Are you interested in learning more about the refrigerants you will handle when you become an HVAC/R technician? The current refrigerants are highly harmful to our environment and trap greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, new hydrocarbon refrigerants are taking the place of the harmful ones. If you are working towards becoming an HVAC/R technician, you will want to learn more about these hydrocarbon refrigerants. The good news is that you are in the right place. This article reviews hydrocarbon refrigerants, the new regulations, and opportunities to become certified.

What are Hydrocarbon Refrigerants?

Hydrocarbon refrigerants are natural, non-toxic refrigerants solely comprised of carbon and hydrogen. They are environmentally friendly, with zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential (GWP), but they are highly flammable and require careful handling.

How are Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Regulated?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of refrigerants under SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy). This regulation aims to lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) while also addressing toxicity, flammability, safety, and health.

What is the Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Certification of Completion?

The ESCO Institute offers hydrocarbon refrigerant certification. The exam focuses on the regulations and standards of handling hydrocarbon refrigerants, refrigerant safety, compressor terminal vetting, compressor change out, system flushing purging and pressure testing for leaks, and refrigerant servicing procedures. The hydrocarbon refrigerants certification exam covers the following refrigerants:

HC R-290 – a highly refined propane that is safe and environmentally friendly.

HC R-600a – also known as isobutane, a low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant used in high-temperature domestic and light commercial refrigeration units.

HC R-441A – a green, natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero GWP and non-ozone depleting.

HC R-170 – also known as ethane, a refrigerant gas for low-temperature applications.

HFC R-32 – also known as difluoromethane, a low-global-warming-potential alternative used in new air conditioning systems.

How Do You Prepare for the Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Certification Exam?

A great way to prepare for this exam is to complete the HVAC/R program at CyberTex. Our 11-month training program prepares you to become an HVAC/R technician with essential certifications, including the EPA 608 and Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Certification. By the end of the program, you will have gained the following certifications:

  • Green Awareness
  • System Performance
  • Duct and Envelope Testing
  • R-410A
  • Gas Heat
  • System Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
  • Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures
  • Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Certification of Completion

At the end of our HVAC/R training program, you are encouraged to take the following ESCO Group “Employment Ready Certifications”:

Electrical, Electrical Heat, Oil Heat, Air Conditioning, Light Commercial Air Conditioning, Heat Pump, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Residential & Light Commercial Hydronic Heat, Carbon Monoxide, Safety, Fuel Oil Combustion, Natural Gas Combustion, Combustion Appliance Zone, Carbon Monoxide & Combustion Analysis, and System Recovery and Evacuation.

HVAC Technician Diploma

Want to achieve HVAC certifications, like the Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Certification, to start a rewarding career as an HVAC technician in Texas? With more than two decades of success in the medical, health, and IT sectors, we added an HVAC course to our curriculum. We proudly announce that we have flexible day and evening classes for the HVAC program.

CyberTex’s HVAC program can be completed in as little as 11 months by attending full-time with the flexibility of day and evening classes. You can take the EPA–608 certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency with our training. 

Want to learn more? Contact us today.