How much must be recovered at minimum?

Recovery requirements · EPA 608 Type I. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

The small-appliance definition and the recovery levels required.

The question

A room air conditioner holds 2 pounds of refrigerant and its compressor runs. The recovery unit was made in 1992. How much must be recovered at minimum?

• A1.6 poundsCorrect answer
• B1.8 pounds
• C2.0 pounds
• D1.4 pounds

Why “1.6 pounds” is correct

Equipment made before November 15, 1993 must recover 80 percent whether or not the compressor runs, and 80 percent of 2 pounds is 1.6 pounds. A working compressor raises the target only for newer equipment.

Source: 40 CFR 82.156(b)

Why the other answers are wrong

• 1.8 pounds — That is 90 percent, which applies only to equipment made on or after November 15, 1993.
• 2.0 pounds — The rule does not require the full charge.
• 1.4 pounds — That is 70 percent, below the required level.

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Type I practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.