How can existing R-22 systems still be serviced?

Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol · EPA 608 Core. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Phaseout dates and the venting prohibitions at servicing, at disposal and for substitutes.

The question

Production and import of new R-22 in the United States ended on January 1, 2020. How can existing R-22 systems still be serviced?

• AOnly by replacing the entire system with a new HFC system
• BWith any HFC added on top of the R-22 charge
• CWith recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22Correct answer
• DOnly with R-22 imported under a special permit

Why “With recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22” is correct

The phaseout stopped new production and import, not the use of existing R-22. Systems can keep running and be serviced with R-22 that has been recovered and recycled or reclaimed, or that was produced before the deadline.

Source: EPA: Test Topics

Why the other answers are wrong

• Only by replacing the entire system with a new HFC system — The phaseout does not force owners to replace working systems.
• With any HFC added on top of the R-22 charge — Topping off with a different refrigerant creates a mixture that is hard to reclaim and may damage the system.
• Only with R-22 imported under a special permit — There is no general import permit for servicing; new imports ended.

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Core practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.