Is my refrigerant quote fair?
Enter the refrigerant, the per-pound price and how many pounds are on your quote. We compare it to ranges published by cost guides and contractors' own price lists — with links, so you can judge for yourself.
Check a quote
Got a repair quote that lists refrigerant by the pound? Compare it to what published cost guides and contractor price lists report. Find the refrigerant type on the outdoor unit's data plate.
Disclaimer: This is a rough comparison to published ranges, not an appraisal of any contractor. Real prices vary by region, season, after-hours calls, and what's bundled into the per-lb price (diagnostics, leak search, recovery, labor). A higher price is not proof of overcharging and a lower one is not proof of a good job. Ask for an itemized quote, and ask whether a leak was found — refrigerant doesn't get "used up". Only EPA 608-certified techs may buy and charge refrigerant.
Questions worth asking before you approve a recharge
- Did you find the leak, and what will it cost to fix it? (A system that's low has a leak.)
- Is the per-pound price just refrigerant, or does it include labor, diagnostics and recovery?
- How many pounds did you weigh in, and how was the charge verified?
- What refrigerant is on the data plate? (R-454B/R-32 systems can't take R-410A, and vice versa.)
- If the system is old and on R-22, what would repair vs. replace look like over the next few years?
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