How should you handle R-12 or R-22 in Type I service today?

Prepare for the HVAC EPA Type I Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The key idea is to handle refrigerants with environmental and regulatory care: you must recover R-12 or R-22 during service and then either recycle or reclaim it, not vent it. Venting is prohibited because these refrigerants harm the ozone layer and contribute to global warming, and EPA rules require recovery equipment to capture the refrigerant. Once recovered, you should recycle it (cleaned for reuse in the same system or another of the same type) or reclaim it (send to a facility that restores it to ARI 700 purity for use in any system). Also, stay aware of phase-out restrictions: R-12 production and many uses are banned, and R-22 is being phased down, which affects availability and how recovered refrigerants are used. So, in Type I service today, recover the refrigerant and then recycle or reclaim, avoiding any venting and complying with current phase-out rules.