How Much Does Freon for a Heat Pump Cost?

Heat pump unit outside a building
  • 1-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 20-400

Each year, homeowners have to contend with the rising Freon heat pump cost. I’m sure there are instances where you simply wish your heat pump could operate without the use of Freon. Well, it can but you’ll have to suffer through the heat as Freon plays a crucial role in your heat pump.

Freon

Freon is basically the commercial name that DuPont has for the substance dichlorodifluoromethane. The substance is also known as R-11, R-12 and R-22. Freon basically functions as a refrigerant in most air-conditioning units. It was believed in the past that Freon was toxic and can cause chronic harm to those who inhaled it. However, these claims have been debunked by scientists and Freon was redubbed as a non-toxic substance although, as a kind of CFC, Freon contributes to the ozone layer depletion.

Costs

man counting out hundred dollar bills

Freon or R-22 can cost from around $35 to $44 lb. although this differs in each location. An average heat pump’s compressor can accommodate four pounds of Freon in each charging. Having the Freon charged to your heat pump can increase the costs because you’ll have to pay for labor, although you can easily charge the Freon yourself.

Symptoms of Low Freon Levels

When it comes to knowing if the Freon level of your heat pump is going down, you can always rely on these universal symptoms—low flow out of the registers and the temperature of circulating air being considerably mild rather than cool. Although this could indicate you’re running out of Freon, the reason behind this could be that there is a small leak. If so, have a technician look at your heat pump.