Which repair is always considered "major" under EPA regulations?

The replacement of an evaporator coil is classified as a "major" repair under EPA regulations. This classification stems from the significant implications such repairs have on the overall functioning of a refrigeration system. The evaporator coil plays a crucial role in the cooling process, as it is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air, allowing for effective temperature control.

When an evaporator coil is replaced, there is typically a need for substantial work that often involves handling refrigerants, which can introduce safety and environmental concerns. Given that this type of repair can substantially alter the efficiency and operation of the system, it is classified as major according to EPA standards.

On the other hand, adding refrigerant, replacing a compressor, and repairing small leaks, while important, do not carry the same level of complexity or operational impact as replacing an evaporator coil. For instance, adding refrigerant can often be a routine maintenance task, and minor repairs such as fixing small leaks are typically seen as maintenance rather than major repairs. Replacing a compressor does require significant work and is often considered significant, but it is not always classified as major in the same way an evaporator coil replacement is because it does not always heavily impact the overall system structure.