The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates HVAC leak detection requirements primarily under القسم 608 of the Clean Air Act, along with supporting rules. EPA’s HVAC leak detection rules focus on preventing refrigerant emissions by requiring regular leak monitoring, timely repairs, certified technicians, and strict recordkeeping. These rules apply to both ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and climate-impacting refrigerants like HFCs. Here are the main requirements you should know:
1. Leak Repair Requirements
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Applies to appliances with 50+ pounds of refrigerant (comfort cooling, refrigeration, IPR systems).
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Owners/operators must repair leaks within 30 days (or 120 days if an industrial process system).
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Leak rate thresholds that trigger HVAC leak detection requirements:
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10% per year – comfort cooling equipment
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20% per year – commercial refrigeration and IPR (industrial process refrigeration)
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30% per year – federally-owned or military systems
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If leaks exceed these thresholds, owners must:
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Repair the leak(s), او
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Retrofit/retire the equipment.
2. Leak Detection & Monitoring
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Leak inspections are required if an appliance has exceeded the applicable leak rate.
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Electronic leak detection systems may be installed as a compliance alternative (must meet EPA standards).
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Recordkeeping must include method of leak detection, verification tests, and any follow-up inspections.
3. Refrigerant Management
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Intentional venting of refrigerants (including HFCs, HFOs, HCFCs, and CFCs) is prohibited.
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Only certified technicians can service equipment containing regulated refrigerants.
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Proper recovery/recycling equipment must be used during service, repair, or disposal.
4. Recordkeeping & Reporting
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Owners/operators must maintain service and leak records for 3 years.
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Appliances with 50+ pounds refrigerant: must keep records of leak inspections, detection methods, and repairs.
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Systems with >500 pounds: additional reporting and verification requirements apply.
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Annual reporting to EPA is required for chronically leaking equipment.
5. Sales Restrictions & Technician Certification
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Refrigerants can only be sold to certified technicians.
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Technicians must be EPA-certified under Section 608 (Type I, II, III, or Universal depending on appliance type).
Make compliance easier, faster, and more cost-effective with Spectroline Leak Detection!
Spectroline UV fluorescent dyes are more than just leak detection — they’re compliance tools. They help HVAC professionals meet EPA Section 608 requirements by ensuring faster leak detection, safer refrigerant management, and verifiable documentation of repairs. If you are trying out Spectroline dye for the first time, we recommend one of our complete leak detection kits– perfect for small, medium, or large HVAC/R units. You can also purchase the dye by itself. The full line of dye products can be seen هنا. All Spectroline® cordless leak detection lamps are specifically engineered for optimal performance when paired with Spectroline® fluorescent dyes. They are manufactured with a compact, durable lamp body and powerful, high-intensity LEDs to perfectly illuminate all leak spots. View them هنا.
