Penalty for Licensed AC tech releasing R134 into air?

kartracer55 · Feb 24, 2007

In short, what is the penalty? We have suspicions that another shop nearby may have been doing this, and I would like to know more about the laws. All the guy know at work is that you can get screwed for doing so, so they always use the a/c machine.

Jim

wantedabiggergarage · Feb 24, 2007

Fines can be variable. You'd need to contact the EPA, but depending on both their history (of violations) and how they react with the inspector, I was told by someone at one time, that the manual he read said $10,000 was the max fine.

You could probably find out via the EPA's website, or via ASE certification books.

ron in sc · Feb 24, 2007

The fine for releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere can be a fine up to $27,500 per day per violation. The EPA can also award up to $10,000 to the person who notificed them of the violation if the person releasing the refrigerant is convicted.

I have the 609 certification but it's been a while since I took the test so I'd have to review the specifics, but I can basically tell you it is illegal to release any refrigerant even R134a. Also the equipment that you use to work on A/C systems needs to have been EPA approved.

bmwpower · Feb 24, 2007

What?? Why is releasing R134 into the atmosphere illegal? It's ozone safe, no?

Flathead Youngin' · Feb 24, 2007

608 certification?? i have it too....

yes, quite ironic huh? all of the new refrigerants are supposed to be ozone safe, yet the fines are steep and the regulation is thick........

good for an established ac&r guy but hurtful to the backyard guy....

very much a double standard.....your pal big brother...

i don't know, but i certainly wouldn't turn a guy in for violations.....but, then again, i don't make my living in the hvac&r field.......if they are certified the fines are steeper (they're supposed to know better)....

also, the laws are different for the automotive world too.....not near as strict...

bmwpower said:
What?? Why is releasing R134 into the atmosphere illegal? It's ozone safe, no?

MarkH · Feb 24, 2007

I think it is one of those things what we are using is supposed to be ozone safe, having heard that about a number of products that are now no-nos. I think they are taking the better safe than sorry if 134 joins that list.

brownbagg · Feb 24, 2007

although 134 is ozone safe, its still have to be recycled

Penalty for Licensed AC tech releasing R134 into air?

kartracer55

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