A practical guide: How to deal with a refrigerant leak in your refrigerator

Have you noticed a strange smell coming from your refrigerator? Is your food going bad faster than usual? These may be signs of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is an important part of the refrigerator cooling system, without it, the refrigerator cannot keep food cool. Refrigerant leaks can be a serious problem, not only for your refrigerator, but also for your health and the environment. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to deal with a refrigerator refrigerant leak.

Identify refrigerant leaks

Before you can fix the problem, you need to make sure it actually exists. Here are some signs of a possible refrigerant leak:
- The refrigerator does not cool properly.
- There is a chemical smell in the refrigerator.
- You notice oily residue on the refrigerator floor.
- Your energy bills suddenly increase.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

Steps to Treat a Refrigerant Leak

1. Ventilate your home: If you suspect a refrigerant leak, the first thing you should do is ventilate your home. Breathing in refrigerant can be harmful, so open doors and windows to let in fresh air.

2. Switch off the refrigerator: To prevent further leaks, turn off the refrigerator and unplug it.

3. Call a Professional: A refrigerant leak is not a DIY project. Refrigerants are hazardous materials and must be handled by licensed professionals. Call your local appliance repair service or your refrigerator manufacturer's customer service department for help.

4. Disposal of Spoiled Food: Any food that was in the refrigerator at the time of the leak should be thrown away as it may have been exposed to chemicals in the refrigerant.

5. CLEANUP: Use gloves and respirator to clean up any visible residue. Be sure to dispose of cleaning materials correctly.

Prevent future leaks

Regular maintenance helps prevent refrigerant leaks. Have your refrigerator serviced by a professional at least once a year. They will check for any potential issues and resolve them before they become a problem.

If your refrigerator is old and experiencing frequent problems, it may be time to consider replacement. Repair costs can add up, and newer models are more energy efficient, saving you money in the long run.


A refrigerant leak in your refrigerator is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. While this can be troublesome, it's important to handle it correctly to prevent health risks and further damage to your equipment. Remember, if in doubt, always call a professional. It's worth it for your safety and the longevity of your refrigerator.