How Much Does AC Recharge Cost? [2025 Data]

AC Recharge Cost Factors

You’ll need an AC recharge when an AC freon leak comes from your unit. Many air conditioning units use freon, a common refrigerant that circulates throughout your AC unit and provides cool air in your home. 

However, when there is a freon leak, you’ll need a pro to diagnose the problem and refill the refrigerant. Your total AC recharge cost will depend on several factors: type, size, materials, labor, prep, location, age, and post-construction cleanup. Here’s what you can expect to pay for an AC recharge:  

Type of AC Unit

Size

The size of your air conditioning unit is measured in tons—and the larger your unit, the more freon it will typically need. Your AC unit will need two to four pounds of refrigerant for each ton. Here’s what you can expect to pay for refrigerant, depending on the size of your AC unit:

Materials

Depending on the type of freon used during your AC recharge, you could pay anywhere from $12 to $80 or more per pound.

Labor

An AC technician will charge between $50 and $150 per hour for labor. Although you can expect to pay $100 to $300 just for a pro to come out to find a leak, it depends on the complexity of the leak. For example, a pro may trace the leak back to your ceiling or walls if you have refrigerant lines running through your home. If that’s the case, you’ll need to factor in extra costs to open the wall and install drywall—which will run between $1.50 and $3 per square foot. 

Prep

Sometimes, a freon leak is due to other issues with your air conditioning system. So, before a pro can perform an AC recharge, you may need to fix or repair these common issues:

• Evaporator coil replacement: $600–$2,000

• AC compressor replacement: $800–$2,300

• Condenser coil replacement: $600–$2,400

• New AC unit installation: $3,884–$7,938

Location

Usually, homeowners living in rural areas pay less for AC services than those in metropolitan areas. However, because freon needs to be shipped, technicians living in rural environments may incur higher shipping and delivery fees—and will pass those additional costs on to the consumer. 

Post-Construction Cleanup

Homeowners cannot legally remove freon from their homes, as it is an ozone-depleting substance. Instead, you’ll need your AC technician to responsibly recover the refrigerant from your property and dispose of it or remove the freon by draining the refrigerant lines. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Freon recovery: $50–$150

• Freon removal: $30–$100

DIY AC Recharge vs. Hiring a Pro

While an AC recharge may appear to be an easy DIY task, it’s not as simple as it seems. Due to the EPA and strict environmental laws, you’ll need to hire an AC repair company near you. In fact, the EPA actually restricts homeowners from purchasing refrigerants. You must be licensed with a Section 608 technician certification to purchase freon. 

Licensed and professional AC technicians know how to properly and legally work with refrigerant, refrigerant lines, and freon leaks. Additionally, pros have experience working directly with refrigerant, so they understand how to control the spread and adequately and safely dispose of freon. 

Ways You Can Save Money During an AC Recharge

Although you can’t change the cost of freon, there are ways you can save on AC recharge costs, including:

• Call your insurance company or manufacturer’s warranty to see if AC recharge is covered under your current plan. 

• Check for AC rebates or tax credits.

• Repair leaks when you notice your AC unit isn’t functioning correctly. 

• Get an annual AC tuneup.

• Get at least three quotes from reputable AC repair companies.

• Replace the filter on your AC unit to keep it running smoothly. 

• Keep all vents open and running to prevent blockages.

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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.