What does the EPA require regarding venting and recovery for A2L refrigerants?

What does the EPA require regarding venting and recovery for A2L refrigerants?

• A. They may be vented to atmosphere
• B. They must be recaptured
• C. They must be burned off safely
• D. No special requirements

Answer: (B)

Venting refrigerants to the atmosphere is not allowed. The EPA requires that refrigerants be recovered during service of appliances, and the recovered gas must be kept in a proper recovery cylinder so it is not released. For A2L refrigerants, this means using an approved recovery device to remove the refrigerant from the system—essentially recapturing it. The key idea is capturing the refrigerant so it can be recycled or reclaimed later, rather than letting it escape. While A2L is mildly flammable, safety measures during service don’t change the obligation to recover the refrigerant.

Venting refrigerants to the atmosphere is not allowed. The EPA requires that refrigerants be recovered during service of appliances, and the recovered gas must be kept in a proper recovery cylinder so it is not released. For A2L refrigerants, this means using an approved recovery device to remove the refrigerant from the system—essentially recapturing it. The key idea is capturing the refrigerant so it can be recycled or reclaimed later, rather than letting it escape. While A2L is mildly flammable, safety measures during service don’t change the obligation to recover the refrigerant.