How much does AC refrigerant recharge cost?
If your AC runs but blows warm air, low refrigerant is one common cause. Refrigerant is sold by the pound, so the price depends on how much your system needs, plus the tech's time to check for leaks and set the charge. Remember that refrigerant does not get used up. If it is low, it leaked out somewhere.
AC refrigerant recharge prices at a glance
| Job | Newer pro | Experienced pro |
|---|---|---|
| Recharge, small system | $240 | $390 |
| Recharge, average home | $325 | $505 |
| Recharge, large system | $410 | $625 |
Labor and basic supplies. Big parts or appliances you buy yourself are extra. Prices run higher in big cities.
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What's usually included
- Pressures and temperatures measured to confirm the system is low
- Basic leak check at common spots, like valves and fittings
- Refrigerant added to the correct charge for your system
- System run and tested after the recharge
What changes the price
- Pounds needed. A bigger system or a bigger leak takes more refrigerant.
- Refrigerant type. Older systems that use R-22 cost much more to recharge, because new R-22 is no longer made or imported in the U.S.
- Leak repair. Finding and fixing the leak is usually a separate job, and it is the part that keeps the problem from coming back.
- Timing. Emergency calls during a heat wave cost more.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
This is not a DIY job for central air. Federal rules require EPA Section 608 certification to buy most refrigerants and work on these systems, and adding the wrong amount can damage the compressor. Your part is to keep the filter clean and the outdoor unit clear, and to call a tech when the air stops feeling cold.
Common questions
How do I know if my AC is low on refrigerant?
Common signs are warm air from the vents, ice on the copper line at the outdoor unit, a hissing sound, or a system that runs and runs without cooling the house. A tech can confirm it with gauges.
Is Freon the same as refrigerant?
Freon is a brand name that people use for refrigerant in general. Older systems use R-22. Most systems from about 2010 on use R-410A, and many of the newest systems use R-454B or R-32.
Can I just recharge it every summer?
You can, but you are paying for the same leak over and over. Leaks also tend to get worse, and running low on refrigerant is hard on the compressor.
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