How Much Does AC Recharge Cost? [2024 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:  

Types

Window AC

You can expect to pay $100 to $200 for a window AC recharge. Window units are the smallest type of unit and will typically cost the least to refill the freon. 

Mini-Split

A mini-split AC recharge costs between $100 and $300. These units allow for zoned heating and cooling throughout your home. You’ll find various mini-split units on the walls throughout your home—but because they aren’t as large as a central air conditioning unit, adding more freon will cost less. 

Central AC

An AC recharge for a central air conditioning system will cost between $150 and $600. A pro will need to find the source of the leak, access the refrigeration lines that connect the condenser and evaporator, patch the leak, and refill the freon. Due to the system’s size and parts, recharging the AC on a central air conditioning system will cost the most. 

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

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

*R-454B is still new to the market, and the price is currently in flux. Therefore, there has yet to be a set cost per pound.

R-22

You can expect to pay between $50 and $80 per pound for R-22 refrigerant. Since January 1, 2020, the EPA has no longer manufactured or imported R-22 refrigerant due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. However, AC units manufactured before 2010 might still use R-22 in their air conditioning systems. So, as R-22 becomes more challenging to find, your cost will increase each time you require an AC recharge with R-22 refrigerant. 

R-410A

You’ll pay $12 to $25 per pound for R-410A refrigerant. Since 2010, most air conditioning manufacturers have switched from R-22 to R-410A refrigerant—and because it’s still manufactured and imported, it costs significantly less than R-22. While the EPA works to completely phase out ozone-depleting substances, R-410A remains the current choice for most AC recharge projects. 

R-454B

R-454B is a brand-new refrigerant that may cost around $80 more or less per pound. Because it's new to the market, the price has yet to be established. Once it is more established, it will likely be similar to R-410A. 

R-454B is the next wave of refrigerants set to eventually replace R-410A. While R-454B offers similar properties to R-410A, it also comes with environmental benefits, such as:

• 3% capacity reduction

• 2% efficiency improvement

• 20% lower mass flow

• 78% global warming potential reduction

• Potential for 0 ozone depletion

Labor

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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. 

Unit Age

The age of your air conditioning unit will affect your total AC recharge cost. If you have an older unit made before 2010, you’ll likely have R-22 refrigerant. As R-22 becomes more difficult to obtain, the cost per pound will only increase over time. 

You may also need to hire a specialized HVAC technician with knowledge about R-22 collection and disposal and someone with experience dealing with old parts. 

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 3 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.