But unless you inhaled large quantities, it won't be lethal. Determine if You Can Repair the Leak. Poor concentration, stability, and movement. If the moisture on the rag is colored or has an odor, then it most likely isn’t water. W. And here’s the special patch goo that you use. Crypto Remove the air from the system. Leaks often start out as “pinhole leaks. Here's everything you need to know about amniotic fluid leaks during pregnancy. Dry, itchy, scaly skin. While freon plays a vital role in the efficient operation of air conditioning systems, its release into the environment poses significant dangers. 6. Use nitrogen to test the system for leaks. Ventilate the Room. For assistance with all of your refrigerator repair needs, be sure to speak to a professional home appliance repair service. 4. Health risks of refrigerant poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and even death. The first thing you should do if you smell a freon leak is to ventilate the room. A Freon recharge is a very common AC repair, though if you need one, there’s probably also a leak somewhere that needs repairing. If the air is not as cold as it should be, it could mean a refrigerant leak. Burning food pipe. As most refrigerant leaks are found at the indoor coil, an evaporator coil can be replaced to fix a leak. Step 5: Locate The R22 Or R410A Leak. Fertility ; Ovulation Calculator ; Ovulation Symptoms ; Preparing for Pregnancy How To Find A Freon Leak. How long does Freon last in refrigerator. Don’t worry though, your car does not leak when the A. Diagnose the sealed areas for leaks. Repair Methods: Depending on the type and location of the leak, there are several possible repair methods. If you think your Mitsubishi mini split is leaking refrigerant, you should contact a professional HVAC technician to come out and take a look at it. 5 x 2. Asphyxiation occurs when too much Freon is inhaled and it displaces the oxygen in your lungs. 2013 Camry XLE 3. Exposure can compromise your vehicle’s entire AC system. It typically includes a sealant canister and a hose or valve for application. 7 Signs of a refrigerant leak . Articles from Medical Journal, Armed Forces India are provided here courtesy of Elsevier. Key Takeaway. If this is the case, those parts can be replaced. These wavelengths fall within the 300-400 nanometer range. Get Professional Help. It’s important to address these leaks promptly to prevent health risks. (It's a 3. This substance is exceedingly dangerous, causing brain damage and even death in severe overexposure cases. Here’s What to do to Fix Freons Leak in Refrigerator. Refrigerant Poisoning. One significant health risk is refrigerant poisoning. Surviving fetuses from these rats demonstrated rib. Another method for finding a leak is the bubble test. Ventilate the Room. Freon is a chemical compound and when it is released into the air, it can be harmful if inhaled. Replace the filter-drier. However, if you have known heart problems, you need to be very careful with Freon because it can cause an irregular heartbeat. It can cause mild symptoms such as a headache, dizziness, coughing, and irritation of the respiratory. Freon, when it leaks into your home, is a dangerous gas that can cause minor health problems such as nausea, headaches, irritation, or anything similar to those. Safety Gear: Always wear gloves and safety goggles to protect against refrigerant, which can cause frostbite and eye damage on contact. A Freon leak smell is noticeable. Exposure to Freon, a refrigerant used in many cooling systems, can cause various health problems. It is best to consult the owner’s manual for the exact location. 7 Signs Of a Freon Leak In Your Refrigerator. Log Out. Turn on the Freon charging machine and slowly add Freon to the refrigerator. A freon leak will produce a smell between sweet and chloroform. Part 2 of 4: Understanding what causes AC low pressure hoses to fail. Inhalation of freon. Yes, you can repair a Freon leak without the help of an HVAC professional. #5 · Jul 12, 2022. The fact that it was just topped off tells me there. The leak can be diagnosed by injecting small amount of fluorescent dye into the AC system. The most common cause of AC freon leaks is likely erosion of the metal over time due to formic acid or formaldehyde corrosion. Signs of a leak can vary based on how severe it is and how much refrigerant has escaped. A portable burner is the easiest way to detect freon leaks. – Nausea. Freon is odorless, but it can mix with other chemicals to create an unpleasant smell. Small holes are formed when the acid eats away at the metal and the unit eventually releases freon. If the refrigerant in your AC is leaking, the system is already compromised. This WJL-6000 PRO refrigerant leak detector with LED light is a great option that comes with a two-color LED light (UV light for fluorescent agent and white flashlight to illuminate dark and small areas). We just found out late last night that our refrigerator is leaking freon. You can take a look at the coils to