How do I tell if my AC needs refrigerant?
A system only needs refrigerant if it has leaked, because refrigerant is not consumed in normal operation. Signs of a low charge are warm air at the vents, ice on the refrigerant lines or coil, a hissing or bubbling sound, longer run times, and rising bills. If you see these, the real fix is finding and repairing the leak, not just adding more.
What are the signs of low AC refrigerant?
The common signs are weak or warm airflow, ice buildup on the copper lines or indoor coil, a hissing or bubbling noise, the system running constantly without cooling, and higher energy bills. Because low charge always means a leak somewhere, we locate and fix it rather than simply topping off a system that will lose it again.
Can I add refrigerant to my AC myself?
No. Federal law requires EPA Section 608 certification to buy and handle refrigerant, and adding it without diagnosing the leak or measuring the correct charge can damage the compressor and is unsafe. It is a licensed-technician job, and doing it right protects both the equipment and your warranty.
Do you need a license to handle refrigerant?
Yes. The EPA requires Section 608 certification to purchase and handle refrigerant, and the new A2L refrigerants add their own handling and safety requirements. Our technicians are certified and equipped for R-22, R-410A, and the new A2L refrigerants, so the work is done legally and safely.
Is refrigerant the same as Freon?
Freon is a brand name that became a generic term for refrigerant, most often the old R-22. Today’s systems use different refrigerants, R-410A in most existing units and R-454B or R-32 in new ones, so when people say Freon they usually mean whatever refrigerant their AC runs on. We identify exactly what yours uses.
What AC gas is now illegal?
R-22, the old refrigerant, has been phased out: its production and import were banned in the U.S. in 2020, so only reclaimed supply remains, which makes servicing an R-22 system increasingly expensive. R-22 systems are not illegal to keep running, but repeated recharges on one usually point toward replacement.
Is R-410A being phased out?
Yes, gradually. As of January 2025, manufacturers stopped building new residential AC and heat pump systems that use R-410A, moving to low-GWP A2L refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. R-410A is still produced and available to service existing systems for years to come, so a working R-410A unit does not need to be replaced.
What are the 4 types of refrigerant?
In residential AC the ones that matter are R-22 (old, phased out), R-410A (in most systems installed 2010 to 2024), and the new A2L refrigerants R-454B (ducted systems) and R-32 (ductless mini-splits). Older refrigerators and some equipment also use R-134a. We work with all the current AC refrigerants.
What is the most commonly used refrigerant?
R-410A is still the most common refrigerant in existing homes, since it was standard from about 2010 through 2024. New systems now use R-454B or R-32. The right refrigerant for your system is whatever it was designed for, you cannot mix or swap them, which is why identifying it correctly matters.
How much does it cost to recharge refrigerant in an AC?
It depends on the refrigerant type and how much the system needs, and R-22 costs far more than R-410A because it is no longer produced. But recharging without fixing the leak just pays to refill it again, so we quote leak repair plus the correct charge together, in writing, after diagnosing the system. The $89 diagnostic is waived with the repair.
How much does refrigerant cost per pound?
Per-pound cost varies a lot by type and market, with R-22 the most expensive because supply is limited, and A2L refrigerants priced differently than R-410A. Rather than quote a moving per-pound number, we give you a written total for the diagnosis, leak repair, and correct charge so you know the full price before we start.
Is a refrigerant leak worth fixing?
Often yes on a newer system, where a leak repair and recharge restores it for years. On an older R-22 unit, the high cost of that refrigerant plus the age often tips toward replacement, which we’ll show you with the $5,000 rule. Either way, a leak should be fixed rather than repeatedly topped off, both for cost and for the environment.
How expensive is it to fix a refrigerant leak?
It depends on where the leak is, an accessible line fitting is a modest repair, while a leaking evaporator coil is a bigger job. We find the leak, show you the location and the options, and quote it in writing, including whether repair or replacement is the better value for your system’s age and refrigerant.
Can I stay in my house with a refrigerant leak?
A small AC refrigerant leak in a ventilated home is generally not an immediate danger, but refrigerant can displace oxygen in an enclosed space and should not be inhaled, and the new A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable. Keep the area ventilated, avoid open flames near the unit, and have it repaired promptly. If you feel dizzy or unwell, get fresh air and call us.
Review on Google · April 2026