The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has strengthened technician training and certification requirements for auto air conditioning service.

According to the EPA, improper auto A/C servicing can lead to high emissions of potent greenhouse gases, but thanks to industry innovation, the environmental performance of this sector has improved. EPA has formally adopted these better service practices into a stronger, more informative auto A/C service technician training and certification program.

“Everyone can play an active role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Drusilla Hufford, director of EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Program. “Consumers can choose to have their auto A/C systems serviced by professionals who use the latest service equipment and have been certified to our latest technician training and certification program.”

All professional auto A/C technicians must be certified by an EPA-approved Section 609 technician training and certification program. The revised program showcases best service practices, the proper use and handling of refrigerants, and includes service considerations for new low global warming potential auto A/C systems.

The cooperative relationship EPA shares with organizations that demonstrate continued leadership, such as the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide, result in improved service practices that reduce emissions of potent greenhouse gas refrigerants. Section 609 of the Clean Air Act gives EPA the authority to establish requirements to prevent the release of refrigerants during the servicing of auto A/C systems and to require recycling of refrigerants. Widespread refrigerant recycling reduces the demand for virgin refrigerants.

More information about EPA Section 609 Technician Training and Certification along with a complete list of EPA-approved Section 609 Technician Certification and Training Programs can be found at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html.