Freon leak is one of the most common issues. There are tons of possible causes, but there is just one universal solution.
Signs of a leak and refilling the system
To start with, let’s see the role of the cooling agent in providing uninterrupted functioning. Freon is a chemical based on methane and ethane with some atoms substituted. It is a so-called refrigerant, which circulates the system. While being in a certain phase, it absorbs heat from the freezing chamber and passes it over to the outer environment.
Consequently, lack of Freon prevents the system from maintaining temperature in the cooling chamber or icebox at low levels. Simply put, the refrigerator stops doing its job. It should be noted that the gas itself has no color or odor, and most home owners identify the problem by the smell of spoiled food. This is the very first sign of a Freon leak, as temperature inside the refrigerator gets close to ambient temperature.
Second, it is the condenser’s temperature. Normally, it cools down the gas, which has been heated up to 70°C during compression. If the tubes remain cool throughout a period of operation, it is due to the decompression of the system.
Most leaks occur due to mechanical damage. It may result from careless transportation or improper defrosting (many users use knives and other sharp objects to remove ice, which is, in fact, not the right thing to do). Leaks may appear over time as well.
Advanced models signal malfunctions with error codes. Each manufacturer comes up with its own batch of such codes. If you have a Samsung fridge, please, browse for Samsung error codes.
How to add Freon to a refrigerator
Now that we have identified the problem, we have to do something about it. Unfortunately, you cannot do it alone. It is absolutely imperative that you use professional help. However, the good news is that you can have your fridge repaired on site, without having to transport it to a service.
First, the service person must locate the leak and either do up the hole or replace the damaged part of the tubing, depending on the extent of damage. Next, he/she will drain old gas from the system using a vacuum pump and fill it with fresh one.
If the refrigerator freezes well after the repair, think the problem solved completely!