In order to get the price per pound let's do some simple math: $700/ 10 lb cylinder = $70.00 per pound. There you have it folks, $70.00 for one pound of R-1234yf refrigerant.
An evacuate and recharge of the 1234YF for a standard system is $400.00, If you have a dual unit system the price is $450.00.
Switching to R1234yf refrigerant is a step towards a greener future, but it comes with higher costs due to advanced equipment, stringent regulations, and specialized training.
Freon costs $50 to $150 per pound to refill a home AC and $4 to $21 per pound when buying wholesale. A 25lb tank of R410A costs $75 to $200.
Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.
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.
It is essential to ensure enough refrigerant in your air conditioner, as too little can cause the system to work less efficiently, and too much can be dangerous. The general guideline used when calculating the amount of Freon in a residential A/C unit is 2-4 pounds per ton of cooling.
Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system.
R-22 Freon, also called HCFC-22, recharges remain available in 2025, though prices have doubled in the past three years. The average cost runs $125 per pound, ranging from $90 to $250 per pound. For a standard home system needing 6-12 pounds, expect to pay $660-$1,900 including labor.
It is anticipated that by 2025 all vehicles will contain 1234YF. Don't fret, however, if your current vehicle requires 134a. Though 134a is not compatible with 1234YF and is expected to be phased out, it is still in production and will continue as long as there is a demand for repair of older vehicles.
R1234yf has an atmospheric life of 11 days compared to a 13 year lifespan for R134a. R1234yf compares in efficiency to R134a and has the same cooling capacity. Vehicles using R1234yf are expected to use less fuel and produce 20-30% less CO2 which means a significantly reduced carbon footprint. R1234yf is safe to use.
If you are purchasing less than 2 pounds of either R-134a or R-1234yf, you are not required to have a license to purchase either refrigerant. However, if you are working with 10- and 25-pound single-use recyclable cylinders you will need Section 608 Technician Certification.
Refrigerant types are not to be mixed. The usage of dyes and sealants is discouraged.
The final driver in the U.S. for the passenger-vehicle transition to R-1234yf was the 2015 EPA SNAP rule 20 prohibiting 134a in new light-duty cars and trucks as of model year 2021.
Do-it-yourself AC kits will only cover up the symptoms temporarily. They can also lead to bigger issues. Using a recharge kit can allow contaminants into your system which can plug hoses. Recharge kits often leave behind water in the lines that can deteriorate parts of your air conditioning system.
Recovered, recycled, or reclaimed R22 can still service existing HVAC systems, but chemical manufacturers can't produce new R22 refrigerants to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps.
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.
Low refrigerant can also lead to frozen evaporator coils. Without refrigerant passing through the coils, there will be no way for that absorbed heat to be transferred out of the air handler. The lack of pressure within the coil continues to drop, the moisture freezes onto the coils, and ice forms as a result.
Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It's not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner's refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way.
A professional AC recharge typically ranges from $150 to $300. This cost reflects the expertise required and the equipment used to ensure a proper recharge. On the other hand, a DIY recharge kit costs between $40 and $60. While this is a more affordable option, it requires careful handling to avoid issues.