Why is 410A Freon so expensive?

Author: Anastasia Rohan  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Factors Influencing R-410A Refrigerant Prices Supply and Demand: As the phase-out progresses, the supply of R-410A will diminish, causing prices to increase due to scarcity.

Why is 410A so expensive right now?

Adam Lit The increases are said to be due to a combination of increases in the cost of raw materials and increased refrigerant demand. The main raw material increases appear to be in the price of dichloromethane, perchloroethylene and chloroform which have risen sharply this month.

Will there be a drop-in replacement for R-410A?

ComStar's RS-53 (R470A) is the world's only drop-in retrofit replacement for existing R410a systems. At 909, RS-53 has a GWP that is effectively 56% lower than R410a. Additionally, RS-51 (R470B) has a GWP of 717 which is 80% lower than R404a, R507 and half of R448A and R449A.

Why do HVAC companies charge so much for Freon?

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.

Is 410A being phased out?

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.

Is R410A refrigerant being phased out?

What is the average cost to add Freon to AC unit?

The average cost to recharge the Freon levels in an air conditioner unit ranges between $200 and $600. This number can vary, depending on the city you live in, the HVAC provider you choose, and the refrigerant levels in your air conditioner.

What refrigerant are they replacing 410A with?

The replacements for R-410A are the two A2Ls, Forane® R-32 and R-454B. Forane® R-32 can be used in new equipment designed specifically for mildly flammable refrigerants as a replacement for R-410A equipment. Its low density allows for the use of a smaller refrigerant charge.

How much refrigerant is in a 3 ton unit?

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.

Can I replace R-410A with R-32?

No. R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.

What is the cheapest alternative to R-410A?

RS-53 (R470A) enables users to replace R410A in existing units with minimal changes and inconvenience at low cost.

What is the new refrigerant 2025?

What refrigerant will replace R-410A in 2025? For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.

How much is 1 pound of 410A Freon?

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.

What is the better refrigerant than R-410A?

In most cases, R32 is the superior refrigerant when compared to R410A. While neither refrigerant depletes the ozone layer, R32 has a lower GWP and is easier to recycle. R32 also has lower operating and maintenance costs and is nowadays more common than R410A due to the phase-out.

Can I still buy 410A equipment?

Under the AIM Act, manufacturers must stop producing R-410A systems after December 31, 2024, prompting the release of new units that use lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B.

How many pounds of R410A do I need?

Average Amount of R-410A Needed for Recharging

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.

Do AC units lose Freon over time?

Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever.

Can I recharge my own home AC?

Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system.

How much longer will R-410A be available?

Yes, R-410A will still be available for maintenance and repairs for many years. R-410A won't actually be phased out of production until the 2040s. Also, contractors can still reclaim and reuse refrigerant from older systems.

Can anyone buy R-410A?

The EPA has rules about the purchasing of refrigerant according to its Clean Air Act, Section 608, 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F. The rules state that those who purchase R-410A or any other ozone-depleting substance or ODS must have EPA certification.

Can you replace 410A with R-22?

R-22 uses simple mineral oil, non-toxic, safe, stable, etc. while R-410a uses a somewhat exotic Poly o Ester (POE) oil typically found in jet turbine engines. The refrigerant used MUST match the oil present in the system, which is one reason why you can't replace the R-22 with R410a in a system.

Why is the new Freon so expensive?

A Question of Supply and Demand

Therefore, maintenance people and air conditioning system specialists have less supply and are charging more for it. Some businesses have even reported thefts targeting their Freon canisters thanks to its newfound value. After 2020, R-22 won't be produced at all in the United States.

Will AutoZone recharge my AC?

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.

How much do HVAC techs charge for Freon?

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.

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