What is EPA Type 1 Certification?

The EPA Type 1 certification covers Small Appliances. The EPA defines a small appliance as a product that is fully manufactured, charged, and hermetically sealed at the factory with 5 pounds (2.5 kg) or less of refrigerant.

Common examples include household refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners (window units), vending machines, and water coolers. Getting your epa type 1 certification or epa type 1 license is essential for residential appliance repair.

Technician repairing a household refrigerator

Household refrigerators are the most common Type 1 appliance.

Interactive Type 1 Questions

Test your knowledge on small appliances.

Question 1
Does EPA Type 1 cover motor vehicle A/C (MVAC)?
A. Yes, all small systems
B. No, that is Section 609
C. Only if it's R-134a
Click to see answer in App
Question 2
Can you use a "drop-in" refrigerant (like hydrocarbon) in a retrofit?
A. Yes, always
B. Only if EPA approved
C. Never
Click to see answer in App

Key Topic 1: Recovery Requirements

For small appliances, you don't need to pull a specific vacuum level (like 10 inches Hg). Instead, the EPA sets recovery efficiency percentages based on the compressor's condition. You must memorize this for the epa type 1 practice test.

Compressor Operational 90%

of refrigerant must be recovered.

(Or pull 4 inches of Hg vacuum)

Compressor Broken 80%

of refrigerant must be recovered.

(Or pull 4 inches of Hg vacuum)

Key Topic 2: Recovery Techniques

Type 1 introduces a unique method called System-Dependent (Passive) Recovery. This captures refrigerant into a non-pressurized container/bag using the appliance's own compressor, rather than an external machine.

Passive Recovery Tips:

  • Run the Compressor: If operational, use it to pump refrigerant into the recovery bag.
  • Heat & Tap: If the compressor is dead, heat the oil/compressor and tap it with a mallet to release trapped refrigerant.
  • Access Points: You must access both the high and low sides of the system to ensure full recovery if the compressor is broken.

Key Topic 3: Access Valves

Small appliances typically don't have service ports. Technicians use piercing access valves (bullet valves) to connect gauges.

  • Fitting Type: These fit onto copper or aluminum tubing.
  • Leak Risk: Piercing valves tend to leak over time. They must not be left on the system permanently. Use them only for service/recovery and then remove/braze the hole.
  • Solderless: Solderless access fittings are convenient but prone to leaks.

Key Topic 4: Safety & Decomposition

At high temperatures (like from a soldering torch), refrigerants decompose into toxic chemicals.

  • Phosgene Gas: Formed when CFCs/HCFCs touch an open flame. It is deadly.
  • Hydrochloric/Hydrofluoric Acid: Also formed during decomposition.
  • Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid asphyxiation, as refrigerant is heavier than air and displaces oxygen.

Type 1 FAQs

Can I leave a piercing valve on?

No. Piercing valves are for temporary service only. They tend to leak and should be removed after recovery or repair.

Does Type 1 cover split systems?

No. Even if a split system holds less than 5 lbs (like some mini-splits), it falls under Type 2 because it is not factory sealed/hermetic.

Is camper/RV AC Type 1?

It depends. If it is a small, factory-sealed appliance (like a fridge), yes. If it's a dashboard motor vehicle AC, that is Section 609, not Type 1.

What is the "4 inch" rule?

If you cannot verify the 80%/90% recovery by weight, you can simply evacuate the system to 4 inches of Mercury (Hg) vacuum.

Explore Other Sections

Core Regulations & Safety
Type II High Pressure / AC
Type III Low Pressure
P-T Chart Reference Tool

Ready to Pass Type 1?

Master passive recovery, 80/90% rules, and safety with our epa type 1 practice test.

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