Alternative Refrigerants & Transitions Flashcards

Under the AIM Act, EPA is authorized to phase down HFCs by what maximum percentage over 15 years?

Answer: 85%

The AIM Act authorizes EPA to reduce HFC production and consumption by 85% over 15 years from a baseline period.

R-1234yf is primarily used as a replacement for which refrigerant in mobile air conditioning systems?

Answer: R-134a

R-1234yf was developed specifically to replace R-134a in mobile air conditioning systems due to its GWP of less than 1.

Which refrigerant blend is being widely adopted as a lower-GWP alternative to R-410A in residential heat pumps, with approximately 78% lower GWP?

Answer: R-454B

R-454B has a GWP of approximately 466 compared to R-410A's GWP of 2088, representing about a 78% reduction and making it the leading next-generation residential heat pump refrigerant.

What safety classification applies to R-1234yf?

Answer: A2L (mildly flammable, low toxicity)

R-1234yf is classified A2L by ASHRAE, meaning it has low toxicity but mild flammability requiring special handling and equipment design.

When fractionation occurs in a zeotropic blend during a leak, what is the technician's required action?

Answer: Recover remaining refrigerant and recharge with a full, fresh charge

When fractionation changes the blend composition, technicians must recover the remaining refrigerant and recharge with a complete new charge to restore proper blend ratios.

Which lubricant type is generally required for HFC refrigerants such as R-410A?

Answer: Polyolester (POE) oil

HFC refrigerants like R-410A require polyolester (POE) oil because POE is miscible with HFCs, whereas mineral oil is not.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol requires developed countries to begin phasing down HFCs starting in which year?

Answer: 2019

Developed countries committed to begin phasing down HFC production and consumption by 10% starting in 2019 under the Kigali Amendment.