A 'major repair' under EPA regulations would be

• A. Replacing condenser /compressor/ auxiliary heat exchanger/ evaporator
• B. Replacing a thermostat
• C. Replacing refrigerant lines
• D. Replacing a fan belt

Answer: (A)

In EPA regulations, a major repair means replacing a major component of the refrigerant circuit—the parts that directly determine how the system circulates and contains refrigerant. Replacing the condenser, compressor, auxiliary heat exchanger, or evaporator are exactly such core components; removing or changing these parts typically requires evacuating and recharging the refrigerant and directly affects the system’s capacity or containment, so it’s classified as a major repair.

Replacing a thermostat, refrigerant lines, or a fan belt doesn’t alter the essential refrigerant circuit components. A thermostat is just for temperature control, refrigerant lines are piping but not a core circuit component, and a fan belt is part of the mechanical drive, not the refrigerant loop. Therefore, these are considered minor repairs.