You can sell old or used refrigerant (like Freon) to nationwide EPA-certified reclaimers, local HVAC supply houses, or via mail-in buyback programs. Payouts are highest for in-demand, unmixed gases (such as R-11, R-12, and R-22).
Refrigerant can only be sold to technicians certified under the Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs, where individuals may only purchase refrigerant consistent with the appliances covered by their certification.
R-22 refrigerant typically costs between $𝟗𝟎 and $𝟐𝟓𝟎 per pound. Because R-22 has been phased out, the supply is dwindling, which causes prices to continuously climb.
With our refrigerant buyback program, we offer you the chance to make money from your used refrigerants, such as R11, R12, R113, R114, R123, R22, R500, etc. We offer top dollar as well as manage all freight arrangements.
Purchasing 3 pounds of Freon (refrigerant) costs between $150 and $450 installed, or about $100 to $250 if you buy a pre-packaged cylinder yourself. Exact prices depend heavily on whether your system uses modern refrigerant or older, phased-out Freon.
$387.00. Factory Sealed, 12LB Cylinder of R22.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
By law, you cannot vent or throw away refrigerant. It must be captured and recycled, reclaimed, or legally destroyed. Because mishandling poses severe health and environmental risks, your course of action depends on what you are trying to dispose of.
Under EPA Section 608 regulations, you can only sell R-22 refrigerant to EPA-certified technicians, companies that employ certified technicians, or certified refrigerant reclaimers. You can sell to the following specific groups:
If you're unemployed and could use an extra few bucks here and there it could be worth it. It's 5 cents per can, that's 20 cans to a dollar, 200 cans for 10 bucks. The amount of effort isn't really worth the pay, but it's up to you. When I was in college we did this because the parties ended up with tons of cans.
$237.00.
R-22 is extremely expensive because it has been legally phased out. Driven by federal environmental regulations, skyrocketing supply chain costs, and contractor labor rates, prices range from $100 to $300+ per pound, meaning a standard refill can cost between $800 and $2,000+.
Wholesale Price: Typically ranges from $4 to $8 per pound when purchased in bulk by certified professionals. Retail Price (Installed): For homeowners, the cost, including installation, averages between $50 and $100 per pound.
At EZPAWN, get cash for and save on home appliances such as hair care tools, clothes steamers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, ceiling fans, space heaters, sewing machines, microwaves, and grills from brands like Kitchen Aid, Black+Decker, Bissell, Dry Bar and more.
A 30-pound cylinder of R-22 refrigerant is generally worth between $500 and $1,200 to purchase wholesale, and up to $2,400 to $4,500 if bought directly from a service company during a home repair.
Scrap Yards and Recycling Centers
Scrap yards often purchase old air conditioners for their valuable metal components, such as aluminum and copper. Pros: Easy disposal, cash for scrap metal. Cons: Payment is based on weight rather than unit functionality.
The refrigerant is sold only for eventual resale to a certified technician, an employer of a certified technician, or a refrigeration or air-conditioning appliance manufacturer; or. The refrigerant is contained in a refrigeration or air-conditioning appliance.
$347.00. Factory Sealed, 10LB Cylinder of R22.
Yes, You Can Sell That
Don't assume anything before you consult with a refrigerant reclaimer. Some reclaimers have extensive processing capabilities and can use a larger variety of gases, including mixed.
The Rule of 5000 Rule is simple: Multiply the cost of the needed repair by the age of your air conditioner. If the result is greater than 5000, AC replacement is generally the smarter choice. If it's less than 5000, a repair might still be worth the investment.
Some auto part stores will accept them also. Bring it to an autozone inside an oil bottle and then leave. They don't care that you bring coolant and by the time they figure it out if it was an issue for some reason you're long gone. Bring it to an autozone inside an oil bottle and then leave.
The "two-foot rule" in HVAC is a duct design and installation guideline that requires a minimum of 24 inches of straight, uninterrupted space between branch take-offs (where air taps off the main trunk). It is also applied to spacing branches away from end caps, transitions, and the main plenum.
Sign #1: Your central AC unit is 10-15 years old
The average lifespan of a central air conditioning unit is 10-15 years. The lifespan will vary depending on how often you run the unit, how well you have maintained it over the years, and the quality of the unit to begin with, among other factors.
Based on the latest data and projections, an HVAC technician can expect a median annual wage approaching $60,000, with some techs earning between $80,000 and $100,000 per year. The average hourly rate for an HVAC Technician is $24 per hour in 2026, with a range from $17 to $35 per hour.