If you’ve ever hired an HVAC technician to service your air conditioner or heat pump, you may have heard the term Section 608. But what does it actually mean, and why should it matter to you as a homeowner?
Section 608 is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act. It regulates how refrigerants are handled, recovered, and disposed of. These rules exist to protect the environment from harmful refrigerant emissions and to ensure that only qualified professionals work on HVAC systems.
For homeowners, Section 608 matters because it helps reduce environmental harm, supports safe repairs, and ensures that any technician you hire is properly trained and certified. In this blog post, we’ll cover Section 608 at length to give you a better understanding of why this is so important to your HVAC system care.
What Section 608 Covers
Section 608 specifically applies to refrigerants like R-22 (Freon) and R-410a, both of which are commonly found in older and newer air conditioning systems. These substances can cause environmental damage if released into the atmosphere, especially R-22, which is known to deplete the ozone layer.
Under Section 608:
- Technicians must recover and recycle refrigerants instead of releasing them into the air.
- HVAC professionals must follow strict disposal procedures for refrigerants and equipment.
- Anyone servicing systems containing these refrigerants must be certified by the EPA under Section 608 guidelines.
There are different certification types depending on the equipment a technician works on, ensuring they understand the correct procedures for recovery, recycling, and leak repair.
New EPA Regulations for 2025
Starting in 2025, the EPA is rolling out updated refrigerant regulations under Section 608 to align with new environmental goals. These updates include:
- Tighter leak repair standards for large appliances.
- Expanded recordkeeping requirements for service providers.
- New rules for low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.
- Revised technician certification requirements to include new refrigerants and technologies.
These changes reflect a continued effort to reduce climate-damaging emissions and ensure that HVAC professionals stay current with evolving industry standards.
Why is Section 608 Important?
Section 608 plays a major role in protecting both the ozone layer and the climate. When refrigerants like R-22 are mishandled, they can escape into the air and contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.
In addition to environmental protection, the law helps ensure public safety. Only EPA-certified technicians are allowed to handle refrigerants, which helps prevent accidents, improper repairs, and costly system damage.
What Does This Mean for Your HVAC Company?
HVAC contractors must stay compliant with Section 608 to legally and safely operate. This means:
- Hiring only EPA-certified technicians
- Using recovery and recycling equipment
- Keeping accurate service records
- Following updated EPA guidelines as regulations evolve
Working with a company that complies with Section 608, like Tom Drexler Plumbing, Air & Electric, ensures that your system is handled responsibly and efficiently.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
For homeowners, Section 608 compliance provides peace of mind. It means:
- Your AC repairs are handled by qualified, certified professionals
- You’re helping protect the environment
- You’ll avoid penalties or problems ties to improper refrigerant handling
- You can extend the life of your system with proper care
When hiring an HVAC technician, always ask whether they are Section 608 certified.
Request AC Repair from Tom Drexler
At Tom Drexler, all of our technicians are fully EPA-certified and trained to handle refrigerants safely and legally. Whether you’re dealing with a leaking AC or considering a system replacement, we follow all Section 608 guidelines to keep your home comfortable and compliant.
Need reliable AC service from a certified team? Contact us today to book expert air conditioning services done right the first time!
