EPA 609 Refrigerant Types & Properties

Question 1

What class of refrigerant is R-12 (Freon)?

Accepted Answer

CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)

Answer

R-12 is a CFC (chlorofluorocarbon), which contains chlorine atoms responsible for its high ozone depletion potential.

Question 2

What class of refrigerant is R-134a?

Accepted Answer

HFC

Answer

R-134a is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon), which contains no chlorine and therefore has zero ozone depletion potential.

Question 3

What is the boiling point of R-134a at atmospheric pressure?

Accepted Answer

-26.3°F (-32.4°C)

Answer

R-134a boils at approximately -26.3°F (-32.4°C) at atmospheric pressure, which allows it to absorb heat efficiently in the evaporator.

Question 4

Which refrigerant is considered a 'blend' and is NOT approved for MVAC retrofit use by the EPA?

Accepted Answer

R-401A (MP39)

Answer

Refrigerant blends like R-401A are not approved by the EPA's SNAP program for MVAC retrofit and can cause system damage and safety hazards.

Question 5

What does a refrigerant's GWP (Global Warming Potential) measure?

Accepted Answer

How much heat the refrigerant traps in the atmosphere compared to CO2

Answer

GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps over 100 years relative to carbon dioxide, which has a GWP of 1.

EPA 609 - EPA Section 609 Refrigerant Certification Practice Test