EPA 608 609 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EPA 608 609 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What causes a halide torch to change flame color when detecting chlorine-containing refrigerant leaks? → Combustion of chlorine compounds producing copper chloride
2. A high-pressure appliance with 210 pounds of R-407C refrigerant must be evacuated (recovered) to a level of; → 10 inches of vacuum
3. A refrigerant recovery cylinder used for mixed/contaminated refrigerant should be labeled and: → Sent to a reclaimer or for destruction
4. Which refrigerant was used in most vehicles built before 1994? → R-12
5. Which of the following gases is used in leak detection? → HCFC-22
6. Recovery equipment for R-134a is governed by which SAE standard? → SAE J2210
7. In a refrigeration cycle, which component raises the refrigerant's pressure and temperature? → Compressor
8. What document or record should a shop keep regarding refrigerant purchases and certified technicians? → Proof of technician certification and refrigerant sales records
9. What does the term 'azeotropic blend' mean when referring to refrigerants? → A mixture that behaves like a single refrigerant with a constant boiling point
10. Using a recovery cylinder that already contains refrigerant from a different system is acceptable only if: → It is the same refrigerant type and the 80% fill limit is observed
11. All refrigerated recovery cylinders are approved by this agency: → DOT
12. What color is the high-pressure (liquid line) side gauge on a typical manifold gauge set? → Red
13. Records of refrigerant recovered from appliances being disposed of should be kept to demonstrate what? → Regulatory compliance
14. Section 609 certification is specifically required for technicians who do what? → Service or repair MVAC systems for consideration
15. What safety device is required on the high side of a refrigeration system to protect against dangerously high pressures? → Pressure-relief valve or rupture disc
16. What is the standard color code for a refrigerant recovery cylinder? → Gray with yellow top
17. When charging an MVAC system, the correct refrigerant amount is determined by what? → The vehicle manufacturer's specification
18. What is the maximum allowable leak rate for comfort cooling equipment with a full charge of 50 or more pounds before repair is required under EPA Section 608? → 10% per year
19. Before opening a high-pressure system for service, the refrigerant should be recovered to what level for a system with an open compressor? → 4 inches of vacuum
20. Failure to be properly certified when servicing covered equipment can result in what? → EPA fines and penalties
21. A refrigerant identifier is used primarily to detect: → The purity and type of refrigerant in a system
22. What color designates R-410A refrigerant cylinders under ASHRAE standards? → Rose/Pink
23. CFCs are thought to have a lifespan of _____ years. → 20 to 100
24. What international agreement set the schedule for phasing out ozone-depleting substances? → Montreal Protocol
25. When a zeotropic refrigerant blend leaks significantly from a system, what is the correct service procedure? → Recover the remaining charge and recharge with a full cylinder of fresh refrigerant
26. Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone that protects life from harmful ultraviolet radiation? → Stratosphere
27. On a daily basis, which of the following should be verified in refrigerant recovery equipment? → Both Oil Levels and for Refrigerant Leaks
28. Ozone is a harmful pollutant on the ground and in the stratosphere. → A) False
29. Before opening a low-pressure appliance for service, the technician must first: → Recover the refrigerant to the required level
30. What is the approximate 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R-410A? → 2,088