Buying refrigerant (often called "Freon") for a home refrigerator is more regulated than most people realize. While you can find recharge kits online, federal laws strictly limit who can legally purchase and handle these substances for stationary appliances.

Generally, only EPA-certified technicians can legally purchase refrigerants intended for stationary refrigeration equipment (like home refrigerators).

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the sale of refrigerants under of the Clean Air Act.

As of January 1, 2025, the AIM Act has extended strict buyer verification requirements to HFC refrigerants (like R-134a and R-410A) for any container over 2 pounds. Identifying the Right Refrigerant