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Handling Refrigerants

Back in the summer of 2001, we published an article on the proper handling of refrigerants. Because this topic never grows old, we thought this AWARE article was “Worth Repeating.”

The Clean Air Act prohibits the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the air. CFCs deplete the stratospheric ozone layer -- a layer of gas that protects earth from the sun's ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation. An increase in UV-B radiation can result in both health and environmental damage. The health risks include an increased incidence of certain skin cancers and cataracts. Also, the immune system may be suppressed. The environmental consequences include damage to crops and aquatic organisms.

Up until 1995, one of the largest uses of CFCs was as a refrigerant (CFC-12) used in automobile air conditioning systems. Since leaking automobile air conditioners account for a large source of the CFCs in the atmosphere, many new environmental rules have been implemented. (For example, the use of a safer refrigerant [HFC-134a] was mandated in all new vehicles beginning in 1995). The risks surrounding CFCs and new regulations have made a large impact on the auto service and repair industry.

  1. Anyone repairing or servicing motor vehicle air conditioners must recover and/or recycle automotive refrigerant on-site or recover refrigerant and send it off-site for recycling.
  2. Anyone dealing with A/C must be certified to use automotive refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment. The shop must own and use properly maintained EPA-approved recovery and recycling equipment.
  3. Retailers can only sell cans of automotive refrigerant (less than 20 pounds) to certified technicians, thereby discouraging do-it-yourselfers from topping off their own A/C systems.

The fines for violating any of these rules can run as much as $25,000 per violation, a chilling thought.

Best practices should be observed to reduce your exposure to possible violations of these regulations.

  • CONFIRM that the technicians who repair or service air conditioning systems have been trained, certified by an EPA-approved organization.
  • CONFIRM that the technicians' state registrations are renewed annually, as required.
  • CONFIRM that technicians are using recovery/recycle or recovery-only equipment when removing CFCs.
  • CONFIRM that the equipment has been properly maintained.
  • If the CFCs are recycled off-site, CONFIRM that the reclamation facility is certified by the EPA.

For more information, check the “EPA Regulatory Requirements for Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners” page on the EPA web site.

The CFC regulations are very complex. Knowing what equipment is required and being properly trained and certified will help reduce you compliance risk. State and EPA regional contact numbers are available under the “State Contacts” heading of the EAN Web site home page, found at www.ccar-greenlink.org/tms.

Pollution Prevention Opportunities

In your efforts to provide efficient and economical service for your customers, you have already made a significant investment in A/C recovery/recycle/recharge equipment. It is important to ensure that your technicians are certified and that your equipment is certified and up to date. Recovery/recycle/recharge units typically cost about $2,000 to $5,500. All Toyota/Scion and Lexus dealers currently own compliant equipment.

Help your customers understand the environmental issues associated with CFCs. They may wonder why it costs so much to recharge their A/C systems. You should inform your customers that the CFC-12, which was used in motor vehicles prior to the end of the 1995 model year, has been phased out. NO MORE CFC-12 WILL BE MADE. Let them know that the shortage of reserve CFC-12 and the high cost to recycle CFC-12 has driven prices up. Explain that R134a retrofit kits are available. For more information on retrofit options, refer to TSB number AC002-98.

If you find a leak in an air conditioning system, don't recharge it. Urge the customer to have the leak repaired first. Explain to your customers that leaking CFCs into the atmosphere is harmful and that they will incur a considerable expense by charging their A/C systems more than once.

Keep abreast of the changes. As noted, new vehicles already use a safer refrigerant, known as HFC-134a, but older cars will either need to be retrofitted or will have to be recharged with recycled CFC-12.

(Source: US EPA Region 8)