Refrigerant Certification

November 26, 2023 Post a Comment

Refrigerant certification

What is an EPA certification? An EPA certification, or 608 certification, is official recognition by the EPA that a technician is knowledgeable about the laws and regulations surrounding the use and handling of ozone-depleting substances, or ODS, such as refrigerants.

Who can handle air conditioner refrigerants?

Overview. The sales restriction is established by EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F ) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Only EPA-certified technicians are allowed to purchase ozone-depleting substances (ODS) or non-ozone depleting substitutes used as refrigerants, with limited exceptions.

What are the 3 EPA certification types?

EPA has developed four types of certification:

For servicing small appliances (Type I).
For servicing or disposing of high- or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and MVACs (Type II).
For servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances (Type III).
For servicing all types of equipment (Universal).

What is the difference between EPA 608 and 609?

Section 608 technician certification is required to purchase ozone depleting or non-exempt substitute refrigerants, such as HFC refrigerants. Section 609 technician certification is required to purchase CFC-12 or EPA-approved substitutes for MVACs containing an ODS.

Can you buy 410A without license?

Are you required to have a license or to be certified to handle and purchase R-410A? You are required to have an EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal certification license to handle R-410A, but no license is legally necessary for purchase.

Can I buy R22 freon without license?

Many homeowners have been told that R22 is now illegal, and they have to change their HVAC not to be at odds with the law. That is false. R22 refrigerant is illegal to import and manufacturer in the U.S. But it's not illegal for anyone to buy R22 freon. And it's not illegal to sell it IF you have a license.

Can you buy refrigerant with Type 1 certification?

If you get a 608 certification (Type I, Type II, Type II, or Universal), you can buy any refrigerant sold in an HVAC/R store in containers of 20 pounds or more.

What is a Type 3 HVAC certification?

Type III. These certifications are necessary for HVAC techs who work with low-pressure refrigerants, commonly found in chiller units. The Type III certification exam also asks for knowledge regarding: Leak detection.

How much does it cost to take the EPA 608 test?

$300 - This fee INCLUDES a recorded, recent, preparation webinar, study materials, & practice quizzes along with an online proctored final exam with unlimited attempts.

Is EPA certification the same as HVAC certification?

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification is mandatory for all HVAC techs working with the refrigerants found in many types of HVAC/R units. Industry certifications like North American Technical Excellence (NATE) are often preferred by employers. What are these certifications?

What can happen if I don't have a refrigerant certification?

Any person servicing, installing or disposing of stationary appliances (except the disposal of small appliances) must be a section 608 certified technician. Selling refrigerant to an individual or company that is not complying with this requirement could result in enforcement action against you or your company.

Can I take the EPA 608 core test online?

Yes! The Type I Certification is open book; you can study and take your test online. If the appliances you are working on exceed five pounds of refrigerant, the test needs to be Proctored.

Is the EPA 608 exam open book?

It is an open-book exam, and you can use the free manual we provide as much as you would like during the exam. The test can be taken online, but you may not receive the help of any other persons while taking the exam.

How do I get 410A certified?

To become certified you MUST: Correctly answer 21 or more questions, Be EPA Section 608 certified with Mainstream or another EPA-approved testing organization. You may need to fax proof of 608 certification if you are not certified with Mainstream. Fax: (321) 631-3552.

Why R-410A is being phased out?

All new home AC units in North America uses R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will consequently be phased out. This is due to a continued focus on reducing compounds known to have an effect on the environment.

Is refrigerant R-410A banned?

U.S. built refrigerators using R-410A refrigerant are banned starting January 1, 2021. HC-600a is currently the leading refrigerant for new U.S. built refrigerators. HC-600a is a blend of 50% isobutane (highly flammable) and 50% HFC-134a (non-flammable).

Is R22 still available in 2022?

R22 Freon is still available in April 2022. But, it's very expensive and now costs up to $1,300 for a 25-pound jug wholesale. That's up from $595 per jug in April 2021 and then $910 in August 2021. And, consider that most central air systems require an average of five pounds to recharge.

Why is R22 no longer available?

On Jan. 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air.

Can you still buy a R22 compressor?

In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of new air conditioning units that use R22. That means, new air conditioner in US manufactured after 2010 does not use R22 coolant. R22 phaseout in 2020 means that it became completely illegal to manufacture or import R22 itself into the country.

What is a Class 1 or Class 2 refrigerant?

Class I includes the fully halogenated CFCs, halons, and the ODSs that are the most threatening to the ozone layer. Class II compounds are those substances that are known or reasonably anticipated to have harmful effects on the stratospheric ozone layer. Class II substances are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC).