5 simple steps to take if you puncture the Freon lines with your lawn mower, weed whip or any other garden tool:
1. Don’t panic.
2. Leave the area quickly
3. Turn off your thermostat
4. Kill the breaker to your AC
5. Call your heating/ac service company
Why is Freon so Important?
Freon or refrigerant is the substance that your air conditioning system uses to remove heat from the interior of your home and replace it will cool air. The refrigerant must be kept at a certain level and pressure in order to cool the home properly, but accidents do happen. Lawn mowers and weed whips are the most common culprits, but Freon leaks can be caused by almost any type of damage to the lines that contain this valuable substance.
Steer Clear of Freon Leaks
Freon leaks are costly, but there is nothing you or anyone else can do to stop the Freon from leaking out. The most important thing is safety, and any attempts to stop the Freon from leaking out could result in a bad case of frost bite. The Freon leaking from your AC is probably about 20, 30, or maybe even 50 degrees below zero. Not only will it blister and freeze your skin, but Freon displaces oxygen, so you could possibly suffocate or pass out if you’re standing to close to your AC while it is leaking large amounts of Freon. The suffocating part is unlikely in the back yard, but stranger things have happened to homeowners. The important thing is to stay away from the unit until all of the refrigerant leaks out completely. Safety should be your first concern.
Quick Action Could Save Your System
Turning the unit off as quickly as possible at the thermostat and AC breaker might keep the unit’s compressor from sucking air into the system. Your AC system will pull outside air into it once the Freon leaks out. This will contaminate the systems tubing, coils and compressor with moisture and non-condensable gases. If you are able to kill the power to the unit before a lot of contaminates are pulled in, the repair of the system should be easier and cheaper.
Call Your HVAC Contractor ASAP!
Call a trusted service company to repair the leak as quickly as possible. Older systems with R22 Freon in them aren’t affected quite as much as the new 410A systems. However, the system still needs to be repaired as soon as possible because the compressor suffers damage if the unit is ran without adequate amounts of refrigerant.
The 410A systems have hydroscopic properties. It will literally suck water out of the air. These new systems use polyester oil. This oil holds moisture and becomes acidic quickly when exposed to the air. That is why it’s important to get a professional out to seal up your system and start to repair it as soon as possible. Acting quickly can save your air-conditioner from being ruined by a simple mistake. Just remember, turn it off and stay away from it until help arrives.
Just got the news that they’re turning our gas off for THREE DAYS! Not cool considering we have a gas stove and a gas hot water heater!
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