Refrigerant prices, buyback rates and EPA rules — in one place, every week.
A neutral snapshot of what R-410A, R-454B, R-32, R-22 and more are listing for online, what reclaim programs pay, and what contractors typically charge per pound. Every number links to where it came from.
This week's index
| Refrigerant | Median $/lb | Range $/lb | Median per cylinder (range) | Cylinder | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-410A A1 Most US residential split ACs and heat pumps installed ~2010–2025 |
$8.68 | $8.20 – $11.16 | $217 $205 – $279 |
25 lb | 5 |
| R-454B A2L Most new US residential ACs and heat pumps from 2025 (Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem and others) |
$23.35 | $20.45 – $25.00 | $467 $409 – $500 |
20 lb | 8 |
| R-32 A2L New ductless mini-splits and some new central systems (e.g. Daikin/Goodman/Amana) |
$9.95 | $9.25 – $10.95 | $199 $185 – $219 |
20 lb | 4 |
| R-22 A1 Older (mostly pre-2010) residential systems; service only — no new production or import since 2020 |
$11.63 | $9.30 – $15.00 | $349 $279 – $450 |
30 lb | 5 |
| R-134a A1 Automotive A/C, chillers, medium-temp refrigeration |
$10.97 | $10.33 – $11.83 | $329 $310 – $355 |
30 lb | 3 |
| R-404A A1 Commercial refrigeration (walk-ins, reach-ins, ice machines) |
$12.46 | $11.46 – $13.54 | $299 $275 – $325 |
24 lb | 3 |
Online single-cylinder list prices seen October 19, 2026, before shipping/tax/deposits. Counter (distributor) pricing for account holders is often different and is not public. Click a refrigerant for every listing and link.
Is my quote fair?
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.
Latest on the rules
- Oct 6, 2026 — EPA issues 2027 HFC allowances. 2027 allowances: 229,521,263 MTEVe production and 181,522,990 MTEVe consumption — in line with the 60% step that runs through 2028. EPA also withheld or revoked some companies' 2027 allowances as administrative consequences. Source
- Jul 27, 2026 — R-410A installation deadline removed for pre-2025 inventory. EPA's final reconsideration rule (published May 26, 2026) lets non-VRF residential/light-commercial systems be installed with no federal end date, as long as ALL specified components were made in or imported into the US before Jan 1, 2025. New R-410A systems still can't be built from post-2024 components; labeled service parts for existing systems remain available. Source
- Jan 1, 2026 — ER&R leak repair begins for appliances with 15+ lb HFC charge. Owners and certified techs must follow leak-rate and repair rules on covered appliances with 15 lb or more. Residential and light-commercial AC/heat pumps are NOT covered by these leak-repair rules. Source
Buyback & reclaim rates
| Program | Refrigerant | Published rate | Fees / terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC Distributors, Inc. reclaim program Paid as credit based on net yield after the reclaimer tests the gas. |
R-22 | > 97%: $4.00/lb 90–97%: $3.00/lb < 90%: no rebate | $7.50 per tank (testing, certification, cleaning); free pickup Effective: 2024-08-23 (as posted) |
| HVAC Distributors, Inc. reclaim program | R-410A | > 97%: $2.00/lb 90–97%: $1.00/lb < 90%: no rebate | $7.50 per tank; free pickup Effective: 2024-08-23 (as posted) |
| HVAC Distributors, Inc. reclaim program No rebate paid on R-32 at this time. |
R-32 | any: no rebate | $7.50 per tank Effective: 2024-08-23 (as posted) |
| HVAC Distributors, Inc. reclaim program No rebate paid on R-454B at this time. |
R-454B | any: no rebate | $7.50 per tank Effective: 2024-08-23 (as posted) |
| A-Gas Refri-Claim 'Simple Swap' at Johnstone Supply (Western PA flyer) Credit can take 90–120+ days. Johnstone says payouts can change without notice. Ask your branch. |
R-22 | 99.5%+: $2.50/lb 98–99.4%: $2.00/lb 90–97.9%: $0.50/lb | $15 service charge per 30 or 50 lb cylinder Effective: Flyer date not shown — may be outdated |
| Hudson Technologies refrigerant buyback / SRT No public per-lb rates; 'competitive market prices', pays for mixed refrigerants. Quote required. |
All types | No public rate — quote only | Hudson says it picks up cylinders and pays freight both ways Effective: n/a |
| A-Gas Rapid Recovery On-site recovery service in 50+ metros; no public buyback rates. |
All types | No public rate — quote only | Quoted per job Effective: n/a |
| American Refrigerants national buyback Says it does not post prices; lists R-22 as 'highest priority', R-410A min. 5 lb. |
All types | No public rate — quote only | Custom quote Effective: n/a |
Buyback is usually paid as account credit after the reclaimer tests purity and net weight. Recovered gas must go to an EPA-certified reclaimer before it can be resold to another owner. Rates checked October 19, 2026.
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Before you buy online
- Legit sellers ask for your EPA 608 certification before shipping. If they don't, walk away.
- Prices far below everyone else, "sale" banners and only wire/Zelle payment are red flags — call and confirm before paying.
- R-454B and R-32 cylinders use a left-hand (reverse) thread; you may need an A2L adapter.
- Check hazmat shipping, cylinder deposits and tax — the listed price is rarely the delivered price.