Freon is a chemical that has been used in refrigerators for years to keep them cool.
It was found to have harmful effects on the ozone layer, so it is no longer used in most cases.
However, freon can still be found in dehumidifiers and air conditioners because it helps remove humidity from the air.
In this post, I answer the question, “Do dehumidifiers have Freon?”
I will also give answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on dehumidifiers.
Do Dehumidifiers Have Freon?
Dehumidifiers do contain freon, though it is not as common as when the refrigerant was first introduced. Refrigerant is often used in air conditioners and dehumidifiers because it helps remove humidity from the atmosphere.
Do Dehumidifiers Need To Be Recharged?
Not all dehumidifiers need to be recharged. Those that do will have a drain hose at the bottom of the unit, with which you can connect a garden hose to remove any excess water.
If your dehumidifier needs to be recharged, you might want to give the unit a monthly scrub to remove any accumulated mold or dirt.
Also, make sure the unit is unplugged and stored in a dry place when not in use.
How Do You Remove Freon From A Dehumidifier?
To remove Freon from your dehumidifier, you will need to turn off the unit and wait for it to cool down.
You will then need a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, some plastic wrap, and dish soap.
You will also need an old towel, water in a bucket, and both ice cubes and hot water.
Steps for removing Freon from a dehumidifier:
- Turn off the unit and let it cool down.
- Plugin your vacuum cleaner with an air intake filter cover
- Place ice cubes into a bucket or another watertight vessel, so you have enough cold liquid available. Fill this with water if necessary.
- Place dirty filter inside the container, followed by some old towels.
- Vacuum away! The more suction power used, the faster Freon will be removed from inside. For safety purposes, do not use heat when vacuuming.
- Remove the vacuum cleaner filter and clean with dish soap or another cleaning agent. Rinse well, then allow to dry completely before replacing on unit
- Place the filter and towels in a plastic bag.
- Remove any excess water with your garden hose, then shut it off. If you have an outside outlet for your dehumidifier, plug it back in to run and remove residual Freon from inside the unit.
- Repeat steps until no more suction power are available.
You will know that all of the Freon has been removed when no longer any ice cubes are leftover after vacuuming.
Freon is heavier than air, so cold liquid will collect on top. Once this happens, be sure to unplug or turn off the dehumidifier completely before removing anything from inside.
It’s also best if you can place a towel under where you’re.
What To Do If Freon Is Leaking?
If you realize that the Freon in your dehumidifier is leaking, you should immediately contact the customer service center.
This is a sign that your unit will need to be repaired soon.
Therefore, it’s best not to use it until this has been completed or at least dealt with by professionals.
If there are any Freon leaks in your room, take steps to isolate them and call emergency services.
Can A Freon Leak Kill You?
Accidental freon poisoning is rare, but accidents can happen.
Normally, freon comes well packaged to prevent any kind of harm .
But, if inhale or ingest it can cause harm to your body.
However, limited exposure is only mildly harmful.
According to WebMD , different types of freon poisoning you can suffer from are:
Acute refrigerant poisoning: This means that it you are exposed for only a short time period from a single incident. Normally, at a high concentration
Chronic refrigerant poisoning– This mean you are continuously exposed to refrigerant chemicals over a long period of time.
Symptoms of refrigerant poisoning are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Coughing,
- Vision loss
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain
If you suffer any of these systems after breathing in freon contact a professional or call 911.
What Does Freon Leak Smell Like?
Freon gas is non-flammable and colorless. Some people report it having a sweet smell, kind of like the smell of chloroform.
However, experts say refrigerant is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas.
Can A Dehumidifier Be Used As An Air Conditioner?
A dehumidifier cannot be used as an air conditioner. These are two devices that work differently and can’t be used interchangeably.
A dehumidifier removes excess moisture in the air, while an air conditioner functions by extracting heat from a room.
How Does A Dehumidifier Work?
A dehumidifier works through refrigeration. The device draws in warm, moist air and cools it until condensation forms on its surfaces.
This water drips into the machine’s reservoir or is pumped out with a hose outside. If your unit has any filters, condensation will also accumulate inside them during operation.
They should be cleaned regularly according to manufacturer instructions so that they don’t become clogged over time.
Do Dehumidifiers Need To Be Cleaned?
A monthly scrub with dish soap should remove any accumulated dust or dirt that builds up over time.
This will help prevent mold from growing on your unit. If you do notice any black spots building up on the exterior of your machine, it may mean there are leaks inside.
It will need repair as soon as possible. Don’t forget about cleaning out the drainage hose at the bottom of your appliance to prevent bacteria growth.
Summary- how do I know if my dehumidifier has Freon?
You will know if your dehumidifier has Freon by checking the filter or checking online.
You can also check to see if your dehumidifier has a sticker on it that says “Freon Free.” Better still, you can contact the manufacturer and ask them directly.
Hopefully, this post has been helpful to you.
If you have any questions about your dehumidifier, feel free to contact us or leave a comment. I will be glad to help.
Looking For Dehumidifer Guides?
If you’re looking for more dehumidifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on dehumidifiers.
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(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.
