Most modern dehumidifiers do not contain freon, but some still use refrigerants that work similarly
Freon is a brand name for chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants that were phased out in the United States starting in 1995 because they damage the ozone layer. Most dehumidifiers made in the last 20 years use HFC or HFO refrigerants instead — different chemicals that cool the coils without the same environmental harm. However, the cooling principle is identical: a refrigerant circulates through the dehumidifier, absorbs moisture from the air, and releases it as water that drains away.
If you own an older dehumidifier manufactured before 1995, it may contain actual freon. If you own one from 1995 to 2010, it likely contains an HFC refrigerant. Dehumidifiers made after 2010 increasingly use HFO refrigerants, which are considered safer for the atmosphere. The type of refrigerant does not change how the dehumidifier works or how much moisture it removes — it only affects environmental impact and, in some cases, energy efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Freon (CFC refrigerant) has been banned in new dehumidifiers since 1995, so modern units contain HFC or HFO refrigerants instead.
- All refrigerant-based dehumidifiers work the same way: they cool coils to condense moisture out of the air, regardless of which refrigerant they use.
- Dehumidifiers made before 1995 may still contain freon, but those made after 2010 typically use HFO refrigerants, which have less environmental impact.
- If your dehumidifier leaks refrigerant, it must be serviced by a licensed technician — you cannot refill it yourself, and the leak must be reported to the EPA.
How refrigerant works in a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier with refrigerant operates like a small air conditioner. The refrigerant flows through a compressor, which pressurizes it and heats it up. The hot refrigerant then moves to a condenser coil, where it cools down and releases heat to the outside air. As it cools, it becomes a liquid. This cold liquid refrigerant then flows to an evaporator coil inside the dehumidifier.
Room air is drawn across the cold evaporator coil. Moisture in that air condenses on the coil surface, just as water beads form on a cold window. The water drips into a collection tank or drain line. The now-dry air passes back into the room. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and evaporates back into a gas, and the cycle repeats. This process continues until the room reaches the humidity level you set.
The specific refrigerant used — whether freon, HFC, or HFO — does not change this cycle. It only affects how efficiently the refrigerant absorbs and releases heat, and what happens to the atmosphere if the refrigerant escapes.
What changed when freon was phased out
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, required countries to stop producing CFCs like freon because they destroy ozone in the upper atmosphere. The United States banned freon in new appliances starting January 1, 1995. Manufacturers switched to HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerants, which do not damage ozone but do contribute to climate change. In 2015, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol required a further phase-down of HFCs, pushing manufacturers toward HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) refrigerants, which have minimal climate impact.
Dehumidifiers made between 1995 and roughly 2010 typically contain HFC-134a or similar HFC blends. Newer models, especially those made after 2015, increasingly use HFO-1234ze or HFO-1234yf. You can find which refrigerant your dehumidifier uses by checking the nameplate or manual — it will be listed as "Refrigerant: [type]" or abbreviated as "R-134a" (HFC) or "R-1234ze" (HFO).
The performance difference between these refrigerants is small for most users. HFO refrigerants are slightly more efficient in some models, but the main benefit is environmental, not operational.
Identifying the refrigerant in your dehumidifier
The easiest way to find out what refrigerant your dehumidifier contains is to look at the nameplate — a metal or plastic label usually on the back or bottom of the unit. It lists the model number, voltage, and often the refrigerant type. Look for text that says "Refrigerant:" followed by a chemical name or code like "R-12" (freon), "R-134a" (HFC), or "R-1234ze" (HFO).
If the nameplate is missing or illegible, check the user manual or the manufacturer's website using your model number. Most manufacturers post specification sheets online. You can also contact the manufacturer's customer service line with your model number, and they will tell you which refrigerant the unit contains.
If your dehumidifier was made before 1995 and the nameplate says "R-12" or just "freon," the unit contains the banned refrigerant. These units are still legal to own and operate, but they cannot be serviced with new freon — only with recycled freon, which is expensive and increasingly hard to find.
What to do if your dehumidifier leaks refrigerant
If you notice your dehumidifier is not removing moisture as well as it used to, or if you hear a hissing sound, the unit may have a refrigerant leak. Do not attempt to refill it yourself. Refrigerant handling is regulated by the EPA, and only a licensed HVAC technician with EPA certification can service the unit legally.
Contact a local HVAC repair service and describe the symptoms. The technician will check for leaks using specialized equipment, repair the leak if found, and refill the refrigerant if necessary. The cost varies — a straightforward recharge may cost $100 to $200, while finding and fixing a leak can cost $300 to $500 or more, depending on the location and severity of the leak.
If the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new dehumidifier, replacement is usually the better choice. Modern dehumidifiers are more efficient and often cost less to run than older models, so the savings in electricity can offset the purchase price within a few years.
Dehumidifiers without refrigerant
Not all dehumidifiers use refrigerant. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a moisture-absorbing material (usually silica gel or a similar compound) instead of refrigerant. A fan pulls air through the desiccant, which traps moisture. The desiccant is then heated to release the moisture, which is collected and drained away. Desiccant models work well in cold rooms where refrigerant-based units are less effective, and they are quieter and lighter.
The trade-off is that desiccant dehumidifiers produce heat as a byproduct, which can raise room temperature slightly. They also tend to be less efficient in warm, humid conditions — the opposite of refrigerant models. If you are shopping for a dehumidifier, the choice between refrigerant and desiccant depends on your room temperature, humidity level, and noise tolerance, not on environmental concerns about refrigerant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy a dehumidifier with freon in it?
No. New dehumidifiers have not been manufactured with freon since 1995. If you see a dehumidifier labeled as containing freon, it is either very old, mislabeled, or being sold by a reseller. All new units use HFC or HFO refrigerants.
Is it safe to use a dehumidifier that contains refrigerant?
Yes, as long as the unit is not leaking. Refrigerant is sealed inside the system and does not escape during normal operation. A leak is rare in a well-maintained unit, but if one occurs, the refrigerant can be harmful to breathe, so have it serviced by a licensed technician when ready.
Does the type of refrigerant affect how much moisture a dehumidifier removes?
No. The moisture removal capacity depends on the compressor size, coil design, and fan speed — not on whether the unit uses freon, HFC, or HFO. All three refrigerants work the same way; they just have different environmental impacts.
What should I do with an old dehumidifier that contains freon?
You can continue using it if it works. If it needs repair, a technician can service it with recycled freon, though this is expensive. When you are ready to dispose of it, contact a local HVAC recycler or your municipal hazardous waste facility — they will recover the refrigerant safely before scrapping the unit.