1 As an example 5 years ago R22 sold for $10 per pound. 2  Today R22 can be as much as $50 per pound. 3  Typical residential air conditioning unit hold from 5 to 15 pounds of R22. 4  If a coil has to be replaced or there is a leak the cost of refilling the refrigerant could be $250 to $750. The result was a shortage of R22 and soaring prices. 2  As an example 5 years ago R22 sold for $10 per pound. 3  Today R22 can be as much as $50 per pound. 4  Typical residential air conditioning unit hold from 5 to 15 pounds of R22.