Determine EPA refrigerant leak-rate/reporting rule scope for appliances ≥15 lb (2024 ER&R rule)

Steps

1. Cite this correctly: the 2024 rule is EPA's Emissions Reduction and Reclamation (ER&R) final rule (published October 11, 2024, 89 FR 82682), codified at 40 CFR Part 84, Subpart C — not Subpart F, which is the separate, older ozone-depleting-substance recycling/emissions program at 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F.
2. Check applicability before assuming coverage: leak-repair requirements (effective January 1, 2026) apply to refrigerant-containing appliances with a full charge of 15 lb or more of an HFC (or substitute with GWP >53) — but residential and light-commercial air conditioning and heat pump equipment is explicitly EXEMPT from this leak-repair subsector.
3. For in-scope equipment (commercial refrigeration, industrial process refrigeration, chillers, comfort-cooling outside the residential/light-commercial AC/HP subsector), calculate the leak rate (annualizing or rolling-average method, 40 CFR 84.102/84.106(b)) every time refrigerant is added, comparing against the applicable threshold: 10% comfort cooling/refrigerated transport/other, 20% commercial refrigeration, 30% industrial process refrigeration.
4. If the threshold is exceeded, repair within 30 days (120 days if an industrial shutdown is required) and run initial plus follow-up verification tests (40 CFR 84.106(d)-(e)); if repairs fail or aren't attempted, create a retrofit/retirement plan within 30 days requiring completion within one year.
5. Track separately from — and do not conflate with — the older Clean Air Act Section 608 leak program (40 CFR 82.157), which still applies independently to ozone-depleting refrigerants at a 50 lb charge threshold with no residential exemption.