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How does the EPA catch and convict a SNAP violator? The EPA routinely conducts 'surprise' or 'unannounced' inspections to verify compliance requirements. In addition, EPA pays up to $10,000 reward to individuals reporting violations that result in succ Does the EPA test alternative refrigerants for performance in cars? No. The SNAP program evaluates substitutes only for their effect on human health and the environment, and not for performance or durability. None of the alternative refrigerants have been endorsed by How long do I need to keep records, according to the EPA? Three years Air Conditioning Frequently Asked Questions Air Conditioning FAQ A/C Systems and Service Refrigerants Contamination EPA A/C Organizations A/C Systems and Service What is an air purge system? An air-purge Where can I go to learn more information about alternative refrigerants? To learn more about EPA regulations call 800-228-8711, or www.epa.gov . What organization will keep me posted on the latest industry news? MACS Worldwide 225 S Broad Street P.O. Box 88 Lansdale Air Conditioning Frequently Asked Questions "The Full Story" Air Conditioning FAQ A/C Systems and Service Refrigerants Contamination EPA A/C Organizations A/C Systems and Service What is an air purge system? An air-purge Clean Air Act Amendment Dealing with Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Portions of Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Dealing with Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Section 608 – HVAC-R Industry Section 609 – Motor Vehicles Definitions:  Class I substance refe Is air in refrigerant a problem? Yes . Air is a contaminant of refrigerant that can enter an A/C system or cylinder and create A/C performance problems.   Non-condensable gasses (NCG or "air"), which are mainly comprised Do I need to do anything special to retrofit an old R12 system to a R134a system? Yes . According to EPA regulations, the use of any alternative refrigerant to replace R-12 requiresat a minimum that; Unique service fittings be used in order to minimize the risk of cross-cont Why can't we continue to use R12? Since the early 1970s scientist have been watching a hole grow in the ozone layer.  And because of this ozone problem, over 150 countries agreed to stop the production of CFCs.  This agreem What do I do with contaminated refrigerant? Contaminated refrigerant requires special handling and special record keeping.  Make sure you follow these guidelines to the letter –if you don't you could be exposing yourself to potential EPA Do I need be concerned about A/C component warranties if I retrofit a system to an alternative refrigerant? Yes.  If a contaminated or alternative refrigerant is used–knowingly or unknowingly –the original factory warranties on the A/C system (including components, i.e, compressor, evaporator, etc.) t How can I know what refrigerant is in an A/C system? There is no way of truly knowing what refrigerant is in an A/C system unless you use a refrigerant identifier. Of course the EPA mandates the use of unique fittings and labels for each refrigerant, ho Can anyone buy the alternative refrigerants and retrofit kits? If it's R134a the answer is yes.  For all other "acceptable for use" refrigerants the answer is No.  Only Section 609 certified technicians can purchase R12 or any of the alternative refrig Can I recycle alternative refrigerants? In a recent letter, the EPA said refrigerant blends used in MVACs could be recycled provided that the recycling equipment meets a new Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard and the refrigerant is retu I heard a story about HC-12a / OZ-12, are they flammable refrigerants? And what is the full story? According to the EPA HC-12a and OZ-12 brand hydrocarbon refrigerant blends are flammable refrigerants.  Their primary components are hydrocarbons, which are flammable substances like propane and Can I legally use HC-12a / OZ-12 for use in R134a cars, or in industrial refrigeration applications? The EPA, while not having jurisdiction over the use of replacement refrigerant for R134a, does not allow the use of these refrigerants as replacement refrigerants for R134a. However, HC-12a and OZ-12 What fines will I expose myself to if I don't follow the SNAP guidelines? According to the EPAs "How to Survive A EPA Clean Air Act Title VI Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Inspection" document, if you break any one of the SNAP rules and are convicted, you can expect:1. There Is A Charger For Every Battery Follow These Five Steps to Buying the Right One:   Most battery chargers will charge a variety of batteries. But with so many different Battery chargers on the market Quality A/C Service: Six Steps to Success When it comes to A/C service, following these six basic steps and using the right tools can guarantee success and customer satisfaction.   1. Identify Use of a r