EPA 608 Type 2 Chapter 6 (Take full course for free)
In this module, we will discuss about the regulations to repair any leak. We will also learn some EPA regulations and recordkeeping requirements after the leak has been repaired. Skip to quiz!
1. Leak Repair Regulations
Now that we know the deadlines to be followed while repairing any leak, let us look at some EPA regulations.
Recall that refrigerant charge is the term used for the total amount of refrigerant present in the system. It is necessary to calculate the refrigerant charge while calculating the leak rate and filling the system with refrigerant.
EPA allows calculations based on component and pipe sizes. The method includes getting the refrigerant charge from the system's nameplate and adding excess refrigerant based on the system's pipe sizes and accessories. A technician need not memorize any formula, but the calculation method must be kept in mind.
Recall that topping off means adding additional refrigerant to the appliance without checking for, and fixing, any leaks. While topping off refrigerant in any system containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant, it is compulsory to calculate the leak rate first.
Recall that topping off means adding additional refrigerant to the appliance without checking for, and fixing, any leaks. While topping off refrigerant in any system containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant, it is compulsory to calculate the leak rate first.
Seasonal variance is the process of adding/removing refrigerant from an appliance during different seasons. Addition/removal of refrigerant is needed as external environmental conditions change in different seasons. Calculating leak rate is not required while adding refrigerant for seasonal variance.
2. Recordkeeping and Reporting
Record keeping is the task of maintaining the complete details about
Leak inspections
Leak repairs, and
The tests performed to verify repairs of leaking appliances.
The technician working on the system must provide all the records.
As per the EPA, it is compulsory to keep the records for any appliance having 50 or more pounds of ozone-depleting refrigerant for a minimum of 3 years. The owner and operator of the equipment is responsible for keeping the records.
As per EPA, along with other details, the records should primarily include:
Location and date of the recovery
Type of refrigerant recovered
Total amount of refrigerant recovered
Amount sent for reclamation
The owner and operator can maintain a hard copy or an electronic copy. The records must be kept on site where the appliance is installed.
Technicians and HVAC servicing companies should also keep records of appliances having refrigerant amounts between 5 and 50 pounds when disposing of them. The records of disposal must be kept for a minimum of 3 years.
At times EPA requires the owner or operator of an appliance to record and submit a report about the leak to EPA. A report must be submitted to EPA if the systems’ leak rate in one calendar year (Jan - Dec) is higher than 125% of the total refrigerant amount in the system.
A 125% leak rate would mean that :
The system once leaked completely(100% leak).
It was repaired and filled back with refrigerant.
A quarter (25%) of the refrigerant leaked out again.
And all of this took place in one calendar year(Jan - Dec).
The submitted report must describe the owner/operator’s efforts to identify and repair the systems leaks. Other than this situation, it is generally not required to send a report to the EPA.
3. Conclusion
In this module, we discussed the regulations for repairing a leak and calculating the leak rate. We also learned about the recordkeeping and reporting requirements by EPA.
Question #1: To determine if the system is leaking more than the maximum rate, the EPA allows the use of which methods to calculate the full charge?
Calculations based on power consumption, in kWh.
Calculations based on tonnage.
Calculations based on component and pipe sizes.
Calculations based on the BTU capacity of the system.
Scroll down for the answer...
EPA allows the use of calculations based on component and pipe sizes to determine the full charge in the system.
Question #2: Which of the following refrigerant additions, to an appliance that contains 50 or more pounds of an ozone-depleting refrigerant, triggers the requirement to calculate the leak rate?
Following a retrofit
During the installation of a new appliance
During a qualified seasonal variance
When topping off the system
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The requirement to calculate the leak rate gets triggered while topping off refrigerant in any system containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant.
Question #3: How long must owners and operators of regulated appliances normally containing 50 or more pounds of CFC refrigerant keep records of leak inspections, initial leak verification and follow-up verification tests?
2 years
3 years
5 years
Life of the appliance
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Owners and operators of regulated appliances containing 50 or more pounds of regulated refrigerant should maintain all records for at least 3 years.
Question #4: For what period should an HVAC servicing company keep records for a disposed appliance with a charge between 5 and 50 pounds?
2 years
3 years
5 years
10 years
Scroll down for the answer...
An HVAC servicing company disposing of an appliance with a charge between 5 and 50 pounds must keep the records for a minimum period of 3 years.