When should refrigerant recovery equipment be certified?

Refrigerant recovery equipment should be certified at least once per year to ensure that it is functioning properly and meets the necessary performance standards required by the EPA. Regular certification is crucial because it helps maintain the equipment's efficiency, prevents leaks, and ensures compliance with regulations that are designed to protect the environment from harmful refrigerants. Annual certification not only enhances the reliability of the recovery equipment but also ensures that technicians can safely capture and recover refrigerants during maintenance or repair services, ultimately supporting the goal of reducing the release of ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere.

The other options suggest different timelines that are less effective for the purpose of maintaining equipment performance and regulatory compliance. For instance, waiting until a major repair occurs does not proactively safeguard against potential failures or inefficiencies. Certification when purchased is also insufficient, as the equipment may not remain in optimal condition without ongoing evaluations. Certifying every five years fails to address the importance of regular checks which can detect problems sooner and help prevent environmental harm.