This is known as a certificate of resale. The other work around is that you are still able to purchase 134a cans that come in under two pounds. So, while you can't get your thirty pound cylinders anymore you can still get the product just in a much smaller quantity.
If you get 609 certification you can buy any refrigerant sold in an automotive supply house in any size container; however, these stores typically only sell R-12, R-134a, and replacement blends for R-12.
Yes. Certification is required for anybody who in the course of maintenance, service, or repair of an appliance could be reasonably expected to violate the integrity of the refrigerant circuit and therefore release refrigerants into the environment.
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.
New Restrictions imposed by EPA as part of AIM Act: The AIM Act is a Federal nationwide rule phasing out the use of global warming materials. As part of that effort, EPA is now banning the use of 134a in aerosol products as of 1/1/2025. There are excepted products that are allowed to use 134a until 1/1/2028.
Refrigerant can only be sold to technicians certified under the Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs, where individuals may only purchase refrigerant consistent with the appliances covered by their certification.
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 EPA 608 Test is a closed-book test.
Test questions are drawn from the EPA bank of questions, and are randomly sorted in multiple versions. EPA-approved certificates and wallet cards will be issued for each technician who passes the test (included in the cost of the test).
If you buy, sell or store refrigerant you will need an RTA.
There are three types of RTAs that can be issued by ARC, dependent on how an individual or business uses and/or engages with fluorocarbon refrigerant.
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 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.
Buying certain parts like refrigerants requires a technician with a license to make the purchase. HVAC contractors rely on buying certain parts themselves since they need to have the tools for installation purposes. For instance, refrigerant is required for AC systems to work.
The EPA 608 certification process typically involves attending a training course or self-study program followed by taking the certification exam. Some training programs may be completed in as little as a week, while others may take longer depending on the individual's schedule and study habits.
To be certified, technicians must be trained by an EPA-approved program and pass a test demonstrating their knowledge in these areas. The following companies and programs are approved by EPA to train and certify individuals under section 609 of the Clean Air Act.
EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F ) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified.
If you're dealing with removing an old AC unit or installing a new one that needs refrigerant added, you will need to have a specific certification to handle this yourself.
Question #3: If I don't have Section 608 certification, I can buy 3 lb cans of R-134a. False! The small can exemption only covers cans of non-exempt substitute refrigerant up to 2 lbs. Since R-134a is an HFC, it is a non-exempt substitute.
It is the most abundant HFC in the atmosphere. The restriction of HFC-134a will occur under a broader prohibition of any substances with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) higher than 150 in the MVAC sector. HFC-134a will no longer be allowed in nonroad vehicles as of January 1, 2028.