see if you notice any ice crystals. These components are made from various chemicals and metals, and prolonged exposure to odors from these is. Understanding if your air conditioner freezing up is caused by a refrigerant leak or mechanical issue may be most obvious based on noises made by the outdoor unit. The problem with leaks near the tube sheet is when the technician uses heat to repair the leak in the coil, the heat loosens other parts of the coils, and another leak could occur. Refrigerant is the liquid/gas your AC unit cycles through the system's pipes to remove heat from your house. Check the air coming from your registers (vents). The device works by sensing the refrigerant gas. 6 of the policy agreement. The company that. Leaks occur when air conditioning systems sustain damage or wear and tear. For the most part, a low pressure hose failure will be caused by age, time and exposure to. If you notice that the food in your refrigerator is not staying as cold as it should be, a freon leak may be the cause. Issues such as these are generally Freon related (either low freon or a freon leak). Disconnect the charging hose and replace the cap on the port. The technician will carefully examine the compressor, a vital Freon component responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the system. An air conditioner Freon leak can be hard to spot, especially if the refrigerant is in gas form. AC not blowing cold air. Caution should. A lack of cold air blowing through your vents could have a number of culprits, but the simplest and most common explanation is a lack of refrigerant. Keep out of reach of children. If there is a leak in your system, it can cause the gas to escape and potentially lead to health problems for you and your family. Freon (also called refrigerant or coolant) is an essential component used in air conditioners—freon aids in phase conversion (when a liquid converts into a gas). Similar to the AC unit, any. of an appliance leaking ozone-depleting refrigerant above the applicable leak rate if: o The owner/operator intends to retrofit or retire rather than repair the leak; or o The owner/operator fails to identify and repair the leak; or o The appliance continues to leak above the applicable leak rate after required repairs and verification tests. The Freon in your air conditioner is pressurized. Please see section 6. 03 oz. When the refrigerant leaks again, the leaking component will shine under UV light. Make adjustments as needed. A Freon leak is dangerous, primarily because of the chemicals used in commercial and residential cooling appliances. Leaking fluid. In this article, we’ll look at what freon is and how it affects the human body. The kits can be bought for anything in the range of 20 to 300 dollars from a home improvement store, an auto repair store, or, like everything these days, online. Freons are colorless liquids or gases. Getting Pregnant . This is a specialty item that you won’t find at your neighborhood. Here are some steps to fix it. The lifespan of Freon in an air conditioner can vary depending on various factors. Freon can be captured and reused in the compressor side if the leak is on the blower side, mine was on the compressor so the Freon was purged and replaced Cost was around $1300 for the repair. Signs of a Freon Leak. To remove all of the air and other materials, a vacuum pump should be used. Get in touch today at 763-684-3965 for more information and to. The first step is to identify the leak. Limited exposure to freon, on. Another common indicator is a noticeable hissing or bubbling sound from the AC when it’s turned on, suggesting a substantial leak. Assuming reasonable leaking-detection competence - if they can't find the leak either the valves where they attach their gauge hoses are leaking or the refrigerant is leaking into the water. Freon is a type of chemical refrigerant that is commonly used in cooling systems, including air conditioners. Another common indicator is a noticeable hissing or bubbling sound from the AC when it’s turned on, suggesting a substantial leak. Step 2: A saddle clamp will need to be installed. The car sits for like a week in between drives. In order to find leaks in the air conditioning system, a leak search is carried out in the workshop using forming gas – even the smallest leaks can be detected. Another detection method requires you to add a small amount of fluorescent dye to the refrigerant line. If you are dealing with a freon leak, it is important to take proper safety precautions to ensure you do not get injured. Refrigerant scale. When replacing whole parts, HVAC professionals need to purge all. Your last resort is to call an appliance repair specialist. A variety of leak detectors can be purchased from appliance repair shops, auto parts stores, or online. Equally sensitive to all refrigerants. Here are the steps you need to take to safely clean up freon: 1. Let’s. This was allowing potentially dangerous levels of ultraviolet light to reach the earth. A New Jersey Costco was