AC Refrigerant Recovery Recharge and Inspection Checklist
This AC refrigerant recovery, recharge, and inspection checklist ensures all service meets EPA Section 609 requirements. Venting refrigerant to atmosphere carries up to $44,539 per day in fines. R-1234yf refrigerant requires dedicated certified equipment separate from R-134a equipment. Aligned with EPA Section 609, SAE J2788/J2099 AC service standards, and MACS Worldwide service guidelines.
- Industry: Automotive Service
- Frequency: Annually / Per AC Complaint
- Estimated Time: 45-90 minutes
- Role: EPA Section 609 Certified AC Technician
- Total Items: 27
- Compliance: EPA Section 609 (CAA Title VI) Refrigerant Handling, SAE J2788 R-134a Recovery/Recycling/Recharge, SAE J2099 R-1234yf Service Standard, MACS Worldwide AC Service Guidelines, EPA 40 CFR Part 82 Refrigerant Management
EPA Compliance and Equipment Verification
Verify legal compliance before any refrigerant handling.
- Technician holds current EPA Section 609 certification for mobile AC service?
- Recovery/recycling/recharge equipment EPA-approved - SAE J2788 for R-134a, J2099 for R-1234yf?
- Refrigerant type confirmed with identifier - never assume based on vehicle age alone?
- All refrigerant storage and recovery cylinders correctly labeled by type?
- No intentional venting - all refrigerant recovered before any line disconnection?
Recovery and Recharge Procedure
Execute proper recovery and recharge.
- Full refrigerant recovery performed until machine indicates below 0 PSI?
- Amount recovered documented - severely undercharged system indicates significant leak?
- System evacuated to 500 microns or less to remove moisture and non-condensables?
- Vacuum holds stable - less than 500 micron rise in 5 minutes after pump isolated?
- Charged to exact OEM specification by weight - not by gauge pressure?
Leak Detection and Component Inspection
Locate refrigerant leaks and inspect system components.
- Electronic leak detector used at all joints, fittings, service ports, and condenser?
- UV dye inspection performed if dye previously added?
- Condenser fins cleaned of bug debris and road contamination?
- Compressor engages correctly with no rattling, knocking, or excessive cycling?
- Expansion valve or orifice tube not restricted - no frost on inlet only?
- Receiver-drier or accumulator replaced if system was opened or system is over 5 years old?
System Performance Testing
Verify system achieves target cabin cooling.
- Center vent temperature at 70 degrees F ambient within OEM target - typically 35-45 degrees F?
- High and low side pressures within acceptable range at stabilized temperature?
- All blower speeds, mode doors, and temperature blend functioning correctly?
- Recirculation mode functional with improved cooling?
- Cabin air filter inspected and replaced if blocked?
Refrigerant Records and Documentation
Maintain required EPA refrigerant handling records.
- Recovery and charge amounts recorded in shop refrigerant service log?
- UV dye addition documented on RO if added?
- Any leaks found and repaired documented with location and repair method?
- Complete AC service on RO with refrigerant type, recovered, charged, and performance results?
- Compressor warranty requirements met if recently replaced - flush, correct PAG oil, OEM charge weight?
- Customer advised of any slow leak found and recommended return if cooling diminishes?
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Why Use This AC Refrigerant Recovery Recharge and Inspection Checklist?
This ac refrigerant recovery recharge and inspection checklist helps automotive service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for epa section 609 certified ac technician professionals, this checklist covers 27 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annually / per ac complaint.
Ensures compliance with EPA Section 609 (CAA Title VI) Refrigerant Handling, SAE J2788 R-134a Recovery/Recycling/Recharge, SAE J2099 R-1234yf Service Standard, MACS Worldwide AC Service Guidelines, EPA 40 CFR Part 82 Refrigerant Management, UK F-Gas Regulation SI 2019/583, India ODS Phase-Out Refrigerant Rules. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AC Refrigerant Recovery Recharge and Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 27 inspection items across 5 sections: EPA Compliance and Equipment Verification, Recovery and Recharge Procedure, Leak Detection and Component Inspection, System Performance Testing, Refrigerant Records and Documentation. It is designed for automotive service operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually / per ac complaint. Each completion takes approximately 45-90 minutes.
Who should use this AC Refrigerant Recovery Recharge and Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for EPA Section 609 Certified AC Technician professionals in the automotive service industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.