WHAT TYPE I COVERS
This certification applies only to small appliances:
• Factory-charged and sealed systems
• Contain 5 pounds or less of refrigerant
Examples: window AC, mini-fridge, dehumidifier, water cooler, domestic freezer, PTAC units.
DEFINITION OF SMALL APPLIANCE
• Fully manufactured, charged, and sealed at the factory
• Contains ≤ 5 lb of refrigerant
• Uses hermetically sealed refrigeration components
RECOVERY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Equipment must be EPA-certified.
Certified equipment must meet the following recovery levels:
RECOVERY LEVELS FOR TYPE I
Using recovery equipment manufactured BEFORE Nov 15, 1993:
• 80% of refrigerant if compressor is operational
• 90% if compressor is not operational OR
• 4 inches of vacuum (if the appliance does not have a working compressor)
Using recovery equipment manufactured AFTER Nov 15, 1993:
• Must be capable of recovering 90% of refrigerant (working compressor)
• Must be capable of 80% of refrigerant (non-working compressor) OR
• Must pull 4 inches of vacuum on a non-bleed system
PUNCTURING THE SYSTEM
You must recover all refrigerant before:
• Puncturing the sealed system
• Opening any process tubes
• Disposing of the appliance
It is illegal to vent refrigerant.
ACCESSING THE SYSTEM
Small appliances often require:
• Self-sealing piercing valves
• Process tubes
• Schrader valves
Piercing valves are temporary and should not be left on permanently unless designed for it.
RELEASING TRACES OF REFRIGERANT
During recovery, small traces of refrigerant can be released when:
• Connecting or disconnecting hoses equipped with low-loss fittings
This is permitted.
RECOVERY PRACTICES
• Always recover refrigerant from both the high and low sides for maximum recovery.
• Heat the compressor or strike it gently if the system is cold to improve recovery.
• Ice over the condenser can reduce efficiency.
If system pressures rise after recovery, refrigerant may still be present.
DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Before disposal of any small appliance:
• All refrigerant must be recovered
• Technician or recycler must provide documentation to the EPA upon request
Owners must keep disposal records for 3 years.
REFRIGERANT TYPES YOU MAY ENCOUNTER
Type I commonly includes:
• R-12 (CFC)
• R-134a (HFC)
• R-600a (isobutane) – flammable
• R-290 (propane) – flammable
• R-22 (HCFC) – less common in small units today
FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS (VERY IMPORTANT)
Common A3 refrigerants:
• R-600a
• R-290
Rules for flammable refrigerants:
• No torches during service
• Use intrinsically safe tools
• Ventilate the area
• Never recover into a standard recovery cylinder
• Always use spark-proof equipment
SAFETY
• Never use oxygen to pressurize or leak test
• Use inert gas (dry nitrogen) for testing
• Wear proper PPE
• Cylinders must be stored upright
• Cylinders must not be filled above 80% capacity
SOLDERING & BRAZING
When soldering on small appliances:
• Recover refrigerant
• Use nitrogen sweep to prevent oxidation inside tubing
LEAK DETECTION
Acceptable methods:
• Electronic leak detector
• Soap bubbles
• UV dye (only if manufacturer allows)
Do NOT use:
• Oxygen
• Compressed air
RECOVERY CYLINDER IDENTIFICATION
• Gray body
• Yellow top
• Must be DOT-certified
• Never mix refrigerants in one tank
TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Type I can be obtained using:
• Mail-in test or online in some states
• No proctor required (Type I only)
• Must be EPA-approved test
QUICK TRIGGER PHRASES (For Exam Memory)
“5 pounds or less” → Type I
“Factory sealed” → Type I
“90% with working compressor” → Recovery requirement
“Piercing valve” → Temporary access device
“Flammable refrigerants” → R-600a, R-290
“Recover before disposal” → ALWAYS
“Low-loss fittings” → Required
“Vent refrigerant?” → Illegal