evacuated Wednesday after a Freon leak inside the store that sickened about 20 staff members, police said. Disconnect the charging hose and replace the cap on the port. If you suspect anything, you should call in the experts immediately. Older model air conditioners, refrigerators, chest freezers, and dehumidifiers use Freon. Compressor Examination. It will take a very good technician who. It’s a colorless and odorless gas that’s non-toxic and non-flammable. Expect to pay around $300 on average, or between $200 and $500* to add freon to your AC unit. I have seen AC vac pumps at Harbor freight for less than $100 and hoses and gauges for about $40. The first way is to purchase a leak detector kit. ”. Soldering the Refrigerant Pipes: Another way to fix the freon leak is by soldering the broken cracks and joints. You can find it near or on the outdoor unit. One of the well-known and audible ways of knowing the refrigerator freon leak is to hear the buzz or funny noises cause by the motor. Universal Appliance Repair provides Factory Authorized service for most major appliance brand names in San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles Area. We can quickly identify which type of leak you have and the exact remedy to deploy. It is good practice to regularly leak test the equipment. Freon (R-22 refrigerant) is readily available. Refrigerant Safety. Step 3: Inspect the Coils. When Freon is released into the air, it can displace oxygen, leading to a lack of oxygen supply if inhaled in large. Hi bit of an odd one and not sure if anyone can help/advise. Allow them to sit for 3-4 days in the fridge. Unit Repairs17336 Combi-Cooler Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak Page 3 of 6 Service Procedure Note: This special coverage ONLY covers an air conditioning condenser refrigerant leak at the coupler as specified below. The size of the leak matters, here’s why: No one should have to suffer the consequences of refrigerant poisoning due to a freon leak from malfunctioning HVAC units. 3727 posts · Joined 2010. Commonly known as Freon, refrigerant chemicals such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) pose a threat to human health. You’ll see your compressor, condenser, evaporator, and some copper wires connected. This Agreement covers the primary floor air conditioning unit of the. Here are the steps you need to take to safely clean up freon: 1. As of 2020, Freon is limited to stockpiles and recycled quantities only. The air that blows out might be slightly cool initially but quickly becomes warm. Shut off the freon source. Freon is a type of refrigerant that is used to keep air conditioners and refrigerators cool and running efficiently. Having said that, I should add that perception of smell varies from person to. Read on to discover the audible and tangible hints, as well as who to call for help. What Causes Freon Leaks? There are many possible reasons for leaks: Weld joint fatigue: This is the most typical reason for Freon leaking and impacts the evaporator coils in the attics. Call the expert at 818-904-5601!Use a degreaser to remove any oil or dirt, and let the surface dry completely. If you do, there’s a good chance that a refrigerant leak is to blame. McQuade back in 1928 when it was known under its trade name of R-12 or "CFC-12. The most evident sign of a Freon leak is a decrease in your car’s AC system’s cooling efficiency. To determine if your AC unit is leaking Freon, look for these signs. The meltwater quickly fills up the small drain pan faster than the water can drain away, leading to the air conditioner leaking water all over the floor. Check which type of refrigerant your vehicle uses. If you’re turning on your heat pump for the first time this fall, it may take. Freon leak and pregnancy safety. When the refrigerant is low or a leak has occurred, the AC will not adequately cool your space. For instance, rubber seals that protect your cooling equipment are worn out over time and allow coolant to leak through. If you have an older air conditioner or other appliance that uses Freon, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to keep your family safe in the event of a leak. 3. It’s possible that the leak is coming from faulty valves on the compressor or condenser. Yes, a Freon (refrigerant) leak can potentially make you sick. If a line leak or compressor replacement issue requires R-22 refrigerant to charge the unit, you can choose to replace it with an EPA-approved alternative refrigerant like R-407C. Fluorescent dye naturally glows under varying wavelengths, but for the best fluorescent results, Violet and UV light are used because they easily activate the fluorescent response. 