For an HVAC servicing company, how long should records be kept for a disposed appliance with a charge between 5 and 50 pounds?

• A. 1 year
• B. 2 years
• C. 4 years
• D. 3 years

Answer: (D)

Recordkeeping for disposal of appliances containing refrigerants is three years. When an HVAC service disposes of an appliance with a refrigerant charge (such as 5 to 50 pounds), regulatory rules require you to keep the disposal records for at least three years from the disposal date. This three-year window is the standard minimum to document compliant handling and disposal of regulated waste and to be prepared for inspections. Shorter periods (one or two years) don’t meet the typical regulatory minimum, and while keeping records longer (four years) isn’t prohibited, the base requirement is three years. Some states may have additional nuances, but three years is the common retention period.