How much does it cost to recharge AC freon?
R-410A is $100–$200 per pound depending on supply. Most residential AC systems hold 4–10 pounds total. So a partial recharge of 2–4 pounds runs roughly $250–$700 plus the $189 leak inspection.
San Antonio · Refrigerant Recharge Repair · Family-Owned Since 1996
Yes We Add Freon — But Only After We Find Out Why It's Low.
Refrigerant doesn't get consumed. If your system is low, it's leaking. We'll recharge it to factory spec — but we'll find the leak first so you're not paying for the same fix every summer.
Typical price
$189 leak check + refrigerant by the pound
Time to fix
60–90 minutes recharge + leak detection if needed
Urgency
High — running low on refrigerant damages the compressor
In plain English — what's going on with your refrigerant recharge
Refrigerant in an AC is like coolant in a sealed radiator — it doesn't get used up by running the system. If you're low on refrigerant, there's a leak somewhere, full stop. Anyone who recharges your system without looking for the leak is taking your money.
We charge by weight to manufacturer spec — not 'until it cools.' Every system has a printed charge amount on the data plate. We recover what's left, weigh in the exact amount, and verify superheat and subcool to confirm the system is properly charged.
R-410A is $100–$200 per pound right now. R-22 (recycled) is $150+ per pound and getting harder to find. R-454B (Puron Advance) is the new refrigerant in 2025+ systems. We carry all three and will tell you straight what your system needs.
What it costs in San Antonio
$189 leak check + refrigerant by the pound — R-410A $100–$200/lb, R-22 $150+/lb, R-454B $130–$180/lb. Most residential charges are 4–10 lbs. Our $59 diagnostic is waived when you approve the repair, so you only pay for the fix itself.
Symptoms you'll notice at home
If two or more of these sound familiar, it's probably your refrigerant recharge.
AC not cooling like it used to on hot days
Ice on the copper lines at the outdoor unit
Hissing or bubbling sounds near the AC
System runs constantly but house doesn't get cold
Frozen indoor coil
Last summer's tech said you were 'a little low'
Why refrigerant recharges fail in San Antonio
- A leak somewhere in the sealed system — refrigerant doesn't 'get used up.'
- Improper charge from initial installation (over- or under-charged).
- Service techs guessing at the charge instead of weighing it in.
- Recent repair where refrigerant was recovered but not properly re-added.
How we diagnose and replace it
Here's exactly what a Carnes and Sons tech does at your house — no mystery, no upselling.
- 1
Measure pressures, superheat, and subcool
We confirm the system is actually low (not dirty coil, not a bad blower) before we touch the refrigerant ports.
- 2
Electronic leak detection
We will not recharge without checking for leaks. Recharging a leaking system is throwing money in the trash.
- 3
Weigh in refrigerant to factory spec
We recover what's in there, pull a deep vacuum, and weigh in the exact factory charge from the data plate.
- 4
Verify operation
Re-measure superheat, subcool, and supply-air temperature. Show you the numbers. Make sure it's actually fixed.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
Get Your Refrigerant Recharge Diagnosed Today
Tell us what's happening. We'll text you back in minutes — no call center, no robo-calls.
Refrigerant Recharge questions San Antonio homeowners actually ask
Why is refrigerant so expensive now?
Production phase-outs. R-22 stopped new production in 2020. R-410A is being phased down starting 2025 in favor of R-454B. Lower supply = higher prices. Expect R-410A to keep climbing through 2026–2028.
How often does AC need to be recharged?
Never, on a sealed system that isn't leaking. If you're recharging every year or two, you have a leak — find it and fix it.
What refrigerant is in my system?
Look at the data plate on the outdoor unit. Systems made before 2010 are usually R-22. 2010 to 2024 are R-410A. 2025+ new equipment is R-454B (Puron Advance).
Can you mix refrigerants?
Never. Every refrigerant has its own oil, pressure curve, and equipment requirements. Mixing destroys the compressor. If your system is R-22 you cannot 'just switch' to R-410A without replacing the system.
Will adding refrigerant cool the house better?
Only if low refrigerant is the problem. Overcharging a system makes it cool worse and kills the compressor. We always weigh to spec and verify with superheat/subcool readings — not 'until it cools.'
What does the EPA require?
Technicians must be EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerant. They must recover refrigerant (not vent it). Leaks above 10% per year on residential systems are technically supposed to be repaired. We follow all of it.
Can I buy refrigerant myself?
R-410A and R-22 require EPA certification to buy. R-454B is highly regulated. Even setting that aside — without gauges, scales, and vacuum equipment, DIY recharging just destroys the compressor. Don't do it.
Serving refrigerant recharge repairs across the greater San Antonio area
We're based in Stone Oak and roll trucks across San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country every day.
Carnes and Sons Air Conditioning
License TACLB29435E · Family-Owned Since 1996
401 E Sonterra Blvd Suite 375
San Antonio, TX 78258(210) 600-5091
San Antonio, TX 78258(210) 600-5091
Mon–Sat: 7AM – 8PM · Emergency same-day service
Cities & neighborhoods we serve
San Antonio · Stone Oak · Alamo Heights · Hollywood Park · Hill Country Village · Shavano Park · Castle Hills · Leon Valley · Helotes · Boerne · Fair Oaks Ranch · Bulverde · Timberwood Park · Garden Ridge · Schertz · Cibolo · Selma · Universal City · Live Oak · Converse · Windcrest · New Braunfels
Talk to a real person about your refrigerant recharge
No call center. The owner or one of his sons picks up.
(210) 600-5091