Refrigerant Cost Estimator
Wondering how much a refrigerant recharge will cost? Select your system type, refrigerant, and tonnage to get an estimated cost breakdown including refrigerant, labor, and service call fees. Compare prices across R-22, R-410A, and the new R-32/R-454B refrigerants.
Understanding Refrigerant Costs and the Phase-Out
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system — it absorbs heat from your indoor air and releases it outside. When your system is low on refrigerant, it typically means there's a leak somewhere in the system. Simply adding more refrigerant without fixing the leak is a temporary and expensive bandage. Understanding refrigerant types and costs helps you make smarter decisions about repairs versus replacement.
R-22 (Freon): Banned and Expensive
R-22 was the standard residential refrigerant for decades but was phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties. Production was completely banned in the United States in 2020. The only remaining supply comes from reclaimed refrigerant, and prices have skyrocketed to $150-250 per pound. A typical recharge of 5-8 pounds can cost $750-2,000 — often more than half the cost of a new, efficient system. If your system uses R-22, replacement is almost always more economical long-term.
R-410A (Puron): Currently Phasing Down
R-410A replaced R-22 as the industry standard starting around 2010. While it doesn't deplete the ozone layer, it has a high global warming potential (GWP). Under the 2020 AIM Act, R-410A production is being reduced by 40% starting in 2024, with further cuts planned through 2036. Prices are currently $50-150 per pound but are expected to rise as supply tightens. Systems installed between 2010 and 2023 typically use R-410A.
R-32 and R-454B: The New Standard
Starting in 2025, new residential AC equipment must use lower-GWP refrigerants. R-32 and R-454B are the leading replacements, offering similar or better performance than R-410A at a fraction of the environmental impact. These newer refrigerants are currently priced at $30-80 per pound and are expected to remain affordable as production scales up. New systems using these refrigerants also tend to be more energy efficient overall.
When to Recharge vs. When to Replace
Consider replacing your system instead of recharging if: your system uses R-22, it needs frequent recharges (indicating an ongoing leak), the system is more than 10-12 years old, or repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost. A new system with modern refrigerant will be more efficient, more reliable, and use an affordable refrigerant supply for years to come.
Not sure whether to recharge or replace? Contact Texas Temp Masters for an honest evaluation and free replacement estimate.
Need Emergency HVAC Service?
Don't wait when your heating or cooling system fails. Our licensed technicians provide same-day emergency service throughout Central Texas with guaranteed satisfaction.