Where Can I Buy R22 Freon for My Home AC in 2025?

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

  • New R22 production/import is banned; only reclaimed or existing stock may be used for servicing equipment.

  • Section 608 certification is required to purchase, handle, or add ANY refrigerant, including R22. Homeowners without a license cannot legally buy cylinders themselves.

  • You may keep running and servicing an older R22 system; replacement is not mandatory.

2025 Price Check: How Much Does R22 Cost?

  • Cost per pound installed: $90 – $150 on average.

  • DIY cylinder (30 lb) price: $599 – $800, depending on seller and whether the stock is virgin or reclaimed.

  • 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

  1. Verify certification. If you’re purchasing the cylinder yourself, upload a clear photo of your Section 608 card.

  2. Confirm it’s AHRI-700 grade. Reclaimed R22 must meet purity specs identical to the virgin product.

  3. Check cylinder date codes. Older stock can rust or lose pressure.

  4. Factor haz-mat shipping. Cylinders ship ORM-D or Hazmat Class 2.2; fees add $30–$75.

  5. Store upright in a cool, ventilated space and transport per DOT 4BA guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 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.

  2. Why is R22 so expensive now?
    The 2020 production/import ban created a finite supply; prices respond to shrinking inventories and rising reclaim costs.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.