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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/epa-small-appliance-90-percent

Using post-1993 recovery equipment on a small appliance with a working compressor, how much must you recover?

90 percent of the refrigerant, if the compressor works.

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  1. 80 percent
  2. 90 percent ✔
  3. 99 percent

Why: With recovery equipment made on or after November 15, 1993, recover 90 percent when the appliance's compressor is running. If the compressor is not working, the target drops to 80 percent. Or you can pull a four-inch vacuum.

Huh, didn't know that: Small-appliance recovery equipment itself must be certified to recover 90 percent with the test stand compressor running and 80 percent with it off.

The dad joke
My fridge recovered 90 percent of its refrigerant. It is now an A student.
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References

Answer: 90 percent. With recovery equipment made on or after November 15, 1993, recover 90 percent when the appliance's compressor is running. If the compressor is not working, the target drops to 80 percent. Or you can pull a four-inch vacuum.

  1. 40 CFR 82.156 Required practices (Cornell LII) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/82.156
    recover 90 percent of the refrigerant in the appliance when the compressor in the appliance is functioning
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 40 CFR 82.158 Standards for recovery and recycling equipment (Cornell LII) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/82.158
    capable of recovering 90 percent of the refrigerant in the test stand when the compressor of the test stand is operational
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Trades & ShopUnder EPA rules, a small appliance holds how much refrigerant at most?Trades & ShopWhich of these counts as a small appliance under EPA's definition?Trades & ShopPost-1993 recovery equipment, small appliance with a dead compressor. What percent must you recover?

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