1. Systematic Approach to Leak Detection and Diagnosis. Here are a couple reasons why freon leaks are hazardous: Harmful to human health: AC refrigerant leaks can lead to health complications when inhaled. Althoff Industries can help. (1 gm)/year sensitivity. This ultimately causes moisture on the evaporator coil to ice over. $200 for the sweat weld, $1100 for the Freon (this was the height of COVID when prices on Freon exploded and this is a big system used like 13 lbs of. Freon leaks when the air conditioner is turned off can also be caused by faulty installation or maintenance. R-410A Freon refrigerant acts as the circulatory system carrying blood and oxygen to and from the heart, or in this case, the compressor. Locating The Freon Leak And Use A Quick Fix To Seal It (Steps 4-6) Step 4: Unmounting The Window AC And Exposing The Refrigerant Wires. Freon absorbs heat from the indoor air, which is released outside. 3. you don't have freon in your car. There are numerous causes behind a Freon leak. The chart below shows the most common groups of refrigerants we use. 99 $ 109. Call 877-734-9512, or text BRIDGESTONE to 97211* to apply. For larger leaks, you may need to use a repair kit or replace the damaged part. 3. Consumer Reports suggests that a persistent chemical smell in a refrigerator needs some work to fully eradicate. Inefficient cooling. Dry, itchy, scaly skin. Latest repairs, new compressor installed 2x, upgrade to circuit system to help w/ known problem, new refrigerator coils, Freon leaking 2x, proper balance between Refrig and Freezer off. There are three main dangers associated with Freon leaks: asphyxiation, fires, and explosions. Soap and water should be combined in a spray bottle and then sprayed onto the piping. Coughing. The making and use of freons is now. Once a refrigerant leak occurs, a service technician can add more to correct the charge, but until the cause of the leak is diagnosed and resolved, the leak will continue. headache. 21 kt refrigerant leakage was found in European countries [45], equivalent to 147. With good care and maintenance, freon gas life can extend up to five years. Try defrosting every time there is one-fourth of an inch of ice or less in your freezer. If you have an older air conditioner or other appliance that uses Freon, it’s worth taking. It leaked all out two seasons later. Prepare a solution of soapy water, using about one liter of water and 0. Refrigerant, coolant, better known as Freon, is a liquid used as a medium to absorb and disperse heat. Soldering the Refrigerant Pipes: Another way to fix the freon leak is by soldering the broken cracks and joints. This is done by putting a vacuum pump on the system that sucks all the contaminant's out. Depending on the size and location of the leak, sometimes an additive in a new can of Freon with a sealer/conditioner can help. My HVAC unit stopped heating and I’m told I need 1 to 1. Low refrigerant is another possible cause of water leaking from your AC; low refrigerant can also lead to freezing evaporator coils and the melting that follows. R-22 was the most popular refrigerant used in commercial and residential air conditioning units for many years because it was considered a safe and cost-efficient refrigerant choice by the HVACR industry. This means that it will not ignite or burn in the presence of air. This means that even when the fridge is off, there is still pressure in the cooling system that can lead to Freon leaks through weak points, such as faulty seals or cracks in the lines. An initial verification test must demonstrate that leaks where a repair attempt was made are repaired. Freon repairs cost so much more than water leaks because Freon is. Refrigerants were made up of fluorocarbons, mostly chlorofluorocarbons. Additionally, if the leak requires specialty tools, the cost can increase significantly. It’s uncommon to be exposed to high levels of sewer gas at home. Refrigerant leaks occur when the refrigerant in your vehicle’s air conditioning (AC) system escapes from its intended path. If refrigerant is leaking or has leaked out, the air conditioning system will not work and can result in a burned-out compressor. In fact, when the cylinders explode, they can send. They will swiftly diagnose the issue. Before attempting to fix a Freon leak in your air conditioner, gather the necessary tools and materials, including: Electronic leak detector or ultraviolet (UV) leak detection kit. A leak detector is a tool that can detect Freon leaks in your fridge. However, Freon products are kept in a gas cylinder at high pressure, and if the air temperature gets higher, it can lead to an explosion. Three basic AC units are available: window, central AC system, and split AC system. The risks associated with the use of refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment can include toxicity, flammability, asphyxiation, and physical hazards. To fix an AC leak, start by locating the condensate drain pipe, usually outside your home. Allow the vacuumed system to set for several hours. If freon levels in the cooling system fall too low, the system cannot maintain cold temperatures. 