LeakLedgerHow the leak rate is calculated
EPA defines the leak rate as the percentage of the full charge that would be lost over 12 months if the current rate of loss continued (40 CFR 84.102). Owners and operators must calculate it every time refrigerant is added, with a few exceptions such as additions right after a retrofit, at installation, or seasonal variance.
Annualizing method
Example: a 60 lb walk-in freezer gets 3 lb, then another 3 lb 30 days later. The second calculation is 3 / 60 / (30 / 365) x 100 = 60.83%, well over the 20% commercial refrigeration threshold.
Rolling average method
If a successful follow-up verification test showed the leaks were repaired less than a year ago, only additions after that test count.
First calculation in 2026
For the first calculation after January 1, 2026 under Part 84, the annualizing method uses 365 days and the rolling average method counts only pounds added since January 1, 2026 (84.106(b)).
Thresholds and deadlines
| Appliance | Threshold | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial refrigeration | 20% | 84.106(c)(2)(i), 82.157(c)(2)(i) |
| Industrial process refrigeration | 30% | 84.106(c)(2)(ii), 82.157(c)(2)(ii) |
| Comfort cooling, refrigerated transport, other | 10% | 84.106(c)(2)(iii), 82.157(c)(2)(iii) |
Over the threshold: identify and repair leaks within 30 days (120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required), do the initial verification test within the same window, and the follow-up verification test within 10 days of a successful initial test. Appliances that leak 125% or more of their full charge in a calendar year must be reported to EPA by March 1 of the following year.
Read the full guide: EPA AIM Act leak repair rules for 2026, explained for technicians.