Do you HAVE to drain freon in an old freezer before converting ??????

[PolishPython]

I have a decent size deep freezer in my basement Im not moving so i don't need the guts ripped out. I would rather not drain the freon myself( i know its illegal) but do I absolutely have to drain it before converting it to an incubator. I plan on putting the fan on the lid so im not going to tap into it drilling that in.
Thanks

[Annarose15]

No, you don't have to drain it - that would just be important if you were wanting to gut it to reduce weight.

[Coopers Constrictors]

No, you don't have to drain it

+1.

I found my first 'bator (deep freezer) in a junkyard and drug it home. Cleaned the heck out of it and threw in some heat tape and a fan. Done deal.

[PolishPython]

Ok thats what I thought. I had a mini fridge i just drained myself cause it was only a little bit but with this one I don't plan on moving and im sure has a lot more freon in it.
Thanks a lot