As of January 1, 2026, appliances with 15 lbs or more of an HFC refrigerant (GWP > 53) require a leak-rate calculation on every refrigerant addition. This tool computes both EPA methods exactly as the regulation defines them, with the citation on every number.
Repair within 30 days of the leak-rate exceedance (120 days if an industrial process shutdown is required), using a certified technician. Repairs only need to bring the rate back under the trigger — then an initial verification test inside the repair window and a follow-up verification within 10 days of a successful initial test. §84.106(d)–(f).
After a successful follow-up test: quarterly leak inspections for commercial/IPR appliances of 500+ lbs (until four clean quarters), annual for 15–500 lbs (until one clean year). §84.106(g). Instead of repairing, you may retrofit or retire — plan within 30 days, complete within one year. §84.106(h).
Leak 125% or more of the full charge in a calendar year and you owe EPA a chronic-leaker report by March 1 of the following year. §84.106(j).
| Category | Trigger | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial process refrigeration | 30% | §84.106(c)(2) |
| Commercial refrigeration | 20% | §84.106(c)(2) |
| Comfort cooling / transport / other | 10% | §84.106(c)(2)(iii) |
Same trigger structure applies to ozone-depleting refrigerants (R-22 etc.) in 50+ lb appliances under §82.157. Records: keep everything three years. §84.106(l).
LeakClock tracks every appliance, runs this calculation automatically on every service event, starts the 30-day clock for you, and produces the audit binder the EPA asks for — built for shops, not enterprises. from $19/mo when we launch.