How do I know if my freezer has Freon?

To tell if your refrigerator needs more Freon, simply unplug the refrigerator, turn off the temperature control and place your ear on the side of the unit. A hissing or gurgling sound indicates that Freon is present.

When did they stop using Freon in freezers?

In 1994, governments banned the use of R-12 in new refrigerators and air-conditioning systems due to its damage to the ozone layer. Since 1990, the less harmful replacement for R-12, R-134a, has been used in many old systems.

Where are the Freon lines in a freezer?

Refrigerant lines look like copper tubing and are usually mounted on all sides of a fridge except the doors. The lines are usually mounted just outside of the plastic liner of the unit, in between that liner and the insulation layer.

How poisonous is freon?

Freon is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas. When it is deeply inhaled, it can cut off vital oxygen to your cells and lungs. Limited exposure — for example, a spill on your skin or breathing near an open container — is only mildly harmful. However, you should try to avoid all contact with these types of chemicals.

Why is Freon no longer used?

Freon is a refrigerant chemical that was widely used in older residential and commercial cooling systems. R-22, the principle component in Freon, has been banned, along with other greenhouse gases, due to evidence that they damage the Earth’s ozone layer and contribute to global warming.

Where are chest freezer coils?

In older freezers, the condenser coil runs up and down at the back. The coil is often painted black and resembles a grid-like structure. In modern freezers, the condenser coil is located underneath. There is a face that is directed at the condenser coil to help cool down the heat.

Can I drill into the side of my fridge?

Drilling into side is not safe. A coolant tube may or may not be there, but you will mess up the thermal insulation for sure, creating dew point and similar problems. Those may not manifest within few months, but the risk of letting the genie out is simply too big.

What kind of Freon does a freezer take?

R404A
Most modern lab-grade freezers use R404A refrigerant, which has a GWP of 3,920. Ultra-low temperature freezers also use R508B as the secondary refrigerant, which has a GWP of 13,396. Natural refrigerants are the most environmentally-friendly option.

Why is my freezer not cold enough?

Defrost system problems, dirty condenser coils, fan failures, leaky door gaskets or control problems can lead to your freezer not getting cold enough. Although you may see the cooling problem start in the freezer, you’ll typically soon find the refrigerator and freezer not cool enough.