How Much Does AC Freon Leak Repair Cost? [2025 Data]

AC Freon Leak Repair Cost Factors

There are several variables that influence the cost of repairing a leaky air conditioner. Here are some of the main factors.

Leak Testing

Before fixing the leak, your HVAC technician will need to locate it. You can expect to pay $50 to $100 for a basic AC leak test. But if a more comprehensive test is required, it could cost several hundred dollars.

Type of Refrigerant

The type of refrigerant your AC unit uses will affect repair costs. If your system was installed before 2010, it may contain R-22, which costs $90 to $150 per pound. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and importation of this refrigerant several years ago, which has driven up the cost of R-22.

Newer units use R-410A. At $50 to $90 per pound, it’s more affordable than R-22. However, the EPA is phasing out this refrigerant as well for a newer type, R-32, so the price of R-410A could increase as well.

Severity of the Leak

The severity of the AC refrigerant leak will also impact how much it costs to repair. For example, if there’s a small leak coming from the evaporator coil, your HVAC professional may be able to patch it up instead of replacing the entire component. But if there’s major leaking or widespread damage, the pro may need to replace multiple parts, increasing the cost of the project.

Amount of Refrigerant Required

Similarly, the larger the leak, the more Freon you’ll need to add to your AC unit—and the pricier it will be. Most residential air conditioners range from 1 to 5 tons and require 2 to 4 pounds of refrigerant per ton. Based on those numbers, here’s how much it would cost to replace different amounts of R-410A refrigerant:

Age and Condition of the AC Unit

It can be more difficult and time-consuming to find replacement parts for older AC units. As a result, it often costs more to fix leaks on dated air conditioners.

Labor

Labor represents a significant chunk of the cost to fix an AC leak. Prices vary by location, but HVAC professionals charge $100 to $250 for the initial service call, as well as $100 to $250 per hour for repairs.

Additional Repairs or Services

A Freon leak may indicate a larger problem with your air conditioner. If so, you may need to pay for additional repairs.

• Replacing an AC evaporator coil costs: $600–$2,000

• Replacing an AC condenser coil costs: $900–$2,800

• Replacing an AC compressor costs: $800–$2,300

AC Repair vs. Replace

You might be wondering: Is it worth repairing a leaky air conditioner? Or would it be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit? The answer: It depends on a few factors, including the age of your system and the extent of the problem.

For instance, it makes more sense to repair your AC unit rather than replace it if it’s less than 10 years old and only has a minor leak. In cases like these, the air conditioner could still be under warranty, which could cover the cost of repairs.

However, there are other situations where you might consider installing a new AC unit. At $3,900 to $8,000, the cost of replacing an air conditioner is far higher than fixing a refrigerant leak. But if you have an older AC unit that uses R-22 refrigerant, replacing it may be more cost-effective than paying for pricey refrigerant and hard-to-find replacement parts. Similarly, if your air conditioner keeps breaking down or doesn’t run effectively, it might be time for an upgrade.

DIY AC Leak Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

Fixing an AC refrigerant leak isn’t a DIY-friendly project. In fact, EPA regulations state that only licensed professionals can legally handle and install Freon. If you suspect that your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, contact an AC repair pro near you to diagnose and fix the problem.

How to Save Money When Repairing an AC Freon Leak

Repairing a Freon leak requires a professional’s help, so you won’t be able to save money by doing it yourself. Still, you may be able to reduce costs by following these tips:

• Don’t delay: Not only can ignoring a refrigerant leak be dangerous for your health, but it can also cost you more money in the long run. The longer you let refrigerant seep out of your air conditioner, the more you’ll need to replace. Plus, the leak could damage your unit and cause larger, more expensive AC problems.

• Use your home warranty: Home warranties often cover HVAC repairs if they’re caused by normal wear and tear or age-related issues. However, there might be a limit on how much your provider will pay for a particular repair. Also, when submitting a claim, you may need to provide proof that you’ve been maintaining your HVAC system properly.

• Get multiple quotes: Before hiring an AC repair company, shop around and request quotes from multiple providers. Compare each company’s pricing, online reviews, and ratings. Be wary of quotes that are much lower than the others because they could indicate that the contractor is inexperienced or cutting corners.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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