Facts on Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

Do technicians need a hydrocarbon certification to legally work on a system that contains a hydrocarbon refrigerant? No, for now there is no mandatory certification that technicians need to service systems that contain a hydrocarbon refrigerant.
Do technicians need an EPA/608 certification to service a system that uses an approved hydrocarbon refrigerant? No, for now no certification is needed.
Do you need an EPA/608 certification to purchase an approved hydrocarbon refrigerant? No, for now no certification is needed.
What are the hydrocarbon refrigerants that are EPA acceptable for use in household refrigerators, freezers and combination refrigerator/freezer units (new equipment only)? Isobutane (R-600a), Propane (R-290), and R-441a. Charge size is not to exceed 57 grams (2.0 ounces).
What are the hydrocarbon refrigerants that are EPA acceptable for use in retail food refrigerators and freezers (new stand-alone units/equipment only)? Isobutane (R-600a), Propane (R-290), and R-441a. Charge size is not to exceed 150 grams (5.3 ounces).
What are the hydrocarbon refrigerants that are EPA acceptable for use in very low temperature refrigeration equipment/non-mechanical heat transfer systems new equipment only? Ethane (R-170). Charge size is not to exceed 150 grams (5.3 ounces).
What are the hydrocarbon refrigerants that are EPA acceptable for use in new equipment vending machines? Isobutane (R-600a), Propane (R-290), and R-441a. Charge size is not to exceed 150 grams (5.3 ounces).
What are the hydrocarbon refrigerants that are EPA acceptable for use in residential and light commercial equipment for self-contained room air conditioning (PTACs; PTHPs; Window Units; Portable AC Units)(new equipment only)? Propane (R-290) and R-441a. Charge size based on the Btuh rating of the unit.
Do hydrocarbon refrigerants have to meet purity standard levels? Isobutane (R-600a), Propane (R-290), Ethane (R-170) and R-441a must meet AHRI 700-2015 standard S for air and other non-condensibles, plus maximum minimum nominal composition.
Do hydrocarbon refrigerants have an odor like propane used for gas grilles? No, odorants (stanching) cannot be used in refrigerant grade propane. They are considered non-condensibles and can cause system problems.
Should technicians servicing equipment that contains a flammable refrigerant receive extra training? Yes! To avoid injury and liability anyone servicing a system that contains a flammable refrigerant should be properly trained.