Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.
The average cost of an AC recharge is $300. Typically, homeowners pay between $200 and $500, depending on several factors, including the AC type, size, and age, the cost of refrigerant, and more. If your AC unit isn't performing well, it might be time for an AC recharge.
If you need refrigerant for your air conditioner, you'll need to contact a professional heating and cooling technician. Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system.
Most systems need Freon replacement anywhere from once every two to five years from a professional HVAC Contractor. The most significant exception to this rule is when there is a leak in the air conditioning system, which decreases the amount of refrigerant in an AC unit over time.
Depending on the type and amount you need, it's likely the cheapest serviceable part of your AC unit. The reason it costs so much is that you need a qualified person to put it in the unit, which takes time and labor, both of which are the expensive parts of the service bill.
Generally speaking, a properly maintained air conditioner can expect its refrigerant to last around 10-15 years or longer—depending on usage frequency and environmental wear and tear. To ensure your refrigerant lasts as long as possible, regular maintenance is key.
Unfortunately, due to Freon's negative impact on the environment and ozone, it is no longer in production. An HVAC professional will likely still be able to find Freon for your older AC unit, but new units use other types of refrigerants, like the more favorable R-410A refrigerant.
If you put the newer freon in right away, your unit will rupture due to the force. However, you can convert your AC unit to handle R410A. You'll need to replace the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and likely the refrigerant tubing. If you replace all of this, your old unit will work fine with the new freon.
If you don't have enough refrigerant, it won't be able to cool the air. But if you have too much, the pressure will be too high for the refrigerant to boil or for the compressor to work. Which means the system won't cool at all, and you'll still be left with hot air.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
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.
How Much Does a Freon Refill Cost? Typically, a Freon refill costs anywhere from $100-$350. The amount varies due to several factors, including the size and type of your air conditioning system. The coolant will cost around $75-$175.
You need to be aware that if your AC unit uses the CFC type of refrigerant, you will need a licensed AC technician to recharge the system in the United States. It is against the law in the U.S. for anyone not licensed to buy or use ozone-depleting CFC or HCFC refrigerants.
Residential Air Conditioner Freon Refill Cost
Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.
All AC units are designed to keep the refrigerant (Freon) for the life period of the unit which is 15 to 20 years.
Too little refrigerant also risks freezing the evaporator coil inside your home. The first problem with a frozen coil is the airflow restriction it causes, preventing air from circulating back out. The second problem is the water it creates once the ice melts, risking further damage around your AC.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
So, you can't buy Freon from Home Depot for your HVAC needs. The good news is that you can still get it, though. At Lowery, we've still got you covered. Lowery will keep you cool-headed as temperatures (and Freon costs) rise!
It's important to remember that, while refrigerant shouldn't run out, it can. The only reason your air conditioner's refrigerant levels might change is if there is a leak in the copper coils or at connection points. This is a serious problem that will keep the AC system from working properly.
R-410 A. This special refrigerant is created from a blend of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, difluoromethane, and pentafluoroethane. Additionally, it is non-ozone depleting, which is a tremendous credit to its current and future use as a household refrigerant.