In 2025, R-22 costs between $90 and $250 per pound, with the average price around $125 per pound. Since most home systems need 6 to 12 pounds, a full recharge—including labor—can cost $660 to $1,900. And prices will only keep climbing.
Today’s Homeowner Tip
Look for a sticker on the outdoor unit. If it says R-22 or HCFC-22, your system runs on Freon. If it says R-410A or Puron, you have a newer, more efficient system.
Because of rising costs, replacing an R-22 system is often the smarter long-term move. A new R-410A or R-454B system costs $4,000 to $8,000 up-front, but cuts energy bills by 20–40%, meaning it pays for itself in about five years.
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HVAC Installation
In general, you’ll pay between $5,540 and $10,980 for an HVAC unit, installation costs, and removal of your old unit.
Furnace Replacement
You can expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000, including installation, old furnace removal, and labor.
Heat Pump Installation
You’ll likely pay between $3,000 and $35,000, but most homeowners spend between $5,800 and $7,500.
Can You Still Recharge R-22?
As of January 1, 2020, HCFC-22 cannot be made or imported into the United States. This step came after a rollback on the production and import of the refrigerant between 2010 and 2020.
HVAC contractors can use existing R-22 as long as it is cleaned to the same air quality standards as new refrigerants. While this phasing out is still in motion, the R22 refrigerant price will keep going up. They are becoming less ozone-depleting substances, but the cost of cleaning them up, along with its scarcity, means the costs will only rise.
There is a lot of misinformation out there. While R-22 is being phased out, it is still perfectly legal to replace R-22 freon in existing HVAC systems. You want to keep your home energy costs down and get better energy efficiency without breaking the bank.
What does that mean for your home air conditioning needs? Read on to find out.
Making the Right Choice: Recharge or Replace?
An Indiana homeowner recently faced this choice with their 15-year-old system. After calculating three years of rising repair costs against new system prices, they found replacement made sense.
Here’s why:
- Age matters: Their 15-year-old unit needed frequent repairs. Systems under 10 years old with good maintenance records often run reliably with a recharge. At 15+ years, repair costs usually outweigh replacement benefits.
- Repair patterns: Two recharges in 18 months signaled ongoing issues. One repair might be a fluke — multiple repairs point to system decline.
- Energy Costs: Their summer cooling bills dropped from $280 to $175 monthly after installing a new unit. Modern systems run at 16-21 SEER ratings compared to 10-12 SEER for older R-22 units.
- Long-term plans: They plan to stay in their home for 10+ years. For moves within 2-3 years, a recharge might bridge the gap.
R-22 Recharge Vs. System Replacement Costs
Use the table below to help you understand how much recharging your old AC unit that runs on R-22 versus upgrading to a new air conditioner at $4,000–$8,000.
| HVAC Size (Tons) | Refrigerant (Pounds) | Total Cost (Labor + Materials) |
| 2 | 6 | $660–$1,000 |
| 3 | 9 | $930–$1,500 |
| 4 | 12 | $1,200–$1,900 |
| 5 | 15 | $1,500–$2,400 |
Here is how the costs to recharge newer air conditioning systems that use other refrigerants compare to recharging R-22:
| Refrigerant Type | Cost per Pound | Real-World Performance |
| R-22 | $90–$250 | Cooling performance drops as system ages |
| Modern R-410A | $50–$90 | Maintains consistent cooling efficiency |
| Newer R-32 | $10–$20 | Cuts energy use by up to 10% |
Read also: How Much Does a Home AC Recharge Cost?
What’s The Cost To Replace R-22 Freon If You Have A Warranty?
So, just calling in a trained tech to repair your AC system and replace the R-22 refrigerant can get pretty pricey. Will a warranty help mitigate those costs? Let’s take a closer look.
Manufacturers
New HVAC units do not use R-22. New systems often use replacement refrigerants like R-4010a (also called Puron). This is a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. But if you are dealing with an older system (R-22 AC production being phased out in 2010), a manufacturer’s warranty will do you no good.
Home Warranty
If your home has an HVAC system that uses R-22, a home warranty can protect you from costs related to refrigerant failure. You’ll be paying a monthly premium — usually somewhere between $30 and $65 — and a service call fee of between $75 and $100.
So, if you need to replace Freon in a 3-ton unit, that can be up to 12 pounds of refrigerant. But if you have a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty, for instance, you will already be ahead of the game in terms of price. Premiums for a Choice Total Plan should run less than $600, plus an $85 service call fee.
Whatever home warranty you consider, be sure to read the fine print carefully. Be sure that replacing refrigerant is not excluded.
DIY vs. Hiring A Professional To Replace R-22 Freon
What are your prospects for doing this as a DIY project as opposed to hiring a pro to take care of this? Let’s take a closer look.
DIY Replacement
So can you just give your R22 system a tune-up yourself? Unfortunately, R-22 is a type of refrigerant that is sold only to certified HVAC technicians, so replacing spent Freon is not a DIY project you can take on without an EPA Section 608 Certification.
Professional Replacement
An HVAC technician dealing with R-22 Freon needs to be certified under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. But being an informed consumer will help you make sure the project gets done right. Technicians should not just “top off” the refrigerant in these older units.
They should be looking for refrigerant leaks in the system to protect the environment and to ensure that you are not just pumping dollars and Freon out into empty space. Doing a thorough check of your AC will help you avoid a second service call for the same problem. When leaks are stopped, your cooling system will be more energy-efficient and improve the performance of your air conditioning.
Smart System Replacement
Here’s what you should consider if you’re weighing the option of recharging your old AC unit with R-22 or upgrading to a new one.
When to Replace
The time for replacement comes at key turning points in your system’s life cycle. At 15 years, repair frequency typically increases while efficiency drops. Once repair quotes exceed $1,000 or you need service calls multiple times per year, replacement becomes more cost-effective. Watch your monthly bills — a steady climb of $30–$50 without changes in usage patterns signals declining efficiency.
Benefits of Modern Systems
New systems transform home comfort and operating costs. Expect your summer energy bills to drop by about 30% thanks to improved efficiency. Current refrigerant prices stay under $90 per pound, and modern temperature control keeps rooms within 2 degrees of your setting. These units run quietly, measuring below 72 decibels — quieter than normal conversation. Plus, they use environmentally safe refrigerants that don’t damage the ozone layer.
Final Thoughts on R-22 Freon Replacement
Many R-22 air conditioning systems soldier on past their prime, and others fail early. If yours is in good shape, the average cost to recharge it is $125 per pound, ranging from $90 to $250 per pound. However, if you need frequent repairs, have rising energy bills, or it is 20 years old or older, you should plan to get a new air conditioner.
The key is watching your actual costs — repairs, energy bills, and declining comfort — rather than just the system’s age. Modern units pay back their cost through energy savings within 5–7 years for most homeowners. Work with licensed pros who provide clear documentation and straight talk about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my R-22 system legally?
Yes, you can keep using your R-22 system legally. Most HVAC companies still have access to R-22 to recharge them. The EPA banned new production but allows use of existing supplies.
Will R-22 run out soon?
Reclaimed R-22 should last through 2030. Local prices rose 25% last summer, with the Southeast seeing the steepest increases. You will likely see 10-15% annual cost increases going forward.t
Can I convert my system to newer refrigerant?
Technically yes, but I rarely recommend it. Conversion costs $500–$1,200 and often reduces cooling capacity by 5–10%. Most conversions I’ve seen end up needing replacement within two years anyway.
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