Not a single modern and even more so old refrigerator is safe from leakage of refrigerant (freon). This malfunction is a little insidious and it can only be determined 100% using special equipment. But, before you call the master, you can independently inspect the technique and draw conclusions.
To make it easier for you to navigate, we will talk about the signs and causes of such a problem, and describe the complete process for resolving it.
Where is the highest probability of leaks
Before you begin to eliminate the leak, it is worth localizing its location. Regardless of the make and model of equipment, the most vulnerable places where leaks occur are:
- Soldering (locking joints). These pipe connections are the most common leak points. They may leak gas due to natural deformations or due to factory defects.
- Crying Evaporator. The part is usually aluminum, therefore it often suffers from corrosion. Moisture accumulating in evaporator systems provokes microcracks through which freon gas easily leaves the housing.
Important! The evaporator is often filled with special foam. If there is a leak in the foamy part of the refrigerator, there will be a complicated repair with almost complete disassembly of the case. It is worth thinking about transporting the refrigerator to the workshop so that your kitchen does not turn into one.
- Warm steel circuitlocated around the perimeter of the freezer. This assembly promotes evaporation of condensate. Since the part is constantly in contact with moisture, the metal rusts, causing leakage. If you have been using the refrigerator for more than 5 years, the likelihood of leakage in this place increases several times.
Causes and signs of refrigerant leakage
Only the master can determine the exact cause of the leak using special equipment. But if you immediately want to know how much the repair will cost, you can try to diagnose the problem yourself. Typically, gas leakage is accompanied by such signs:
- Weak cooling. If gas venting has just begun, the first thing that occurs in the refrigerator is not enough cooling. If there are two compressors, then usually there is little cold in one of the chambers. And in technology with one engine, mild cold will be in the main compartment and in the freezer.
- Long motor operationpractically without "rest". Usually it is easy to see that the motor is continuous. This is due to the fact that with a decrease in the level of freon in the circuit, the pressure in the entire system drops, and the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cold, therefore it works practically "for wear".
- No frost, compressor off. After the equipment tried to work using the remnants of freon, a complete leak occurs, so the cooling process stops, and the compressor does not work.
- Alarm. Almost all models provided for an alarm. In models without a display, the red Alarm or “Caution!” Light will blink, and if there is an electronic display, the corresponding error code will light up. Such signals will not indicate a gas leak: they will most likely notify the user that the cells are too warm.
- Indirect visual signs. In some cases, when the refrigerator is still running, a snow coat or ice crust may appear around the evaporator, which indicates a leak in this particular unit. If there are rusty streaks around the door, then the cause is likely to be in the defrost system. When the wall is bulging, it is necessary to look for contour damage in the place where the body swollen.
No matter where the leak is detected, it is difficult to cope with the restoration of the refrigerator's functionality on its own. Qualitatively and reliably eliminate the leak and refuel the system can only the master. But we will definitely describe the scheme of work - there is nothing secret in it.
Freon leak on the example of the Atlant refrigerator: repair and replacement
If you have an Indesit, Nord, Atlant refrigerator or any other model of a common brand, the repair procedure will be almost identical. And it consists of such steps:
- Gas Leak Detection. A specialist visually inspects the appliance in search of visible "symptoms" - rust or swelling. Then, using a leak detector, which fixes the concentration of Freon vapor in the air, it finds the exact place.
- Leak leakage. Work is underway to eliminate leaks with the support in place of its localization. If the place is “accessible”, there is nothing complicated. So, if the leak point is a “warm” circuit, the defective area is cut out and the system loops. And if the refrigerant leaves the foam part, the master chooses the safest method of repair.
It all depends on the brand, model of the refrigerator and the experience of the master. In some cases, it is advisable to repair the foamed part of the case - there are models in which it is not necessary to completely remove all insulation. And in some cases, you need to hang a new evaporator, so you don’t have to open the case - you can carry out such work right at your place. Damage is not ruled out when you need to completely "print" the wall.
- Installing a new filter drier. This element is always replaced if there is a leak, therefore, when the master informs you of its replacement, he does not try to cheat or “vaporize” unnecessary details. Replacement is needed to prevent moisture particles from entering the cooling circuit.
- Verification of absolute tightness. To check the degree of sealing of the system, a mechanic pumps nitrogen into the circuit. Checking the pressure gauge, the master monitors the pressure. If the test is successful, the gas will be vented, and the repairman will proceed further according to plan.
- Evacuation. To remove air and moisture from the circuit, special vacuum equipment is taken. It is connected using a Schröder valve, after which it is pumped out until the desired vacuum level is reached.
- Refrigerant charge. Coming to the finish line, the master selects the appropriate refrigerant and charges. It is also introduced into the system through the Schroeder valve, after which freon is pumped into the circuit from the cylinder. The gas injection level is determined with reference to the manufacturer's requirements. The degree of filling is controlled by a pressure gauge or taking into account the mass - then the cylinder is weighed.
- Check. Having finished refueling, the specialist is convinced of the operability of the refrigerator and sends you a guarantee package of documents.
Important! Always demand a guarantee, even if the refrigerator immediately turned on and began to freeze. There are times when masters "go too far" with refrigerant, and its excess must be vented. In order not to pay for repairs again, we need documents confirming the work.
To summarize our review. If freon leaks, you can find the damaged area yourself to save on diagnostics. And you do not need to save on repairs - contact a trusted company. Follow the work of the master, referring to the course of work described by us.