If you’ve recently gotten a repair quote for your older (15+ year old) central AC and nearly fell out of your chair—yeah, you’re not the only one.
We’ve had more than a few Massachusetts homeowners with systems going on 15 years old ask us, “How can a simple AC repair cost over two grand?” Most of the time, it comes down to one thing: R-22 refrigerant.
Let’s talk about why it’s so expensive in 2025—and whether it’s even worth fixing your system if it still runs on R-22.
First off—what is R-22?
R-22 (commonly called Freon) was the standard refrigerant in most home air conditioners installed before 2010. Like the new 454B it was manufactured by The Chemours Company. This refrigerant is what helps your system pull heat out of your house and send cool air in. But there’s one big problem: it’s no longer legal to make or import R-22 in the U.S.
The EPA officially banned it in 2020 because of its ozone-depleting properties, and since then, whatever R-22 is still floating around is being resold—and that limited supply drives prices way up.
So why are R-22 repairs so pricey?
For starters, the refrigerant alone can cost you hundreds of dollars per pound. Most AC systems need anywhere from five to ten pounds, so you’re looking at $1,500–$3,000 just for a recharge or “top off” as some HVAC contractors call it. And that’s before you get into fixing the actual leak or replacing a part.
What’s worse, it’s often just a band-aid. If your system is leaking R-22, recharging it is basically like topping off a leaky tire without patching the hole. You’ll likely be back in the same spot a month or two later (and probably on the hottest day possible) —with the same high repair bill.
Plus, parts for these older systems are harder to find. A lot of the manufacturers have stopped making replacement components for R-22 units, so if your coil or compressor is shot, you’re probably looking at a used part or one that costs more than it’s worth.
Should you repair or replace?
Here’s the honest answer we give customers every day: if the issue is electrical or something simple, a repair of a R-22 central AC system would make sense. But if we’re talking refrigerant loss, coil damage, or compressor failure? You’re better off putting that money toward a system that isn’t on its way out. This summer with the switch to R-32 and R-454B which you can’t use in old equipment is the perfect time as these refrigerants will be around for many years to come.
The good news is, Massachusetts homeowners can get huge rebates—up to $10,000 if considering a highly efficient heat pump system —when they replace their R-22 system with a new heat pump through the Mass Save program. That helps take a big bite out of the upfront cost and sets you up with a system that’s more efficient, cleaner, and future-proof.
What we recommend
If your system’s been limping along or you’re not sure whether it’s worth fixing, give us a call. We’ll send someone out to assess the system and walk you through the options, with no pressure. We’ll tell you if a small repair makes sense—or if it’s time to move on.
And if you’re ready for something new, we’ll help you figure out exactly which rebates you qualify for and what your monthly costs would look like with a HEAT Loan.
Want Our Opinion on Whether to Repair of Upgrade Your R-22 Central AC System?
You can schedule a free consultation online or just give us a ring. We’re happy to take a look and give it to you straight—no jargon, no scare tactics, just what makes the most sense for your home and budget.
