The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a division of the United States government, sets the standards for all HVAC systems. Systems that fail to meet EPA standards carry heavy penalties from the government, making EPA certification essential for HVAC installation.
If you have an HVAC system, you’ll want to work with licensed professionals for installation, maintenance, and repair services to avoid issues. While some states specifically list EPA Certification as part of the state licensure for HVAC professionals, Colorado does not require state licensing for this industry. However, EPA Certification per Section 608 is a federal legal requirement for anyone handling the necessary chemicals for HVAC work. Why does heating and air conditioning fall under the EPA? Controlled refrigerants and other chemicals are released into the atmosphere by heating and air conditioning equipment, making the EPA the agency responsible for determining the minimum environmentally friendly standards for this equipment.
EPA Section 608 Certification Explained
While all HVAC professionals must have Section 608 certification, not all technicians have the same type of certification. Section 608 covers four types, which dictate when and how the technician can use the controlled chemicals.
Type I: Refrigerants are used in more than just HVAC systems. Window and portable air conditioning units, along with refrigerators, freezers and vending machines all use coolants covered by Section 608, Type 1 certification.
Type II: When contents are under pressure, it means technicians need a more complete knowledge of how to handle cooling chemicals. For techs that work with high-pressure refrigerant equipment, like heat pumps or HVAC systems, or even process refrigerators, Type II is the appropriate certification.
Type III: Low-pressure operations like chillers require a highly specialized Type III certification.
Type IV: For the tech who does everything related to cooling and heating, a Type IV certification is a universal option. It covers all uses of coolants and means a tech is ready to work with any system.
Getting The Most Out Of Your HVAC System
A big chunk of your monthly energy bill can be tied directly to your heating and air conditioning expenses. Working with licensed and EPA-certified technicians means that you get an HVAC system that performs at peak efficiency, helping to control those energy costs. Contact Smith & Willis Heating & Air Conditioning Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your HVAC installation, maintenance or repair service and get all work performed by a certified professional with a free estimate.
