On average, residential AC units require between 2 to 4 pounds of R-410A refrigerant per ton of cooling. So, a 3-ton air conditioner would require 6 to 12 pounds of refrigerant. Currently, the price for recharging an air conditioning system with R-410A is around $90 per pound.
A three-ton air conditioner would typically have six to 12 pounds of refrigerant for a proper charge.
R-410A refrigerant prices range from $40 to $75 per pound. To replace R-410A refrigerant in your leaky AC, you will need to hire an HVAC professional since the EPA prohibits handling AC refrigerant without a license.
As a general rule of thumb, a 3-ton AC unit is typically capable of cooling approximately 1,200 to 1,500 square feet.
The general guideline used when calculating the amount of Freon in a residential A/C unit is 2-4 pounds per ton of cooling. For example, if you install a new A/C system rated for a five-ton load, the system will require 10-20 pounds of refrigerant.
On average, residential AC units require between 2 to 4 pounds of R-410A refrigerant per ton of cooling. So, a 3-ton air conditioner would require 6 to 12 pounds of refrigerant.
R410a is actually a blend of two different refrigerants, one of which is called R125. There's currently a world shortage of R125 because there aren't enough plants to produce it. Without enough R125, producers can't make enough R410a to keep up with the increasing demand.
The square footage covered by a 3 ton AC unit depends on multiple variable but accounting for a quick estimate, roughly 1500-1800 square feet.
The power consumption of an O General 3 ton AC varies between 3000 to 3600 watts. For precise details on a specific model, check the product specifications or consult the manufacturer.
The short answer is, you can't.
As R-410A is phased out, A2L refrigerants are emerging as the primary alternatives due to their lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and reduced environmental impact. Refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are leading the charge, offering a GWP that is significantly lower than R-410A.
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.
You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A, but no license is legally necessary for purchase.
How much does a 3-ton AC unit cost? The installation costs for a 3-ton air conditioning system generally range between $4,451 and $8,099. However, air conditioner prices vary depending on factors like an HVAC system's type and energy efficiency rating.
Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system.
While your air conditioner may vary depending on the size of your home and where you live, a 3-ton central air conditioning unit is common in many homes. The average 3-ton air conditioner operates at around 3500 watts per hour—or 3.5 kWh—while in use.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
Homes measuring 1,000-1,500 square feet: You'll need a 2-ton unit, which corresponds to a cooling capacity of 24,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 1,500-2,000 square feet: You'll require a 3-ton unit, equivalent to 36,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 2,000-2,500 square feet: A 4-ton unit is necessary.
However, the truth is an oversized system will not do a better job of cooling the house or provide any extra comfort over a properly sized unit. Air conditioner size is calculated in BTU (British Thermal Units) and tons, and measures how much heat the system can remove from the home in one hour.
For most homeowners: Hot Climates (Texas): A 17-18 SEER unit with a variable-speed compressor provides a great balance of comfort, efficiency, and cost. Milder Climates: A 14-16 SEER unit is often sufficient.
If your unit is low on refrigerant, you will need 2-4 lbs. per ton of AC cooling to refill the refrigerant to optimum levels. Most houses have air conditioning units that range between a half-ton to 5 tons. This means a home with a 3-ton air conditioner will need 6-12 lbs.
In December 2022, the EPA unveiled a refrigerant ban that will go into effect between 2025 and 2026 (depending on the industry). The result? R-410A is out, shaking up the HVACR industry, which relies heavily on this refrigerant.
RS-53 (R470A) enables users to replace R410A in existing units with minimal changes and inconvenience at low cost.