HVAC EPA Regulations and Refrigerant Safety

Question 1

Under EPA Section 608, technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants in HVAC/R systems must be what?

Accepted Answer

Certified under EPA Section 608

Answer

Licensed by the state in which they work

Answer

Registered with the EPA's national HVAC database

Answer

Certified by ASHRAE

Question 2

What does it mean for a refrigerant to have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP)?

Accepted Answer

Releasing it into the atmosphere contributes significantly more to climate change than an equivalent mass of CO2

Answer

It is more flammable and requires special handling

Answer

It operates at higher pressures and temperatures

Answer

It has higher toxicity and requires respiratory protection

Question 3

What is the primary reason R-22 (HCFC) refrigerant is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol and US Clean Air Act?

Accepted Answer

It contains chlorine that destroys stratospheric ozone when released

Answer

It is highly toxic and dangerous to human health

Answer

It has poor energy efficiency compared to newer refrigerants

Answer

It is highly flammable and presents a fire hazard

Question 4

Under EPA Section 608, what is required when removing refrigerant from an HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerant must be recovered into an approved recovery cylinder using certified recovery equipment

Answer

The refrigerant may be vented to atmosphere if less than 2 lbs remain

Answer

Refrigerant must be destroyed on-site by an approved incineration method

Answer

Only recovery is required; the refrigerant need not be reused or recycled

Question 5

What is the ASHRAE refrigerant safety classification system based on?

Accepted Answer

Toxicity (A=lower, B=higher) and flammability (1=no flame, 2=lower, 3=higher) classes

Answer

Pressure rating and temperature range only

Answer

Ozone depletion potential and global warming potential

Answer

Chemical composition and molecular weight

Question 6

What refrigerant type are HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins) designed to have compared to HFCs?

Accepted Answer

Very low GWP while maintaining good thermodynamic properties

Answer

Higher GWP and better energy efficiency

Answer

Higher ODP to compensate for lower GWP

Answer

Lower pressure operation to improve safety