Refrigerant leak rate calculator (40 CFR 84.102)

How the two leak rate methods work

Part 84 defines leak rate as the percentage of the full charge that would be lost over 12 months at the current rate of loss (40 CFR 84.102). The owner or operator calculates it every time refrigerant is added, except right after a retrofit or a new installation, or for a seasonal variance (§84.106(b)). One method is used for all covered appliances at a facility.

Annualizing method

The first calculation after January 1, 2026 uses 365 days (§84.106(b)(1)). Additions related to the same leak are added together.

Rolling average method

If a follow-up verification test showed all leaks repaired less than a year ago, count only additions since that test. The first calculation after January 1, 2026 counts additions since January 1, 2026 (§84.106(b)(2)).

Thresholds and what happens next

• 20% for commercial refrigeration, 30% for industrial process refrigeration, 10% for comfort cooling and other appliances (§84.106(c)(2)).
• Over the threshold: repair within 30 days and pass an initial verification test, then a follow-up test within 10 days (§84.106(d), (e)).
• 125% or more of the full charge added in a calendar year: chronic-leak report to EPA by March 1 of the next year (§84.106(j)).

Worked examples of both methods on the same appliance: Annualizing vs rolling average. The full rule: Part 84 leak repair guide.

Simplified for one appliance and its additions. It doesn't model mothballing, seasonal variances or every edge case of the first 2026 calculation. LeakLedger handles these from your full service history and flags interpretations for your compliance advisor.