Your Food Feels Warm
Most of us take it for granted that you can simply reach into the refrigerator and pull out a cool can of soda or a deliciously chilled item of food. Unfortunately, when your refrigerator develops a freon leak, the appliance will not be able to run properly. This results in the food, drinks and produce in your refrigerator not being kept as cold and fresh as it should be. If you notice that the items in your refrigerator are a little on the warmer side, it could be because of a freon leak. Before all your groceries spoil, you’ll need to have your refrigerator checked, and the problem corrected as quickly as possible.
The Motor is Constantly Running
As your refrigerator temperature increases, the compressor and condenser run using the freon to bring the temperature back down to the desired level. When a freon leak occurs, the motor will be forced to run for longer to try to compensate for the incorrect amount of refrigerant. This places the motor under excessive strain, which can lead to a greater risk of a breakdown issue occurring.
Higher Electricity Bills
Most us expect higher electricity bills in summer and winter when we’re heating or cooling our homes, but unseasonal higher bills are a sign of a problem. As mentioned above, a freon leak causes your refrigerator motor to run for longer and longer periods. As your refrigerator is working harder to try, it will be using greater and greater amounts of energy, forcing an increase in your electricity consumption. If you notice that your electricity bills have started to spike for no noticeable reason, it is always a good idea to check your appliances for any faults.
Odd Smells
Freon and other types of refrigerant emit an almost musty smell, particularly if your refrigerator is in a contained space, such as your garage. Your first instinct may be to assume that something has gone bad inside your refrigerator, but if you can’t trace the source of an odd smell, don’t dismiss it and check for a freon leak. While you may not be familiar with what freon smells like, that odd, musty smell may actually be a result of a leak.
Unexplained Illness
Breathing in freon is actually a danger to health, and if you’ve suffered prolonged exposure, you may find yourself experiencing nausea, headaches, fainting or other symptoms. If you’ve been feeling unwell and you can’t seem to figure out why, it is worth considering whether you’ve been exposed to freon. Freon can be particularly problematic for those with a history of heart issues as very high concentrations can cause palpitations and arrhythmia. Fortunately, there are no serious long-term health consequences from freon exposure, as it is not known to accumulate in the body to cause organ damage or act as a carcinogen. Still, there is no point in suffering unnecessarily, so if you do feel unwell and suspect a Freon leak, get your refrigerator checked.
If you are having some issues with your refrigerator and suspect you may have a freon leak, you can rely on a professional home appliance repair specialist to provide a long-lasting solution. For assistance with all of your refrigerator repair needs, be sure to speak to a professional home appliance repair service.