6 8 10 7 9 11 R290 labeling insures purity and no odorant or moisture, a 1% degradation in purity can lead to a 3-6% degradation in system performance. It is important to remember that attempting. In extreme conditions, the coil can have a heat variety of 35 to 125 degrees and can cycle through these conditions over a hundred times in a day. Refrigerant leak causes. Is anyone able to point me on studies or data on the safety of this type of freon, especially with regards to pregnancy? See full list on cdc. Afterward, a silver solder is heated and pressed against the crack to seal the leak. Wipe down all the plastic with white vinegar. Place your hand over the hose and try to feel for the leaking refrigerant ; Use a dye/refrigerant product that will display the source of the leak with the use of a UV or black light. A 25-pound canister of Freon costs $75 to $175 per pound, and most systems need six to 15 pounds. Refrigerators having Freon leakage are very old; one should change them to avoid any significant loss. Vacuuming the refrigerant lines. 5. In addition, if you have a larger AC unit that requires more refrigerant, you could be expected to pay up to and possibly more than $600 per refill. Step 2: Check for Hissing Sounds. This is not a permanent solution. After you check all of this and you still notice warm air blowing through your vents, you might have a refrigerant leak. Leaking amniotic fluid during the first and/or second trimesters can cause. Place perishable foods in a cooler. Dimensions: 14. How Common Are Freon Leaks? Freon leaks are not common, but they can happen. Typically a freon leak happens slowly so if the air conditioner is slowly getting worse. We're talking about a roughly $2000 repair job to replace the copper coils, when you can get a. This can be a cost-effective option when you consider the cost of R-22 compared to a new compressor, the alternative refrigerant, line flush labor and trade service call. The dye will spill out of any leaks present in the system. Freon leaks usually occur around the valves, welds, or compressors of the system, and can be difficult to detect. Do not attempt to locate the leak’s source or repair it yourself. Freon is the registered brand name of liquids and gasses used for refrigeration purposes. Along with damaging the environment, breathing in refrigerants also presents a health risk. Freon is the coolant that your fridge uses, circulating it through your sealed system. By the time you get a tech there most of the freon may have leaked out. System vibration. The. lethargy. In fact, the new allowable leak rate thresholds can be summarized as follows: 20% for commercial refrigeration equipment; 30% for industrial process refrigeration (IPR) equipment; and. JDM_Toyota. To that end, we created this guide on how to tell your AC leaks Freon. beginning in 2010 because it is ozone depleting. When there is a leak, MOST of the time the Freon is leaking around the coils, which are EXTREMELY expensive to replace. – Trouble breathing. However, if you are exposed to large amounts of Freon, it can lead to dizziness. If you determine that there’s a freon leak, you should never approach it on your own. Use our expert research to learn more about your project. In this article, we’ll look at what freon is and how it affects the human body. Most refrigerants are described as having a sweet odor, or possibly smelling like chloroform. 6. Set the portable burner to low fire. Keeping your AC clean and out of harm’s way is the first step to maintaining an efficient air conditioning system. Other than the AC unit not cooling your home, a noticeable symptom of a refrigerant leak is a hissing or whistling sounds coming from your outdoor unit. It has the potential to deprive your cells and lungs of oxygen. 1. The York system was installed June 2007 and by the end of that summer, it was not cooling the house. The first check you want to perform for a leaking A/C is the ol’ sniff test: Dip a clean rag in the puddle under your vehicle. When a Freon leak occurs, it can create a number of problems, from lower cooling levels due to. With more than 200 million gasoline cars in the U. While refrigerant is safe when used as intended, it is not meant for human consumption and inhalation can lead to serious side effects. Yes, a freon leak can harm your health, particularly if inhaled deeply. If this is the case, the only option is to replace the broken part. In some cases, it may be cheaper to simply replace the entire. Place a sanitary pad or panty liner in your. If air being blown is warm. Usually, the service provider includes this cost with the price of a refrigerant refill and leak repair, making the total cost for a visit in the range of $450 to $1,400 or more. Most often, slow refrigerant leaks in the valves or fittings of the air. This is the most permanent fix other than replacing the air conditioner all together. It can be difficult to. Freon is an ozone-depleting substance that has been used for many years as a refrigerant gas in air conditioners and other cooling systems. This special coolant, or refrigerant, is vital for the AC system as it absorbs heat from the air inside your car and releases it outside, thus cooling down your vehicle. I did not replace the