Because the new production and import of R22 (HCFC-22) ended on 1 January 2020, the refrigerant you can buy today comes only from reclaimed or pre-2020 stock. That makes availability tighter, prices volatile, and EPA rules stricter than ever.
Where Can I Buy R22 Freon for My Home AC?
| Buying route | What you need | 2025 street price snapshot* | Key caveats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire an EPA-certified HVAC technician | Nothing—tech provides refrigerant | $180 – $600 for a recharge (labor + 2–4 lb) | Easiest and 100 % legal, but labor adds cost. |
| Wholesale HVAC supply houses e.g., Johnstone Supply | Copy of Section 608 card + account | $650 – $800 for a 30 lb virgin cylinder | Contractors-only counters; no sales to uncertified individuals. |
| Online refrigerant retailers (RefrigerantsCenter.com, Refrigerant Depot) | Upload your Section 608 card at checkout | $599 for a 30 lb cylinder (May 2025) | Must ship to the address on your cert; haz-mat freight surcharges. |
| Reclamation specialists (A-Gas, Hudson) | Proof of certification or sell-back contract | Market quote (similar to wholesale) | Product is recycled/reclaimed but meets AHRI 700 spec. |
*Prices exclude taxes, haz-mat fees, and shipping; spot checks performed 1 May 2025.
What the EPA Says
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New R22 production/import is banned; only reclaimed or existing stock may be used for servicing equipment.
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Section 608 certification is required to purchase, handle, or add ANY refrigerant, including R22. Homeowners without a license cannot legally buy cylinders themselves.
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You may keep running and servicing an older R22 system; replacement is not mandatory.
2025 Price Check: How Much Does R22 Cost?
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Cost per pound installed: $90 – $150 on average.
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DIY cylinder (30 lb) price: $599 – $800, depending on seller and whether the stock is virgin or reclaimed.
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Complete recharge for a 3-ton system: 6–12 lb × avg. $125 = $750 – $1,500 plus labor and leak repair.
Tip: Before topping off refrigerant, pay a certified tech to pressure-test and repair leaks—otherwise, you’ll buy that Freon twice.
Should You Recharge, Retrofit, or Replace?
| Option | Up-front cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recharge with R22 | $180 – $600 | No equipment change; fast | Rising R22 prices, future scarcity; the leak must be fixed or gas will escape again. |
| Retrofit to an R22 replacement (e.g., MO99, R-407C) | $1,200 – $2,000 | Lower-cost refrigerant; keeps the existing air handler | Requires component changes; may void OEM warranty; small efficiency loss. |
| Full system replacement (R-410A/R-454B) | $3,500 – $7,500 | 30 %+ efficiency gain; modern warranty; future-proof | Highest up-front cost; new lineset & coil. |
EPA confirms there is no “drop-in” R22 substitute that works without hardware modifications. Always consult an experienced retrofit technician.
Buying Checklist
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Verify certification. If you’re purchasing the cylinder yourself, upload a clear photo of your Section 608 card.
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Confirm it’s AHRI-700 grade. Reclaimed R22 must meet purity specs identical to the virgin product.
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Check cylinder date codes. Older stock can rust or lose pressure.
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Factor haz-mat shipping. Cylinders ship ORM-D or Hazmat Class 2.2; fees add $30–$75.
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Store upright in a cool, ventilated space and transport per DOT 4BA guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can homeowners legally buy R22 online?
Only if they hold EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification and provide that proof to the seller. -
Why is R22 so expensive now?
The 2020 production/import ban created a finite supply; prices respond to shrinking inventories and rising reclaim costs. -
Is reclaimed R22 as good as virgin stock?
Yes—AHRI-700 standards require the same 99.5 % purity, water <10 ppm, and no oil. Quality-assured reclaimers (A-Gas, Hudson) issue test certificates. -
How many pounds will my AC need?
Rough rule: 2–4 lb per ton of cooling. A typical 3-ton unit needs 6–12 lb for a full recharge. -
Is it cheaper to retrofit or keep recharging?
If your system leaks often or needs >8 lb, long-term costs favor a retrofit or full replacement, especially as R22 prices rise each summer.
