How Much Does R-410A Refrigerant Cost per Pound? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $40 - $75
R-410 refrigerant costs $60 per pound on average, but can range from $40 to $75. Keep in mind you cannot purchase R-410A refrigerant without an HVAC pro.
As of mid-2024, R-410A refrigerant prices range from $40 to $75 per pound. To replace R-410A refrigerant in your leaky AC, you will need to hire an HVAC professional since the EPA prohibits handling AC refrigerant without a license.
R-410A has been one of the most popular refrigerants used in air conditioning units. While it is not as harmful to the environment as other options, it is actively being phased out due to its high global warming potential. Learn more about what impacts R-410A refrigerant prices below.
- Average
- $60
- Low end
- $15
- high end
- $90
R-410A Refrigerant Regulations
While many use the terms “R-410A” and “Freon” interchangeably, Freon is DuPont’s brand name. As the EPA began its phase-out of R-22 Freon—previously the most common type of refrigerant—the use of R-410A’s began to rise. However, you can’t just add R-410A to your R-22 air conditioner.
The EPA phase-out of R-410A and the HVAC systems that use it can be tricky to navigate. Below, we’ve broken down the quick facts you need to know if you have an AC that uses this type of refrigerant. Your local HVAC technician will be able to answer additional questions you might have about R-410A and the refrigerant that will be used in newer HVAC systems going forward.
| R-410A Refrigerant | ACs that Use R-410A Refrigerant |
|---|---|
| EPA will reduce production by 85% by 2036. It will not be discontinued in total, just reduced. | Self-contained HVAC units that use R-410A will no longer be imported or manufactured after January 1st, 2025. |
| As time passes, the cost of R-410A will continue to rise as it becomes more scarce. | Equipment built before January 1st, 2025, will have until January 1st, 2026, to be installed. Some things, like window AC units, can be installed through January 1st, 2028. |
How Much Is R-410A Refrigerant per Pound?
R-410A refrigerant costs an average of $40 to $75 per pound. This cost will continue to rise over the next several years since the supply will be reduced significantly due to the EPA phase-out. The good news is that you’ll only need to add R-410A to your AC if you have a refrigerant leak—no leak means no additional refrigerant is needed. Additionally, since R-410A will still be available to purchase in the coming years, you can avoid the cost of replacing your AC unit until absolutely necessary.
R-410A Refrigerant Price Factors
Keep in mind that AC refrigerant does not deplete over time and that you’ll only need to add more if your AC has a leak. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, call an HVAC repair pro near you as soon as possible to inspect and repair your unit. Never try to correct an AC leak on your own.
Size of HVAC Unit
Air conditioner sizes are measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units, and tonnage. Most residential ACs range from 1 to 5 tons—the larger the unit, the more cooling power it can provide. And naturally, the larger the AC unit, the more refrigerant it uses.
Most ACs use between 2 and 4 pounds of refrigerant per ton. Here's what to expect for R-410A refrigerant prices by HVAC size.
| HVAC Size (Tons) | Refrigerant (Pounds) | Average Cost, Labor Plus Materials |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $240–$350 |
| 2 | 6 | $360–$570 |
| 3 | 9 | $480–$800 |
| 4 | 12 | $600–$1,000 |
| 5 | 15 | $720–$1,250 |
Location
As time goes on and the supply of R-410A begins to be shortened, your geographic location might impact the overall cost you pay. While your HVAC team will know where to order R-410A from, shipping prices will depend on availability. Toward the end of the phaseout, you could live somewhere without easy access to the refrigerant, meaning your local HVAC pro will need to have it shipped in. And if it’s coming from the opposite side of the country, you might be looking at a hefty upcharge.
Labor
Overall, labor for HVAC repairs costs between $100 and $250 per hour, so the cost of recharging your AC with R-410A will depend on the size of the related repair. And since it is illegal to handle or dispose of R-410A yourself, be sure to include this in your budget.
DIY R-410A Refill vs. Hiring a Pro
The EPA only allows licensed professionals to purchase ozone-depleting substances, including R-410—a wise move considering it’s a dangerous chemical with the power to damage your AC if mishandled or installed incorrectly.
Also, running low on refrigerant typically means you have a leak or other damage. This is a job best left to the professionals and not as a DIY option. Incorrectly DIYing this project can lead to costly repairs—and AC units are a relatively significant investment—so call a pro and get back to enjoying cool air in your home.
How You Can Save Money on R-410A Refrigerant Prices
The best way to save money on R-410A refrigerant is to keep your air conditioner in excellent working order and schedule annual inspections before the hottest part of the year. Spotting problems before turning on your AC unit helps avoid bigger issues during the heaviest use period, which will typically come with higher service costs than during the off-season.
During an annual checkup, your HVAC technician can tell whether the refrigerant levels need to be adjusted and can usually adjust them on the spot, versus scheduling another appointment.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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Frequently Asked Questions
When your HVAC technician mentions recharging your home AC unit, they’re referring to the process of topping off the unit with refrigerant, so the levels are properly maintained and pressurized. Normally, a properly functioning AC unit doesn’t need additional refrigerant, but AC units can develop leaks or other problems that decrease the amount of refrigerant needed.
Because of pressurization differences, you should not add R-410A refrigerant to R-22 AC units. In fact, doing so will break the unit. As of 2010, no newly manufactured home AC unit can use R-22 Freon, and as of 2020, the US doesn’t allow the import and manufacture of R-22. If your unit was made and purchased after 2010, it’s safe to use R-410A refrigerant. If it is older, you may need to update or replace the unit.
A home AC unit provides anywhere from one-half to five tons of cooling and requires approximately two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling. At approximately five to 10 minutes to fill one pound of refrigerant, a home that requires three tons of cooling will take about six to 12 pounds of refrigerant and approximately 30 minutes to two hours to completely recharge the unit.
R-410A was the replacement solution for R-22, another type of AC refrigerant. Since both R-22 and R-410A have been found to be dangerous to the environment, a new option, R-32, is now the preferred option. Based on its properties, R-32 has been found to reduce electricity consumption by up to 10% and to be a safer alternative for our ozone. Remember, however, never to mix refrigerants, as this could cause severe damage to your AC unit.