Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to every common question about EPA 608 compliance, our refrigerant products, shipping, accounts, and safety. If you don't see your question here, contact us.
EPA Compliance & Legal
Do I need EPA 608 certification to buy refrigerant from Delta?
Yes. Per 40 CFR §82.154, all HFC sales require EPA Section 608 certification (Type I, II, III, or Universal), Section 609 for mobile AC work, or registered wholesaler-resale status. You'll provide your cert number at checkout.
Can a homeowner buy refrigerant for DIY?
No. EPA regulations prohibit the sale of regulated refrigerants to anyone without Section 608 or 609 certification. There is no legal DIY pathway for R-410A, R-22, R-134A, R-404A, R-454B, R-32, R-407C, or R-448A. A homeowner who needs an AC recharge should hire a certified technician.
Is R-410A still legal in 2026?
Yes, for servicing existing equipment. Under the AIM Act, only the manufacture of new R-410A residential split systems is restricted (starting 2025). EPA Section 608-certified technicians may continue to purchase R-410A to service the millions of existing systems in the field.
Is R-22 still legal in 2026?
Yes, for servicing existing equipment. Production and import of new R-22 was banned on January 1, 2020 under Montreal Protocol rules, but existing stock (virgin and reclaimed) remains legal to buy, sell, and use by certified technicians.
What's the difference between EPA Section 608 and 609?
Section 608 covers stationary HVAC and refrigeration (residential, commercial). Four certification types: I (small appliances), II (high-pressure), III (low-pressure), Universal (all three). Section 609 covers mobile automotive AC only (R-134A, R-1234yf). A Universal 608 does not automatically include 609 - they're separate certifications.
How long does an EPA 608 certification last?
Federal Section 608 certifications do not expire. A few states have their own renewal requirements. Section 609 also does not federally expire.
What records does Delta keep on my EPA purchase?
Per §82.154, we retain your signed certification form and sale records for three years, available to EPA on audit. Your certification number is stored on your account for convenient reuse.
What refrigerants require EPA certification to purchase?
All regulated refrigerants: CFCs, HCFCs (R-22, R-123), HFCs (R-410A, R-134A, R-404A, R-407C, R-448A, R-449A, R-452A), HFO blends (R-454B), and single-component HFCs (R-32). HFO pure (R-1234yf) is restricted by most suppliers.
Products & Refrigerant Types
Are your refrigerants virgin or reclaimed?
100% virgin, factory-sealed. We do not sell reclaimed product. Every cylinder is AHRI-700 compliant and sourced directly from Honeywell, Chemours, or American manufacturers.
What's the difference between R-410A and R-454B?
R-454B has a 78% lower Global Warming Potential (466 vs 2,088) and is classified A2L (mildly flammable). The two are NOT interchangeable - R-454B requires equipment specifically rated for A2L service.
Can I replace R-410A in my existing unit with R-454B?
No. R-454B is not a drop-in for R-410A. Using it in R-410A equipment voids warranties, violates safety codes, and creates a fire hazard. R-454B only belongs in equipment certified for A2L refrigerants.
What's R-32 and how does it compare to R-454B?
R-32 is a single-component HFC with a GWP of 675. R-454B is a blend of R-32 and R-1234yf with a GWP of 466. Both are A2L. R-32 dominates ductless mini-splits globally; R-454B dominates US ducted splits in 2025+.
What replaces R-404A in commercial refrigeration?
Most common replacements: R-448A (Solstice N40), R-449A (Opteon XP40), and R-452A. R-448A is the most widely adopted in US supermarket applications due to lower GWP and wide OEM support.
What's R-407C used for?
R-407C is an HFC blend commonly used as an R-22 retrofit in existing residential and commercial AC systems, heat pumps, and chillers. It's not typically specified for new installations.
What brands do you carry?
Primary: Honeywell (Solstice 454B, Solstice N40), Chemours (Opteon line), and American-branded virgin HFCs. All cylinders are factory-sealed, never reclaimed, and AHRI-700 verified.
Is R-134A being phased out?
Automotive R-134A is being replaced by R-1234yf in new vehicles since roughly 2015. But R-134A remains fully legal to purchase and use for servicing existing vehicles and stationary equipment. It is not phased out.
Do you carry R-1234yf?
Not currently. We focus on HFCs and A2L blends for HVAC and commercial refrigeration. For R-1234yf mobile AC applications, we recommend contacting a mobile-AC specialist distributor.
Shipping & Delivery
How fast do you deliver in Houston?
Orders placed by 2 PM CT Monday–Friday ship the same day. Local delivery within 35 miles of Richmond, TX typically arrives within 2–4 hours. Nationwide orders ship same-day via UPS or FedEx for 2-business-day delivery.
What cities get same-day delivery?
35-mile radius from Richmond, TX. Includes Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Missouri City, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Stafford, Cinco Ranch, Sienna, Pearland, Bellaire, Memorial, Meyerland, Cypress, Pasadena, Tomball, Friendswood, and 15+ more.
Is same-day delivery free?
Yes — free same-day delivery throughout the entire 35-mile radius, no order minimum. See the Shipping page for the full city list.
Do you ship outside Texas?
