The EPA has rules about the purchasing of refrigerant according to its Clean Air Act, Section 608, 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F. The rules state that those who purchase R-410A or any other ozone-depleting substance or ODS must have EPA certification.
That is to say, you can still purchase this refrigerant. Even after 2026, when the EPA will have banned hydrofluorocarbon production, you'd still get until at least that same year before purchasing the product would become illegal. That could extend until 2027.
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.
Passing the Section 609 Certification test allows you to purchase refrigerant in quantities over two pounds, and also learn to recover and recycle refrigerant in compliance with U.S. EPA regulations. A minimum score of 84% is required to earn your certification.
In September 2021, the EPA released its detailed plan to drastically reduce HFC consumption from 2022 through 2036. Beginning in 2025, this act prohibits using R410 refrigerant in HVAC systems across the country.
Due to the environmental impact of R-410A, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will be phased out and replaced by more eco-friendly alternatives. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the R-410A refrigerant phase out and what it means for homeowners.
The bill was then signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2022. As part of the bill, the sale of R-410a will be banned starting on January 1, 2030.
Does EPA require an "R-410A Certification”? EPA requires a section 608 certification regardless of refrigerant type based on the type of appliance (Type I, Type II, Type III, or Universal).
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.
For example, if you do not have Section 608 certification, you can buy small cans of less than 2 lbs of HFC-134a.
While it is not usually illegal to install an air conditioning unit in your own home, there are several important factors to consider before taking on this DIY project. Local building codes, refrigerant handling, electrical work, and proper sizing and placement are all critical aspects of a successful installation.
The questions are on specific information in the EPA Section 608 laws. It is a proctored exam and has to be by a licensed person who watches you and your computer so you don't cheat (required by the EPA). How much does the EPA 608 certification cost? The EPA 608 class and test is $324.
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.
The rules for purchasing those are more lenient. So, in short, unless you have a Section 608 Technician Certification or are an employer or authorized representative of someone who does, you can't buy R-410A. That disqualifies most homeowners.
R-410 refrigerant costs $60 per pound on average, but can range from $40 to $75. Keep in mind you cannot purchase R-410A refrigerant without an HVAC pro. R-410A refrigerant prices range from $40 to $75 per pound.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
Refrigerant is one of the most hazardous materials used in HVAC systems. If you plan on buying refrigerant, here's what you need to know. Refrigerant can only be sold to technicians certified under Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs. The answer to the question is, unfortunately, no.
R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane), also known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, was a common refrigerant for HVAC systems. It is now a banned refrigerant that is illegal to import or manufacture.
If you sell to someone who does not have an EPA license, you become liable, not the person who bought it. Be cautious if you are trying to sell R12 Freon on auction sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Phase Down of Refrigerants
Thus, r410a will continue to be available to homeowners who have, or who choose to purchase r410a equipment before the transition.
The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, continually strives to create a more sustainable planet, and one of its latest proposals drives that goal forward. In December 2022, the EPA unveiled a refrigerant ban that will go into effect between 2025 and 2026 (depending on the industry).
R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.
As R-410A is phased out, A2L refrigerants are emerging as the primary alternatives due to their lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and reduced environmental impact. Refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are leading the charge, offering a GWP that is significantly lower than R-410A.
Explanation: The refrigerant that can be purchased by someone who is not a Section 608 certified technician is Carbon Dioxide Refrigerant.
EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F ) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act restrict the resale of used ozone-depleting and substitute (e.g., HFC) refrigerant to a new owner unless it has been reclaimed by an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer.