How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Freon Leak?

The inner workings of your air conditioner may seem mysterious, but the refrigerant inside your system can quickly pose a real danger if your unit springs a leak. Unfortunately, a Freon leak is one task that even the most enthusiastic DIYer should stay well away from.

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What Is Freon, and How Does It Work in Your AC?

Freon is the trade name for a type of colorless refrigerant gas called R-22. It absorbs heat from the air inside your home, allowing your air conditioner to transfer the heat outside and keep your house comfortably cool.

In 2020, it became illegal to manufacture or import air conditioners that use Freon into the United States. While it's legal to use a Freon-based system if you already have one, new air conditioners use other, safer types of refrigerant. You should use the refrigerant recommended in your AC user manual to keep your system running smoothly.

How Do I Know I Have a Freon Leak?

Without the recommended Freon level, your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home. As the leak worsens, inadequate Freon levels will force your AC to work harder, putting the internal components under strain and eventually causing the unit to break down.

Freon leaks can cause expensive damage and put your family at risk. Therefore, it's worth knowing the signs of a Freon leak so you can act quickly. Common symptoms include:

• Foul smells similar to car exhaust

• Insufficient cooling

• Unusual sounds coming from the unit

• Frozen AC coils

• Unexplained increases in your energy bills

• Increased indoor humidity

Freon is a toxin that can cause brain problems when inhaled. You should call a licensed HVAC technician to assess and repair your air conditioner if you suspect a Freon leak. Leave your home and schedule repairs immediately if you notice signs of Freon fumes inside your home, such as an unpleasant odor.

Is It Illegal to Recharge Freon by Yourself?

It's against the law to attempt to recharge your air conditioner with Freon by yourself. That's because inhaling Freon can cause serious illness or even death, so handling it requires specialist knowledge. HVAC technicians must hold Section 608 certification to legally recharge Freon, and it's illegal to purchase Freon without the required certificate.

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How Much Does Freon Leak Repair Cost?

According to HomeGuide, a Freon leak repair costs $800 (CAD 1,118) on average, with most homeowners paying between $200 and $1,500 (CAD 280 and CAD 2,096). Prices depend on several factors, including the cost of home services in your area and the cause of the leak.

You'll likely pay more than average if you need to replace part of your air conditioner, such as the compressor or evaporator coil. If your air conditioner is still in warranty, you could pay less than the total cost of the repair.

Compressor replacement starts at $600 (CAD 838) with a valid warranty and can cost as much as $2,500 (CAD 3,494) after your warranty ends. Meanwhile, evaporator coil replacement costs $400 to $1,000 (CAD 559 to CAD 1,397) in warranty and up to $2,400 (CAD 3,354) without a warranty. It may be more cost-effective to replace an older air conditioner, especially if it keeps breaking down or shows other signs of wear and tear. Your HVAC technician can advise you on the most economical solution for your unit.

After repairing the leak, you'll usually need to recharge your air conditioner to replace the lost refrigerant. Typically, an AC Freon leak recharge costs $180 to $600 (CAD 252 to CAD 838). Freon can be difficult to obtain since importing or making it is illegal, so your HVAC technician will obtain recycled or reclaimed Freon for your recharge.

How Long Does Freon Last?

A properly functioning air conditioner shouldn't lose Freon, so most people will only need to recharge their systems after a leak. Your air conditioner's Freon supply should last for at least 10 years and can often last as long as your AC unit.