furnace, just the. We can also provide preventive maintenance services to help keep your AC running smoothly. Other models are similar. You might also notice other indications of a Freon leak, such as a weird sound or ice. They will inspect the compressor for any signs of damage, such as worn-out or faulty components, which may contribute to the Freon leak. No one should have to suffer the consequences of refrigerant poisoning due to a freon leak from malfunctioning HVAC units. confusion. I would explain your options and let you decide. Inhaling leaking refrigerant can lead to headaches, nausea, skin irritation, respiratory issues, and many more serious health problems. This is usually available for hire from tool rental or appliance repair stores. One commonly used refrigerant, known as Freon, can be particularly dangerous if inhaled in high concentrations. The. We researched to determine the answer. The leak can be diagnosed by injecting small amount of fluorescent dye into the AC system. A key element of the regulations relates to refrigerant leaks. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 815-455-7000 or if you have an emergency dial our hotline at 800-225-2443. Refrigerant are proven to be a hazardous chemical to our planet’s ozone layer. Hi Guys, I have a 2 year old York AC unit and I have been having freon leak problems. 5 lbs of R410-A freon which apparently leaked out of the unit over the past year or so. You Can Help. Refrigerant leak in < 2 yr old system - Trane XR13 2. The cost of repairing the leak can range from $100 to $300, depending on the severity of the leak and the parts needed to fix it. The duration will be less if you frequently use your car for long travels. The. How your health is affected by a Freon leak. Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so. Refrigerant Detection Types: R11, R22, R134A, R404a, R410A and all halogenated refrigerants including HFCs, CFCs, HCFCs and blends. – Nausea. Table of Contents. If freon levels in the cooling system fall too low, the system cannot maintain cold temperatures. 3727 posts · Joined 2010. Signs of freon leak in a refrigerator: You might have a Freon leak if you notice a chemical smell, oil on the floor, or if the motor is running continuously. Step 2: Measure The Room Temperature. We just found out late last night that our refrigerator is leaking freon. An HVAC technician will typically make use of a special Freon leak detector tool to identify leaks. Electrical smells are a common air conditioning smell and could indicate a mechanical problem with your air conditioner compressor or fan, electrical component failure, or a wiring issue. If. Irregular heartbeat. When you call. Check all visible connections first. nausea and vomiting. The emergence of hissing or bubbling sounds, reminiscent of a gentle but persistent whisper, could be a direct manifestation of refrigerant escaping from the confines of the system. Refrigerant leak causes. Older model air conditioners, refrigerators, chest freezers, and dehumidifiers use Freon. Simbow Refrigerant Leak Detector. What a great cost savings for me. 1. Prepare the place of soldering, ensuring that it is insulated with asbestos gaskets. The making and use of freons is. When replacing parts, it’s a good idea to take the age of the unit into account. Can be very hard to spot visually; they’re usually located using a freon sniffer or bubble solution. Maybe you didn’t see the ice on your coils, but you may have noticed water on the floor by your HVAC unit as a result of the ice melting off your evaporator coils. If you notice that liquid is leaking beneath it and are certain that it is not water. 3. Inhaling Freon or other refrigerants, even. Oily residue on the unit or on the wall. Add the fluorescent agent to the system following the manufacturer’s instructions on the package, and after the system runs for 20 minutes, wearing the special glasses provided, shine the outside of the system with the leakage light detector. There’s Frost on the Condenser Unit. Swap out the valves. Unlike cars, where you could put a. Look for a white or copper pipe near the outdoor unit. It ranges from a free fix to more than a thousand dollars. The refrigerant gas, Freon, is used in most refrigerators and air conditioners, and if it leaks, the appliance will not work properly. $ 2076. Finally, add PAG oil to lubricate the compressor. Refrigerant leaks vs mechanical issues. Visible refrigerant leak is another common sign that your car’s air conditioner needs freon. Just recharging with refrigerant guarantees the service company another service call to again recharge the system, since it will again leak out. In most cases, Freon exposure is in small quantities, for example, in case of leaks from the refrigerator or the air conditioner. Odor detection: Notice a mildly sweet, ether-like smell near the fridge. One part of your quick analysis for an AC refrigerant leak is to check the air coming from your air vents. The larger the size of the leak, the more refrigerant.