How Much Does It Cost to Recharge a Fire Extinguisher?
Recharging (also called refilling) a fire extinguisher typically runs $20–$220 per unit depending on type and size, plus a trip or minimum-visit fee on a single-unit call-out. Here's the breakdown by type, when a recharge is required, and when replacing the unit is the cheaper move.
Recharge vs. refill vs. replace
"Recharge" and "refill" mean exactly the same service — fully discharging whatever is left in the cylinder, inspecting it, and refilling it with fresh agent and propellant. NFPA 10 and most technicians say "recharge"; most customers search for "refill," so use the free estimator above and either term will get you the same number. "Replace" means buying a brand-new extinguisher instead of servicing the old cylinder — worth comparing any time a recharge quote comes in high, see below.
Typical fire extinguisher recharge cost by type and size
| Extinguisher type & size | Typical recharge/refill cost |
|---|---|
| Water / foam (2.5 gal) | $25–$45 |
| ABC dry chemical, 5–10 lb | $20–$50 |
| ABC dry chemical, 20 lb+ | $45–$90 |
| CO2, 5–15 lb | $30–$70 |
| CO2, 20 lb+ | $60–$120 |
| Wet chemical (Class K) | $60–$220 |
| Clean agent (Halotron/FE-36) | $70–$220 |
These are national per-unit ranges for the recharge/refill service itself. Add a trip or minimum-visit fee for a single-unit call-out, or expect a lower effective per-unit rate on a multi-unit or contract visit. See the cost by type guide for inspection and full-replacement pricing on each type.
When is a recharge required?
The moment an extinguisher is used — even for a few seconds — it loses pressure and has to be recharged (or replaced) before it goes back into service. A partly-used unit is not "topped up"; the cylinder is fully discharged, inspected, and refilled from empty.
NFPA 10 requires a 6-year internal examination on most stored-pressure extinguishers. Technicians typically discharge the unit to inspect the internals, which means a recharge is part of that same visit.
Hydrostatic testing pressure-tests the cylinder itself. Dry-chemical stored-pressure units are tested every 12 years; CO2 and wet-chemical (Class K) units, which run at higher pressure or hold a corrosive agent, are tested every 5 years. A passed hydro test still needs a recharge afterward.
A gauge reading outside the green zone, a stuck pin, or a failed weight check during the required monthly visual or annual professional inspection means the unit gets recharged (or pulled from service) rather than left in place.
When replacement is cheaper than recharge
Small water/foam and basic ABC dry-chemical extinguishers are cheap to buy new — often not much more than the labor and trip fee on a recharge. Once a recharge quote reaches roughly 40–50% of a new unit's retail price, replacing wins on cost and gets you a full fresh service interval (a new 6-year and 12-year clock) instead of restarting the clock on an aging cylinder. Larger or specialized units — CO2, wet chemical Class K, clean agent — are the opposite: the cylinders are expensive to replace, so recharge almost always stays the cheaper option there.
FAQ
Is "refill" the same as "recharge"?
Yes — recharge and refill describe the same service: fully discharging what's left in the cylinder, inspecting it, and refilling it with fresh extinguishing agent and propellant. "Recharge" is the term NFPA 10 and most technicians use; "refill" is the term most customers search for.
When is it cheaper to replace instead of recharge?
Once a recharge quote gets close to 40–50% of a new unit's price — common on small water/foam or basic ABC units once labor and a trip fee are added — replacing is usually the better deal. Recharge stays worth it on larger, pricier units (CO2, Class K, clean agent) where a new cylinder costs far more than a refill.
Can I recharge a fire extinguisher myself?
No. Recharging requires certified equipment to weigh, pressurize, and leak-test the cylinder, plus a license in most states to legally return it to service with a valid tag. DIY recharge kits sold online do not meet NFPA 10 or most local fire code requirements for commercial use.
Does recharge cost include the required tag and inspection?
Usually yes — a legitimate recharge visit includes the post-service inspection and a dated tag showing the service date and technician. Confirm this is bundled before comparing quotes, since a few vendors price the tag separately.
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- 01Get-3-quotes inspector comparison worksheet
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- 04Cost log — track what you've been charged over time
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