Cost to charge an AC

I live in a 4 year old condo with central AC. The blower is in my HVAC closet, and the compressor is on the roof.

Yesterday I had my system checked out prior to the start of summer by a service firm that I consider to be reliable. They said that my system is slightly low on refrigerant, and needed a charge of approximately 1 pound.

They estimated that it would cost about $425 to apply this charge. They said that the main reason is that even though my condo is 4 years old, it uses an older type of refrigerent (R22) that is being phased out due to environmental reasons.

This price strikes me as high. Does anyone have some insight or advice in this matter? Thanks in advance.

By benson | 05/07/2009 8:00 AM