Can air conditioning repair parts be found in local home improvement stores?

Certain air conditioning repair parts such as filters are available for purchase at local home improvement stores, but the purchase of refrigerants is restricted. Since the 2010 Environmental Protection Agency’s Refrigerant Sales Restriction went into effect, only those certified in heating and cooling system repair can purchase refrigerant cylinders.

The restriction on selling refrigerants to the average person was an attempt by the EPA to limit how many refrigerant chemicals get into the environment, reducing the ozone layer of the earth. HVAC contractors may be able to answer questions about what repair parts the average person can purchase and install safely.