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The EPA leak rate that triggers repair for comfort cooling appliances with 50+ lb of refrigerant is what?

10 percent, the lowest threshold.

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  1. 20 percent per year
  2. 30 percent per year
  3. 10 percent per year ✔

Why: Comfort cooling, such as building chillers, commercial split systems and rooftop units, must be repaired once it leaks more than 10 percent of its charge in a year. Other 50+ lb appliances use the same 10 percent.

Huh, didn't know that: Owners must calculate the leak rate every time refrigerant is added, unless it follows a retrofit, a new install or a seasonal variance.

The dad joke
A comfort cooling system with a 10 percent leak rate is like a leaky cup, not very comforting.
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References

Answer: 10 percent per year. Comfort cooling, such as building chillers, commercial split systems and rooftop units, must be repaired once it leaks more than 10 percent of its charge in a year. Other 50+ lb appliances use the same 10 percent.

  1. 40 CFR 82.157 Appliance maintenance and leak repair (Cornell LII) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/82.157
    10 percent leak rate for comfort cooling appliances or other appliances with a full charge of 50 or more pounds of refrigerant
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 40 CFR 82.157 Appliance maintenance and leak repair (Cornell LII) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/82.157
    The owner or operator must calculate the leak rate every time refrigerant is added to an appliance
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. 40 CFR 82.152 Definitions (Cornell LII) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/82.152
    Comfort cooling appliances include but are not limited to chillers, commercial split systems, and packaged roof-top units.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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