Consistent cool air is a must if you call New Smyrna Beach, Florida, home. The hot and humid temperatures in this area will have anyone running for the cool air comfort of home or the office, but you’ll be disappointed if your air conditioner needs a recharge. Without gas, there’s no cooling possible, but how much does it cost to recharge AC units in Florida?
Since Altman’s Cooling & Heating offers professional AC repair in New Smyrna Beach, let’s discuss the price factor. You can also give us a call to receive a quote the next time your unit needs a recharge.
What Prices To Expect for a Recharge in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
How much does it cost to recharge ACs? Your property’s AC recharge cost will vary greatly based on many factors, like the size of your unit and the amount of refrigerant it needs. Typically, homeowners in New Smyrna Beach should expect to pay:
- $450-900 for central air system refills.
- $350-600 for mini-split systems refills.
- $250-400 for window unit refills.
Factors Affecting the Price in New Smyrna Beach
The price you pay will fluctuate for many reasons, including product pricing and service costs that change from year to year. Factor the following into your unit’s refill estimate:
- Type of system: Central air systems, mini-splits, and window units differ in refrigerant amounts, which greatly affects the cost of refilling and running them.
- System tonnage: Many HVAC technicians charge by the pound of refrigerant. A 1-ton unit may cost five times less than a 5-ton unit of the same type.
- Type of refrigerant: The refill type will play a big part in the price difference. The EPA has phased out R-22 freon. If your older unit still uses this type, expect to pay more (it’s harder to find these refills).
- Leaking refrigerant: Do you need leak detection and repair along with a recharge? That raises the overall price of the service.
Any other HVAC installation and repair your technician does on-site could affect the price. Consummate professionals like Altman’s Cooling & Heating will always run costs by you before implementing any repairs or replacements on-site.
What Does Recharging an Air Conditioner Do?
How much does it cost to recharge ACs? What does recharging do exactly?
When experts recharge your air conditioner, they replace the refrigerant, refilling the coil system. Without refrigerant, the coils can’t make air cold or transfer heat. So, your air conditioner will blow hot air if the refrigerant levels are low.
The refrigerant does not always need replacement. It’s only when there’s a leak in an evaporator coil or an inefficient system that you’ll replace it.
Know When To Recharge or Replace Refrigerant
How much does it cost to recharge AC units? You might be asking this if your unit is over ten years old and needing more regular recharges. If you are already putting thousands into coolant recharges, why not replace the unit and save?
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace refrigerant in your unit, you can also consider how often you have problems with cooling or heating. Does your technician recommend a repair every time they stop by for maintenance? If you’re calling them several times a year, it’s probably time to replace the entire HVAC system.
Never DIY Coolant Recharges for HVACs
It would be irresponsible not to mention here that recharging your New Smyrna Beach unit’s refrigerant yourself is possible but dangerous. It could cost you your health and your unit’s warranty.
In the US, handling toxic refrigerants like this without a license is also illegal. For example:
- EPA Section 608 certification: The EPA requires HVAC contractors to hold Section 608 certification before handling and disposing of refrigerant.
- Big fines: Recharging an air conditioning unit without the right certification could lead to hefty fines.
- Steep price tag: Experts use several tools to recharge the air conditioner’s refrigerant levels, especially if the unit is completely empty. Typically, that’s a couple of thousand dollars worth of equipment.
Attempting a DIY on refrigerant recharges could land you in some real legal trouble, become pricey, or affect your health. Why risk it?
Get Certified, Licensed HVAC Professionals in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
When you need to recharge your air conditioner’s refrigerant, just call Altman’s Cooling & Heating at (321) 383-7910 for quick service from safety conscious professionals. Ask us anything from, “How much does it cost to recharge AC?” to “What is the correct AC temperature for my New Smyrna Beach, FL, property?” We’re happy to help.