Understanding R-410A Refrigerant Prices for Homeowners (2024)

Refrigerant plays a crucial role in keeping your air conditioner running smoothly on even the hottest days of the year. Without it, your system wouldn’t be able to absorb and release heat effectively to cool your home and keep you and your family comfortable. If your air conditioner loses refrigerant because of a leak, it will need to be recharged to work properly again.

The type of refrigerant your air conditioner uses can significantly impact the cost of maintaining and recharging your system. R-410A is the most commonly used refrigerant in modern air conditioners. HVAC.com explains what homeowners need to know about this refrigerant and how changes in R-410A refrigerant prices can affect you.

The Evolution of Refrigerants: From R-22 to R-410A

You may have heard of R-22, also commonly referred to as Freon. It was used for decades incentral air conditioners and heat pumps. However, due to its high potential for ozone depletion, R-22 has been phased out. As of 2010, R-22 has not been used in new cooling systems. In 2020, the production and import of R-22 also came to an end. Only existing supplies and reclaimed refrigerant products are currently available to service older systems, causing prices to skyrocket. In 2024, your air conditioner will need to be at least 15 years old to still use R-22.

In response to the R-22 phase-out, the HVAC industry transitioned to using R-410A, a more environmentally friendly alternative. R-410A, often marketed under names like Puron, does not deplete the ozone layer and operates at a higher efficiency compared to R-22. This transition helped reduce environmental impact and improve the performance of air conditioning systems.

The Current Phase-Out of R-410A

While R-410A has been the standard refrigerant for many years, it too is now in the early stages of being phased out due to its high global warming potential (GWP). Production of R-410A has already started to be reduced, and starting in 2025, no new HVAC systems will be manufactured using this refrigerant.

Despite the phase-out, R-410A is still readily available on the market. This availability has helped keep prices relatively stable, unlike the dramatic price spikes seen with R-22 during its phase-out. However, homeowners should be aware that as the phase-out progresses and supply decreases, R-410A refrigerant prices may start to rise.

Factors Influencing R-410A Refrigerant Prices

Several factors can influence the cost of R-410A refrigerant, including:

  • Supply and Demand: As the phase-out progresses, the supply of R-410A will diminish, causing prices to increase due to scarcity.
  • Regulatory Changes: As the phase-out continues to restrict production levels and importation, the R-410A price will likely increase.
  • Manufacturing Costs: Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and manufacturing can also influence the price of refrigerants.
  • Market Competition: The introduction ofnew refrigerants and advancements in HVAC technology can shift market dynamics and pricing structures.

Average Amount of R-410A Needed for Recharging

The amount of R-410A needed to recharge an air conditioning system can vary based on the size and type of the unit. On average, residential AC units require between 2 to 4 pounds of R-410A refrigerant per ton of cooling. So, a 3-ton air conditioner would require 6 to 12 pounds of refrigerant.

Currently, the price for recharging an air conditioning system with R-410A is around $90 per pound. Comparatively, the cost to recharge an older system that uses R-22 refrigerant is now around $250 per pound.

Signs Your AC System Needs a Refrigerant Recharge

Knowing when your air conditioning system might need a refrigerant recharge can help you address the issue sooner. Here are some common signs that your AC unit may be low on R-410A:

  • Reduced Cooling Efficiency: If your air conditioner isblowing warm air or not cooling your home as effectively as it used to, low refrigerant levels could be the culprit.
  • Longer Cooling Cycles: Systems low on refrigerant will run longer to reach the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills.
  • Ice Buildup: Ice forming on the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines is also a clear indication of low refrigerant levels.
  • Hissing or Bubbling Sounds: These noises can suggest a refrigerant leak, which requires immediate attention from a professional.

Knowing the type of refrigerant your air conditioning system uses and the factors that can influence its cost is important for the health of your unit. If the R-410A refrigerant price increases as the phase-out continues, it may be a more cost-effective decision to replace your cooling system with anew model that uses newer refrigerant types.

Understanding R-410A Refrigerant Prices for Homeowners (2024)

FAQs

What is a fair price for R-410A refrigerant? ›

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.

Why is 410A so expensive right now? ›

Factors Influencing R-410A Refrigerant Prices

Supply and Demand: As the phase-out progresses, the supply of R-410A will diminish, causing prices to increase due to scarcity. Regulatory Changes: As the phase-out continues to restrict production levels and importation, the R-410A price will likely increase.

How much R-410A is in a 3 ton unit? ›

A three-ton air conditioner would typically have six to 12 pounds of refrigerant for a proper charge.

Why do HVAC companies charge so much for refrigerant? ›

Even though Freon is still being produced, the supply has dwindled as producers have cut back in anticipation of lower demand. Therefore, maintenance people and air conditioning system specialists have less supply and are charging more for it.

How much should I pay for refrigerant? ›

Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.

What is the price of R-410A split AC gas? ›

R410a Refrigerant Gas Price List
Product NameExpected Price
50 KG Honeywell Genetron R410A MPCL Refrigerant Gas Cylinder25000
8 KG Honeywell Genetron R410A Refrigerant Gas Cylinder4000
Freon 404A Refrigeration Gas250
Freon 410A Refrigeration Gas350
6 more rows

What is the cheapest alternative to R-410A? ›

RS-53 (R470A) enables users to replace R410A in existing units with minimal changes and inconvenience at low cost.

What refrigerant are they replacing 410A with? ›

The replacements for R-410A are the two A2Ls, Forane® R-32 and R-454B. Forane® R-32 can be used in new equipment designed specifically for mildly flammable refrigerants as a replacement for R-410A equipment.

How much is R-410A per pound in 2024? ›

Freon Cost Per Pound
TypeWholesale Cost Per PoundCost Installed Per Pound
R22$13 – $21$90 – $150
R410A$4 – $8$50 – $80
R404A$4 – $7$50 – $70
R407A$5 – $12$60 – $130
3 more rows
Aug 29, 2023

How much does it cost to convert R-22 to R-410a? ›

AC Conversion Cost

Converting an AC from R-22 to handle newer refrigerants is no longer common. The process is typically too expensive—between $2,000 to $4,600—which may not be worth it depending on the cost to install a new AC system.

Can I recharge my home AC myself? ›

If you need refrigerant for your air conditioner, you'll need to contact a professional heating and cooling technician. Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system. You should never try to recharge the A/C yourself, even if you have a home air conditioner recharging kit.

How many square feet will a 3.5 ton AC unit cool? ›

1801 - 2100 sf

Is R-410A being phased out? ›

Due to the environmental impact of R-410A, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will be phased out and replaced by more eco-friendly alternatives. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the R-410A refrigerant phase out and what it means for homeowners.

Can anyone buy 410A refrigerant? ›

You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A, but no license is legally necessary for purchase.

What is the most expensive refrigerant for air conditioners? ›

R-22 refrigerant is so expensive because there's such a limited supply of it left. You see, R-22 is an “ozone-depleting substance” and is extremely harmful to the environment.

How much is a cylinder of R-410A? ›

A cylinder costs $500-$600 for a 35 lb cylinder if a company is buying it.

How much is Freon per pound in 2024? ›

R410A & R22 Refrigerant Price Breakout
YearR410aR22
2024 Refrigerant Cost Per Pound$90$250
2023 Refrigerant Cost Per Pound$49$195
2022 Refrigerant Cost Per Pound$45$145
2021 Refrigerant Cost Per Pound$45$80
4 more rows

How much is Freon per pound for a car? ›

The freon price for R22 is only about $200-$250 per pound to refill.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5644

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.