OK to use kegerator with hole in cooling panel?

[crashlann]

OK, I made the biggest dumb ass move this year when I put a screwdriver through the back cooling panel of my Haier kegerator. I have replaced it, but I kept it running and noticed Im maintaining temps down in the 50F range. It stinks in there like refrigerant though. Any risk in using this fridge in this condition? I was considering using it as a cold fermentor if I can maintain consistent temps and the smell goes away. Thanks.

[Dublicious]

My extremely unprofessional advice would be that if you smell refrigerant, you're probably leaking refrigerant. If you're leaking refrigerant, you're probably inhaling it and your cooling efficiency will inevitably drop.

Long story short, I would not continue to use it.

[crashlann]

Thanks. I guess it was a stupid question, but I was hoping someone would reply,"No there is absolutely no reason why you couldnt use it...."Its gone.