Do you need to refill the refrigerant in your air conditioning unit? Call Georgia Air today at (912) 513-3741 for speedy service at competitive prices.
Summer here in Richmond Hill, GA, often sees temperatures hitting the 90s. The last thing you need at this time is to find your air conditioning unit not working as well as it should. Unfortunately, that’s what you’ll likely experience if you have a Freon leak.
It’s one of the common reasons for AC breakdowns, especially in older units. But how much does it cost to fill Freon in an AC unit?
Georgia Air Repair, the most reputable HVAC company in Richmond Hill, GA, will cover the details you need to know in this post.
What Is Freon?
When most people mention Freon in a conversation about air conditioners, they are referring to the refrigerant in their system. However, Freon is not the name for every type of refrigerant. It’s the brand name for a phased-out refrigerant known as R-22.
Today, modern air conditioners now feature other types of approved refrigerants. If you’re thinking about refilling the refrigerant in an air conditioner you purchased within the last decade, there’s a high probability that you don’t really need Freon.
Top Signs You Need to Refill Your AC Refrigerant
AC refrigerant refill is one of those problems you ideally don’t have to deal with throughout the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. However, as your air conditioner ages, there’s no telling how the weakening of components will affect it.
A refrigerant leak will occur if cracks form in the lines (or the seals holding them). Recognizing the signs of the leaks early enough can help you avoid more serious damage that may warrant replacing the entire unit. It can also help you avoid refrigerant poisoning.
Some of the top signs you should refill the refrigerant in your air conditioner include the following:
Water Leaks
Refrigerant leaks often cause the formation of ice on evaporator coils. As the ice melts, it causes water to collect around the unit. If you notice water puddles around your air conditioner, you should call an HVAC technician to get it checked out right away.
Drastic Changes in Cooling Power and Indoor Air Quality
Does your home feel a lot warmer and more humid than it should be, based on your thermostat settings and your previous experience with the unit? Is the indoor air quality worse than it used to be? Once you’ve ruled out minor issues like air filter clogs, you’re likely looking at a refrigerant leak.
Soaring Electricity Bills
Have you noticed a sudden rise in your cooling bills coinciding with your use of the air conditioner to combat the summer temperatures in Richmond Hill, GA? That’s a sign of possible efficiency issues with your air conditioning unit.
A refrigerant leak is one of the most common reasons for decreased efficiency in your air conditioning unit.
The Cost of Refilling Refrigerant in Richmond Hill, GA
How much does it cost to fill Freon in an AC unit? Generally, you should expect to pay around $300 to $500 to refill the refrigerant in your air conditioner. However, the total costs can be more than that range, depending on your unique situation.
A 25-pound can of refrigerant will cost around $500, which is about $20 for each pound. Most air conditioners need 6 to 12 pounds of refrigerant.
The cost of refrigerant above is for the more common r410a.
Breaking Down the Costs Associated with Refrigerant Refill
Beyond the cost of the refrigerant, the other components of your estimate on a refrigerant refill project will include the following:
Leak Testing
Experienced HVAC professionals will not refill refrigerant without checking for a leak. The testing costs around $50 for a visit.
Refrigerant Disposal
If your air conditioner is older than 2010 and has R-22 as the refrigerant, the HVAC technician will charge you extra for freon recovery and disposal. Licensed technicians need to capture and safely dispose of the chemical to prevent damage to the environment.
Conversion Costs
If you intend to continue using the R-22 system with a more commonly available type of refrigerant, you can expect the cost of your refrigerant refill to reach as high as $4,500. Your HVAC technician will have to complete a complex conversion.
Generally, these conversions are not worth the cost, especially when you consider the cost of installing a new system.
Other Repairs
If the leak testing shows damage in the coil or refrigeration lines, you’ll need to pay for those repairs.
Labor
HVAC technicians charge varying rates for labor, reflecting the cost of living around the area.
Factors That Will Affect the Cost of Your AC Refrigerant Refill
Some of the factors that will influence the final cost of your AC refrigerant refill include the following:
The Size of the AC Unit
Manufacturers rate air conditioner size in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or in tons. Air conditioners with higher BTU ratings need more refrigerant overall. You can expect to use two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of AC power.
The total quantity you’ll need will generally depend on how much of the refrigerant leaked away before you called the HVAC technician.
Air Conditioner Age
The age of your air conditioner will affect the cost of the refrigerant refill for two reasons. First, remember that older air conditioners require R-22. Buying a 25-pound can of this refrigerant can cost up to $2,000—if you can find it.
Secondly, older air conditioners may have configurations that may require specialized knowledge. If your HVAC technician doesn’t have the experience to deal with this configuration, they will most likely hire a third party, further increasing the cost of the project.
Cause of the Leak
You can expect the cost of refilling the refrigerant to be a lot cheaper if the leak occurred due to a manufacturing error and you’re still within the warranty window.
If the leak occurred due to aging and corrosion, you can expect to pay a bit more for repairs.
Is a DIY Refrigerant Refill a Good Idea?
In a word, no. First, it’s illegal. According to the Clean Air Act, you need to have a license to purchase or handle home air conditioning refrigerant. Secondly, all types of refrigerants are toxic. Mishandling or inhaling the chemical can be dangerous for your health.
Additionally, using the wrong refrigerant can total your unit, forcing you into an early replacement.
A professional HVAC technician will inspect your unit carefully to find the cause of the leak, fix it, and then safely refill the system with the right type of refrigerant.
How to Save Money on Refrigerant Refills
Looking at the cost of refrigerant refills, it’s only natural that you’ll want to explore ways to avoid paying too much for them. Some of the things you can do include the following:
Stick to a Maintenance Schedule
HVAC technicians often identify problems that will cause refrigerant leaks in their earliest stages. This can help you avoid paying for the refill in the first place. Common maintenance tasks like replacing filters, changing weak seals, and tightening connections can keep the refrigerant contained in the line.
Replace Your Filters Regularly
A clogged filter puts a significant strain on your air conditioner, leading to cracks in your refrigerant lines or the seals and connections.
Most HVAC technicians will recommend scheduling air conditioning maintenance once every year. But they will also recommend changing your filter at least once every three months so don’t wait for the maintenance date to change your AC filters.
Learning to replace the air conditioner filter on your own can help you avoid paying for AC refrigerant refill.
Address Leaks Quickly
As stated above, the cost of the refrigerant refill can be determined by how many pounds of refrigerant the HVAC technician has to use. So, if you notice any leaks, call a technician as soon as possible. It could be the difference between paying for just two to four pounds of refrigerant or paying for twelve.
Request Multiple Quotes
AC refrigerant refill is just like any HVAC repair project. Requesting quotes from two to three companies is a good way to ensure you’re getting good value for your money.
Check Your Warranty Coverage
Is your air conditioner still under warranty? Look at the terms to see if it covers the refrigerant recharge. Even if it doesn’t, it might cover part of the repairs or labor costs, reducing the cost of the visit.
Call Georgia Air Repair for Your Refrigerant Refill in Richmond Hill, GA, Today
How much does it cost to fill Freon in an AC unit? The team at Georgia Air Repair can provide you with a personalized quote. We have the licenses and equipment to refill the refrigerant in all air conditioning systems, from central units to split systems.
Call the Georgia Air Repair team in Richmond Hill, GA, today at (912) 513-3741 to schedule a consultation or to learn more tips for saving cooling costs.