive a small commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

New fridge against a grey wall

How To Clean Underneath The Fridge

Open refrigerator full of food

How to Remove Glass From a Refrigerator Shelf