Size of the HVAC Unit Since an air conditioner uses an average of 2 to 4 pounds of refrigerant per ton, a 3-ton AC will need an average of 9 pounds. With the cost of R-22 refrigerant increasing each year, it can cost a pretty penny to recharge larger systems that still use the refrigerant.
The general guideline used when calculating the amount of Freon in a residential A/C unit is 2-4 pounds per ton of cooling.
According to PG&E, most central air conditioning systems use two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling capacity. A three-ton air conditioner would typically have six to 12 pounds of refrigerant for a proper charge.
Most packaged systems use about 2 lbs. to 2.5 lbs. per ton, so I would estimate about 8–11 lbs.
You can safety assume that this 2 Ton air conditioner system contains approximately 6 pounds of Freon total in a normal 25 foot line set installation with a matching coil. Add 2 pounds to the outdoor unit specification will cover most units.
R-22 refrigerant prices range from $90 to $250 per pound. Since you'll need between 6 and 12 pounds to refill a home AC, costs can reach between $660 and $2,400 for a refill of R-22 refrigerant. U.S.
For every 1 degree F increase in temperature above 68 F (20 C), add 2 oz (60 g) of R22 refrigerant per ton of cooling capacity.
Freon MO99 is the gold standard for R-22 alternatives and was developed by the same scientists who engineered Freon R-22. The benefits of Freon MO99 include: Capacity — The ability of Freon MO99 to heat or cool a given space is closer to Freon R-22 than any other refrigerant on the market.
Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system.
Air conditioner cooling capacity is described in 'tons. ' One ton means the rate of heat transfer needed to freeze one ton of water in 24 hours. This is equivalent to 12,000 Btu/hr. So, a 3-ton AC for instance, does not actually weigh 3 tons. It means that it has a nominal capacity of 36,000 Btu/hr.
When estimating the amount of refrigerant in a residential A/C unit, the general rule that is used is in the 2-4 pounds per ton of cooling. For instance, recharging a 3-ton A/C with a 35-foot line set from empty level will need an approximately 6-12 pounds of refrigerants.
R-22 Freon is not even available for purchase unless you're an EPA-licensed technician. So, you can't buy Freon from Home Depot for your HVAC needs. The good news is that you can still get it, though.
NEVER Exceed Refrigerant Recovery Tank Limits
By law, a tank can only be filled to 80% capacity and must be kept under 122°F. It is recommended to fill to 2 lbs less than the 80%. For example, a 30 lb cylinder can hold 22 lbs of refrigerant and a 50 lb cylinder can hold 38 lbs of refrigerant.
How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.
The short answer to your question is that the high and low side pressure for R22 refrigerant is 250 and 68 psi at 35 degrees C, respectively as shown below.
Why is R-22 refrigerant so expensive? R-22 refrigerant is so expensive because there's such a limited supply of it left. You see, R-22 is an “ozone-depleting substance” and is extremely harmful to the environment.
As mentioned earlier, Freon costs about $125 – $150 per pound. Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit.
R-22a is a hydrocarbon refrigerant blend with primary components including flammable substances such as propane and butane. In some cases, it may also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons or a pine-scented odorant. This refrigerant is a highly flammable, colorless gas that is heavier than air.
The size of an average residential air conditioning unit runs between one and four tons. Units above four tons are considered commercial units. Here's the kicker: you can expect to use one to four pounds of R-22 refrigerant per ton.
This is what he told me: For a 1.5-ton AC, 700 to 900 g of gas is required whereas around 400 to 600 g of gas is required for a 1-ton AC. However, you need to check which gas you're filling as R22 requires 60 to 65 PSI, R32 requires 110 to 120 PSI, and R410A requires 110 to 120 PSI.
A ton of refrigeration is a rate of heat transfer, not an amount of heat. One ton is equal to the heat absorbed in melting 2,000 pounds (1 ton) of ice at 32°F in 24 hours (1 day). This equates to 12,000 Btu/hr or 12,000 Btuh.