5 Signs of a Freon Leak in Your Refrigerator

Freon leaks or refrigerant leaks are among the most catastrophic malfunctions that can occur with a refrigerator, so it’s important to be aware of the signs. Knowing when there is a problem can help prevent the issue from getting worse, and can also help prevent exposure to dangerous chemicals. Our article has the top five signs your refrigerator is leaking Freon, and what you should do if you identify a leak. 

What Is Freon?

Freon is actually a brand name for two types of refrigerants: chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, commonly referred to as CFCs and HCFCs. Although technically the name Freon only refers to these specific refrigerants, it’s often erroneously used to refer to any type of refrigerant. 

Refrigerants work by circulating through refrigerator coils, absorbing heat from the refrigerator’s interior and releasing it into the environment. This makes sure the food inside your fridge or freezer stays cold.

Do All Refrigerators Use Freon?

Freon was invented in the mid-1900s, and used in the majority of refrigerators manufactured between then and the late 1990s. However, it was discovered that CFCs have extremely negative environmental impacts; they deplete the ozone layer, leading to dangerous levels of UV radiation. This led to CFCs being banned worldwide in 2006. HCFCs also can potentially damage the ozone layer, but much less so than CFCs, so these chemicals are still in use—although heavily regulated. 

Due to the potential ozone-depleting effects, most modern refrigerators now use the refrigerant tetrafluoroethane, which doesn’t damage the ozone layer. However, you may still see this and any other refrigerant being referred to by the name Freon. It’s become an umbrella term for all refrigerants, similar to how Kleenex is used to describe all tissues. 

Is Freon Dangerous?

Freon can definitely be dangerous, both on an individual level and an environmental level. While it’s safe when securely contained inside your refrigerator coils, a Freon leak has a number of potential health risks. These include:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing
• Passing out

On an environmental level, leaked Freon can lead to ozone layer depletion and increased UV radiation, causing skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues. 

Signs of a Freon Leak

Due to health and environmental concerns, it’s important to identify a Freon or other refrigerant leak early on. Signs include:

1. Poor Cooling 

If you’ve got a refrigerant leak, one of the first things you’ll notice is that your refrigerator isn’t cooling as effectively. Freon and other refrigerants absorb heat from your refrigerator’s interior and release it into your kitchen, ensuring the refrigerated and frozen food stays at optimal temperature. If there’s a leak, the refrigerator coils won’t have enough refrigerant, so the cooling will be less efficient. Signs of poor cooling are:

• A noticeably warmer refrigerator interior.
• Food spoils faster than it should. 
• Condensation buildup in your refrigerator and frost buildup in your freezer. 
• Ice melting and food thawing in your freezer compartment. 
• Patchy cooling, with some areas of your fridge feeling warmer than others. 

2. Strange Sounds

A refrigerator that’s suddenly starting to make strange sounds is a red flag and can often be a sign of a Freon leak. The cooling system requires the compressor to pump Freon through the refrigerator coils, and if the coils are damaged or leaking, this will create telltale sounds. You might hear:

• Hissing sounds as Freon escapes from the refrigerant lines. 
• Gurgling sounds as the compressor struggles to pump Freon through a leaking system. 
• Loud buzzing sounds as the compressor is forced to work hard to keep your refrigerator cool. 

3. Frost Buildup on the Coils

If you suspect there may be a refrigerant leak, check the coils or the back panel of the refrigerator. If there’s a Freon leak, it will create cold patches as the Freon escapes. This can cause moisture in the air to condense and freeze around the leak, leading to frost patches. A properly functioning refrigerator should never have frost patches on the outside, so if you notice this, it’s a serious red flag. 

4. Skyrocketing Electric Bills

A more subtle sign that you have a refrigerant leak is an increase in your electricity bills. A sudden and unexplained increase in your household’s energy usage can mean that your refrigerator compressor is having to work harder to maintain the correct temperature, which uses far more electricity. Skyrocketing electricity bills will go hand in hand with your fridge operating more loudly than usual. You may also have noticed that it’s running constantly instead of cycling on and off like it should. 

5. Strange Smells

While Freon doesn’t have a strong smell, it is still detectable – particularly when the leak is significant. If you’ve caught a whiff of a sweet, chemical-like smell coming from the vicinity of your refrigerator, there’s a good chance that your fridge is leaking refrigerant. 

What To Do If You Suspect a Freon Leak

If you think your refrigerator may be leaking Freon or another type of refrigerant, you need to take quick action. Freon has several potential health risks, and it’s just not worth it taking a chance. Follow these steps:

• Immediately unplug your refrigerator; this will help minimize further leaks. 
• Ventilate the area, either by opening windows or turning on a fan. 
• DO NOT attempt to fix the leak yourself or to clean up the leaking refrigerant. You need to be properly certified to handle refrigerant, as it’s an extremely dangerous chemical. 
• Contact a refrigerator technician and tell them you suspect a refrigerant leak. They’ll be able to confirm if there’s a leak or not and advise you if the leak is repairable. 
• Ensure that the technician safely disposes of the leaking refrigerant in a manner that complies with EPA regulations.