The Ammonia Smell From a Refrigerator

Uses

• Ammonia refrigerant is uncommon in household refrigerators, most of which currently use hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants; some older models rely on chlorofluorocarbons. Refrigerator units for RVs may use ammonia, and ammonia refrigeration is common in large-scale industrial applications. Ammonia is found as a gas at room temperature, so if it leaks, it will quickly diffuse into the surrounding environment.

Problem

• Unless you discover another source for the ammonia scent, an ammonia smell around your refrigerator usually indicates it's malfunctioning. The tubing in the cooling unit on a refrigerator can become oxidized over time and gradually deteriorate, eventually creating a leak. Depending on where the leak is located, yellow residue accumulating around the tubing at the back of the refrigerator is another telltale sign. In the event of this kind of malfunction, you may need to replace the cooling unit.

Solutions

• If you smell ammonia near your refrigerator, it's important to deal with the problem and make the necessary repairs ASAP because your refrigerator has either stopped working or will do so very soon. The leaking ammonia accelerates corrosion and can cause increased damage to the cooling unit. It may also attack parts inside the refrigerator or turn the plastic yellow. Consult with an appliance repair service in your area and compare what they charge with the price of a new unit to determine the best option.

Hazards

• Ammonia's possible hazards are another reason why you should repair possible leaks without delay. Ammonia can cause severe chemical burns to eyes, skin and throat. At very high levels, it's potentially lethal. The odor threshold usually ranges from 5 to 50 parts per million; concentrations of 300 ppm or above pose a severe risk to life and health. These kinds of risks are usually more of a concern for industry, where refrigeration may involve much larger quantities of ammonia. Even smaller units that are leaking, however, can potentially become hazardous. In October 2010, for example, a school in the British town of Colchester was evacuated after two staff members were overcome by gas from a leaking fridge.