Yes. We ship to all 48 contiguous US states via UPS Ground / FedEx Hazmat. Transit typically 2–4 business days from Richmond, TX. Free shipping on every order, no minimum.
How are refrigerant cylinders packaged for shipping?
Per US DOT 49 CFR hazmat regulations. Cylinders are strapped upright in reinforced cartons with proper hazard labels (Class 2.2 non-flammable or 2.1 for A2L), shipping papers, and emergency response documentation.
What if my cylinder arrives damaged?
Contact us within 48 hours with photos and your order number. Damaged cylinders are replaced at no charge. Do not use a damaged cylinder - report it immediately.
Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada?
Not at this time. We currently ship only to the 48 contiguous US states. International shipment of refrigerants has specific regulatory requirements we don't currently support.
Can I pick up my order in Richmond?
Yes, will-call pickup is available by appointment at our Richmond, TX warehouse. Call (832) 520-4808 to arrange.
Ordering & Payment
Do I need an account to order?
No - you can check out as a guest. But creating an account lets you track orders, reuse your EPA certification, save shipping addresses, and access Net-30 terms if approved for a business account.
What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay (all via PCI-compliant secure checkout), plus Net-30 invoicing for approved business accounts.
How do I apply for Net-30 terms?
Visit /business/apply to complete the application. Required: EPA 608/609 cert, business tax ID or DUNS, trade references. Typical approval time 1–2 business days. Approved accounts can pay by invoice within 30 days of order.
Is there contractor bulk pricing?
Yes. Volume discounts apply automatically in the cart: 5% off at 5+ cylinders, 10% off at 10+, 15% off at 20+. No promo code required.
Can I use a PO number?
Yes. PO numbers can be entered at checkout for any order type (card or Net-30 invoice). They appear on your order confirmation and invoice.
Do you charge sales tax?
Texas sales tax applies to Texas deliveries unless you provide a valid resale certificate. We'll collect and remit applicable state and local taxes based on your shipping address.
Can I cancel or modify my order?
Before shipment: yes, call us immediately at (832) 520-4808. Once an order has shipped, cancellation isn't possible, but returns can be arranged per the return policy.
Account & Business Services
Who should apply for a business account?
HVAC contractors, commercial refrigeration technicians, facility managers, and wholesale resellers. Benefits include Net-30 invoicing, dedicated account support, bulk pricing visibility, saved PO-number workflows, and fleet-wide cert management.
What's the Net-30 credit limit?
Default approval typically $2,000–$10,000 based on application review. Larger limits available based on trade references and payment history. Limits increase automatically over time with consistent on-time payment.
How do I check my Net-30 balance?
Visible in your account dashboard at /account. Shows current balance, available credit, and invoice aging.
Can I have multiple techs on one business account?
Yes. Business accounts support multiple authorized buyers, each with their own EPA 608 cert on file. Contact us to add team members.
Can I order on behalf of my company?
Yes, if you're an authorized buyer with a valid EPA 608 certification. The company's business account handles invoicing; the cert holder attests to eligibility at checkout.
Returns & Warranty
What's your return policy?
Unopened, factory-sealed cylinders may be returned within 30 days for a refund minus original shipping and a 15% restocking fee. Opened or used cylinders cannot be returned for safety and regulatory reasons.
What if the refrigerant is defective or contaminated?
Defective, damaged, or contaminated cylinders are replaced at no charge. Contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and your order number. We'll arrange a replacement shipment and pickup of the affected cylinder.
Are your refrigerants warrantied?
Each cylinder is warranted to meet AHRI-700 purity standards. If independent lab testing shows otherwise, we replace the cylinder and credit lab costs.
How do I dispose of an empty cylinder?
DOT-39 disposable cylinders: recycle per local hazmat rules or return to us. DOT-4BW/4BA refillable: return for recertification and refill. Never vent residual refrigerant to 'empty' a cylinder - it's illegal under the Clean Air Act.
Safety & Handling
Are your A2L refrigerants (R-454B, R-32) safe to handle?
A2L refrigerants are classified as mildly flammable with low burning velocity. They are safe when handled by properly trained technicians with A2L-rated equipment per ASHRAE 15 and UL 60335-2-40.
Do I need different recovery equipment for A2L?
Yes. Recovery machines, cylinders, and leak detectors must be specifically A2L-rated. Do not use R-410A recovery equipment on A2L refrigerants - it's a code violation and creates a genuine liability risk.
How should I store refrigerant cylinders?
Upright, secured, in a dry ventilated area below 125°F, out of direct sunlight. A2L cylinders should be segregated from ignition sources and stored with appropriate ventilation. Always use valve caps when the cylinder is not in use.
What's the maximum temperature for refrigerant storage?
Below 125°F. Houston summer service trucks routinely exceed this - insulated hazmat storage boxes or climate-controlled truck compartments are recommended. Cylinder pressure rises rapidly above 125°F and exceeds safe limits around 150°F.
Is it safe to transport refrigerant in my service truck?
Yes, under 1,001 lb hazmat threshold (where a commercial driver hazmat endorsement is required). Shipping papers and SDS must be in the vehicle. Secure cylinders upright; never loose.

