Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

Vacuum the coils under or behind the fridge. Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won't have a fan). Plug in the fridge and make sure the fan runs when the compressor is running.

How long does Freon last in a refrigerator?

Freon gas in a refrigerator is in a sealed system that if not compromised will last almost forever. Your refrigerator freon should never leak out and it does not break down.

When did they stop using Freon in refrigerators?

However, R-12 damaged the ozone layer, causing governments to issue a ban on its use in new refrigerators and air-conditioning systems in 1994. The less harmful replacement for R-12, R-134a (tetrafluoroethane), has been in common use since 1990, but R-12 is still found in many old systems today.

What type of freon goes in a refrigerator?

Refrigerators manufactured from 1995 to the present typically use R-134a, an HFC, as a refrigerant. Both refrigerators and automobiles use R-134a as a refrigerant, and adults can buy it at most automobile parts stores. Combining the noncompatible refrigerants R-12 and R134a will lock up the compressor.

Is Freon dangerous to breathe?

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.

How do you know if your refrigerator is dying?

Cause 1: A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

How long does a refrigerator last?

According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.

Do modern refrigerators use Freon?

In the 1970s and 80s, discoveries were made linking CFC-compound gases (like Freon) to the depletion of the ozone layer . In the early 1990s, environmental concerns lead to the ban of Freon. Since then, modern refrigerators have used variations of tetrafluoroethane as a refrigerant.

Can you fix a Freon leak in a refrigerator?

"If only the upper half or third of the coil has frost, then there is a sealed system problem, meaning there is a restriction or not enough Freon, probably because of a leak, in the system." Repair: Find and repair the leak or obstruction; replace the heat exchanger and filter drier; and drain and recharge the system.

What happens if you put too much Freon in a refrigerator?

The excess refrigerant will collect inside the compressor and lead to subcooling, temperatures below normal. The extra refrigerant can also flood the compressor and damage its mechanical components.