Freon is the brand name for the refrigerant that has been banned in the U.S. since 2010.
Jump to insightSome home warranty companies cover refrigerant replacement.
Jump to insightThere are limitations and exclusions in your contract that may get your claim denied.
Jump to insightWhat is Freon?
Freon is the brand name for a refrigerant called R-22. Since many home warranties cover refrigerants as part of air conditioning warranty packages, home warranties may cover Freon, but maybe not in the way you’d think.
Why is Freon being phased out?
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and later the Clean Air Act, started phasing out Freon in 2010; by 2020, the last of it was made or imported to the United States. This ban doesn’t mean you can’t get service on your air conditioner. There is still some Freon out there, and you can still have your air conditioning unit serviced. This can be expensive.
Freon cost increase
Freon costs have risen over the years. The cost of R-22 can range anywhere from $100 to $250 per pound. Air conditioning units typically use 2 to 4 pounds per ton of capacity. Due to the high cost of R-22, recharge costs may exceed the claim caps in your home warranty contract, leaving you paying some portion out of pocket.
A better plan may be to retrofit your old AC so it doesn’t need Freon and can use a more eco-friendly refrigerant. Likely, the AC coverage in your home warranty will cover either a refill or a retrofit. Some homeowners with older systems may choose to replace the unit entirely.
Potential exclusions to Freon home warranty coverage
Even the best home warranty companies have limitations and exclusions in their contracts that could get your claim denied. For example, home warranty companies typically only cover repairs for damage caused by normal wear and tear. If your spouse was mowing the lawn and a rock got thrown into your outdoor air conditioning unit, causing a Freon leak, that probably won’t be covered.
Some home warranty companies also limit covered repair amounts
For example, American Home Shield (AHS) covers AC repairs up to $5,000. If your repair costs more than that, you'll need to pay the rest. The limits can change depending on what package you have:
- ShieldSilver and ShieldGold packages have a $10 per pound AC refrigerant cap
- ShieldPlatinum covers all the AC refrigerant costs
It’s important to reference the details of your specific home warranty plan to understand what is covered.
What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover Freon
If your home warranty doesn't cover Freon-related issues, there are several steps you can take. Explore upgrading your home warranty plan to include coverage for Freon-related repairs or replacements. This may involve adjusting your policy’s package or purchasing additional coverage. Changes can add to your home warranty cost, but the repair coverage may make it worth it.
If your unit is still under warranty, you may be eligible for repairs or replacements through the manufacturer. Review the manufacturer's warranty for your air conditioning unit, which may cover Freon-related issues.
FAQ
What does a home warranty typically cover?
Home warranties usually cover large appliances, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like HVACs, plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps. When it comes to HVAC systems, check your coverage details to see if all parts and components are included. Some plans also cover additional items like pest control, septic systems, central vacuums, sump pumps and more.
Why was Freon banned?
The R-22 ban was part of a global initiative to prevent further damage to the Earth’s ozone layer.
What are some alternatives to Freon?
A popular option to replace R-22 is R-410A. R-410A is available under different brand names such as GENTRON AZ-20, SUVA 410A and PURON.
Bottom line
Some home warranty plans may cover the cost of adding or replacing Freon in your air conditioning system. However, coverage for Freon can vary depending on the specific terms of your home warranty contract and the provider you choose.
Reviewing your policy to understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply to Freon-related repairs or replacements can prevent your claim from being denied. Check your contract exclusions and terms for per-pound caps and covered system type. It may also help to note your plan’s service fee and waiting period, as well as whether you’ll need to show your AC unit maintenance records.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Phasing Out HCFC Refrigerants to Protect The Ozone Layer.” Accessed July 8, 2026.
- 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, “Refrigerants and Your Air Conditioner.” Accessed July 8, 2026.
- American Home Shield, “Air Conditioner Warranty Coverage.” Accessed July 8, 2026.
- Trane, “AC Refrigerant Recharge Pricing Guide.” Accessed July 8, 2026.
