Updated October 2026: The prices in this 2022 article are out of date. R-22 is still legal to buy and use to service existing systems; new production and import ended in the U.S. on January 1, 2020. See our R-22 Refrigerant Buying Guide for current rules, sizes, prices and how ordering works.
How much does a bottle of R22 cost – Absolute Refrigerants
Want to learn more about how much does a bottle of R22 cost? R-22 was the refrigerant in most U.S. home air conditioners and heat pumps built before 2010. New production and import of R-22 ended in the U.S. on January 1, 2020, but it is still legal to buy and use R-22 to service existing systems. Most R-22 sold today is reclaimed: recovered refrigerant cleaned to the AHRI-700 purity standard by an EPA-certified reclaimer. If you’re looking to find out how much a bottle of R22 costs or if it’s worth it to replace your air conditioner then keep reading.
R22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, is no longer being produced.
R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). The chlorine in it depletes the ozone layer, so its production and import were phased out under the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol. (Older CFC refrigerants such as R-12 were phased out in the 1990s.)
New air conditioners built after 2010 use R-410A, and the newest systems use R-454B or R-32. These refrigerants cannot be added to an R-22 system, so an existing R-22 system is still serviced with R-22.
The cost of R22 refrigerant can change from day to day.
The price is determined by supply and demand, so a small increase in the amount of R22 that’s in circulation can result in a large increase in its price. Prices often climb in late spring and summer, when demand for AC repairs peaks.
In addition to supply and demand, though, another factor that affects the price of R22 refrigerant is how much your system needs. Most home systems hold several pounds, so a leak repair and recharge can take one or more cylinders. Have the leak found and repaired first so you are not paying for refrigerant that leaks back out.
There is a limited amount of R22 currently on the market.
The EPA’s phase-out of new R-22 production and import was completed on January 1, 2020. Since then, supply comes from existing stock and reclaimed R-22, which is why prices have trended up.
R-410A is not a substitute for R-22 in an existing system: it runs at much higher pressure. Retrofit refrigerants such as R-407C, R-422B and R-438A can be used once the R-22 is recovered, but they may need oil, seal or component changes.
R22 can be purchased in various quantities.
The amount of refrigerant you need depends on the size of your home and system. Absolute Refrigerants sells EPA-certified reclaimed, factory-sealed R-22. Shipping is free by UPS Ground to the lower 48. Orders placed by 1 PM Arizona time on weekdays usually ship the same day, or you can guarantee same-day shipping with Ship It Today for $15. They offer several different sizes including:
- R-22 5 lb cylinder – from $197
- R-22 10 lb cylinder – from $347
- R-22 30 lb cylinder – from $667
- Also 2, 7, 12 and 15 lb sizes. See all R-22 sizes and current prices (prices change with the market).
When you buy an R-22, you need to know the size of your system and home. You may also want to know how many pounds you need to purchase. If you are unsure, contact a professional at Absolute Refrigerant for advice on the best way to get your system up and running again.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this has helped you understand what drives the price of R22 refrigerant. The market is competitive, and prices remain competitive as well. If you’re looking for the best price — or just trying to find the best formula that works for your home or business — Absolute Refrigerants is the way to go. They want to deliver the lowest price possible without sacrificing quality. So if you need any help estimating how much R22 you will need for your home, give them a call at (833) 648-9730 today!
