They can be refilled, just be aware by the time they recharge and recertify them it's almost as much as buying a new one.

 

your best bet is to find a freind who's work has their extinguishers serviced once a year ..... have him throw it in the pile....

 

I work for a company that services extinguishers. Depending on what model it is its usually worth having refilled. We charge 15.25 if its a 5 pound extinguisher, 21.95 for a 10 pounder at our shop. Most times they replace they oring too so that may bump the price up too. Also depends on how old it is. If its over 12 years old it will have to be Hydrotested on top of the refill.

Most decent extinguishers range in the 40-45 for a 5 pound new, we charge 70 bucks for a new 10 pounder. You can buy a cheap one from walmart or lowes for less but the extinguisher is basicly just a disposable, and to be frank they are known for the heads blowing off the the cylinder. You get what ya pay for.

 

We've got a nice 10 lb First Alert, and one of the Kidde 5 lb kind. I think the 5 lb might just be a tosser, since they have them at HD for $10

 

I belive in having a extinguisher at all entrance's to the home or garage also hanging one at most posible source's of fire... like a fire place ,stove,bbq pit,gas heaters ..... you get the idea ... at home I have 5 10lbs an 4 5lbs ... I use Amerex extinguisher as they were recomended to me by a fire extinguisher service guy as well built servicable units .... & no he didn't sell em to me ....