How do I know which refrigerant my system uses?

Check the data plate on your outdoor unit — it lists the refrigerant type. Systems manufactured before 2010 typically use R-22, while newer systems use R-410A. If you can't find the plate, we can identify it during a service call.

Can I convert my R-22 system to R-410A?

Not through a simple refrigerant swap. R-410A operates at significantly higher pressures and requires different components. Converting usually costs as much as replacing the system entirely, which is why we recommend replacement for R-22 systems that need major work.

Is it legal to buy R-22 refrigerant myself?

Under EPA regulations, only EPA Section 608 certified technicians may purchase and handle refrigerant. Homeowners cannot legally buy or add refrigerant to their own systems.

Freon Recharge Cost — R-22 vs R-410A

How much does a refrigerant recharge cost? Compare R-22 and R-410A pricing in the Asheville & WNC area.

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Professional Freon Recharge Cost — R-22 vs R-410A in Asheville & Western NC

Refrigerant Recharge Cost in WNC

The cost to recharge your AC or heat pump with refrigerant varies dramatically depending on which type your system uses. In the Asheville and Western North Carolina market, an R-410A recharge typically costs $150 to $400, while an R-22 (Freon) recharge can run $400 to $1,500 or more due to the phased-out refrigerant's extreme scarcity and price. It's important to understand that a system needing a recharge has a leak somewhere — refrigerant doesn't get "used up" — and simply adding refrigerant without finding the leak is a temporary and expensive Band-Aid.

R-22 vs. R-410A: Why the Price Gap

R-22 (commonly called Freon) was banned from production and import in the United States as of January 1, 2020, due to its ozone-depleting properties. The only R-22 available now is recycled or reclaimed stock, and supply shrinks every year while demand from older systems continues. This scarcity has driven per-pound prices from about $30 in 2015 to $100 to $200 per pound today. A full system charge can require 6 to 12 pounds. R-410A, the industry standard for systems made after 2010, is plentiful and costs $30 to $60 per pound.

Should You Recharge or Replace?

If your system uses R-22 and needs a significant recharge, it's usually time for a serious conversation about system replacement. Spending $800 to $1,500 on refrigerant for an aging system that will likely leak again is poor economics. A new R-410A system eliminates the refrigerant cost problem entirely and delivers much higher efficiency. For R-410A systems, we'll find and repair the leak before recharging — this is the only responsible approach.

Leak Detection Is Key

Quality Comfort uses electronic leak detectors and UV dye testing to locate refrigerant leaks precisely. Simply topping off a system without repairing the leak wastes your money and harms the environment. We'll find the leak, give you repair and replacement options, and let you decide the best path forward.