Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical compound in your air conditioner or heat pump that absorbs and releases heat to cool your home. Different systems use different refrigerant types, and older units may require costly or phased-out options like R-22. Understanding your refrigerant needs helps you plan for recharges, repairs, or system upgrades. Angi helps you connect with licensed local HVAC pros who can diagnose issues and keep your system running efficiently.

Related to Refrigerant Service

Refrigerant Service Articles and Advice
hvac unit outside summer home
Kat Brancato  •  Mar 19, 2026
7 Fool-Proof Ways for Detecting Refrigerant Leaks and Keeping Your House Cool
Your HVAC unit needs refrigerant to keep your house cool, and a leak can lead to serious problems. Use these tips to detect a refrigerant leak.
Family playing together on the lounge floor
Haley Nothstein  •  Mar 17, 2026
How Much Does R-22 Refrigerant Cost per Pound? [2026 Data]
Discover how much R-22 refrigerant costs per pound based on factors such as the size, age, and location of your HVAC unit.
HVAC unit outside of home
Kate Fann  •  Mar 17, 2026
How Much Does R-410A Refrigerant Cost per Pound? [2026 Data]
The cost to add R-410A refrigerant and recharge your home’s air conditioner depends on many factors, such as your location and the cause of the leak.
A woman turning on the AC
Elisa Greenberg  •  Mar 17, 2026
How Much Does AC Recharge Cost? [2026 Data]
If your air conditioning unit isn’t functioning properly, you might need an AC recharge. Our guide will detail what a typical AC recharge cost looks like.
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Mar 6, 2026
What is R32 Refrigerant and Is It Better Than Other Gas Refrigerants?
R32 refrigerant is a relatively new alternative to the AC refrigerants available today. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of R32 refrigerant.
Taylor Freitas  •  Mar 6, 2026
4 Signs of Refrigerant Leaks and What to Do About Them
When your AC refrigerant leaks, you’ll need to find a quick fix, as long-term consequences could be costly. Learn why your refrigerant is leaking and your next steps.
Tyler Lacoma  •  Mar 6, 2026
Overcharged Refrigerant Symptoms: 6 Common Signs
Refrigerant overcharging pushes too much refrigerant into your AC system, creating a slew of issues. Here are symptoms of overcharged refrigerant.
An HVAC technician adds refrigerant to an air conditioning unit
Angi  •  Mar 5, 2026
How Much Does Refrigerant Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]
Find out the average refrigerant replacement cost, including key price factors, labor, and ways to save. Get transparent, expert-backed guidance for your HVAC project.
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Common Refrigerant Service Questions

Costs depend on unit size, part availability, labor, and emergency service fees.

No, you should not use R-410A refrigerant in an AC system built for R-22. Due to significant differences in operating pressures and chemical composition, adding R-410A to an R-22 unit is not safe or effective and can cause severe damage, potentially breaking the unit. As of 2010, newly manufactured home AC units no longer use R-22 Freon, and since 2020, the import and manufacture of R-22 have been phased out in the US. If your AC unit was made after 2010, it likely uses R-410A. For older systems, it is best to consult a licensed AC repair specialist to determine the appropriate solution, which may involve updating or replacing the unit.

R-22 refrigerant is still available but expect higher costs. Since R-22 refrigerant is an ozone-depleting substance (ODS), the EPA only allows certified technicians to purchase it. Therefore, homeowners cannot purchase it directly, and you’ll have to go through your HVAC specialist if you have an air-conditioning system from before 2010 that runs on R-22.

Due to its high global warming potential (GWP), R-410A refrigerant is being phased out, much like it previously replaced R-22. The new, preferred replacements are R-32 and R-454B. This new class of refrigerants offers lower GWP and higher efficiency. Specifically, R-32 can reduce electricity consumption by up to 10% and is a safer alternative for the ozone layer. It is critical to never mix different types of refrigerants, as this can cause severe damage to your AC unit. If your HVAC system uses a refrigerant that is being phased out, consult a professional about transitioning to a recommended compound.

It can be difficult to determine the cause of a coolant leak unless you have the unit inspected by a certified professional. Most coolant leaks are caused by wear and tear on seals and joints. This typically happens five years after a unit is installed. Additionally, faulty or worn compressors, evaporator coils, and condenser coils can also cause leaks.