Free Compliance Guides
Compliance Guides
Everything HVAC contractors need to know about the 2026 EPA mandate
Practical, no-nonsense guides covering the 2026 threshold change, EPA calculation methods, fine structures, chronic leaker rules, and refrigerant data. Written for contractors who need to understand what the regulations actually require.
The EPA 15-lb Threshold: What Changed on January 1, 2026
The threshold drop from 50 lbs to 15 lbs brought thousands of smaller systems under mandatory compliance. Here's what changed and what compliance requires.
Annualizing vs. Rolling Average: EPA Leak Rate Methods Explained
The EPA allows two leak rate calculation methods. Learn the formulas, understand the tradeoffs, and pick the right one for your operation.
EPA Fine Calculator: What Non-Compliance Really Costs in 2026
Fines of up to $59,114 per day per violation add up fast. Understand what triggers enforcement and what it actually costs.
The 125% Chronic Leaker Rule: When EPA Reporting Becomes Mandatory
When total refrigerant additions exceed 125% of a system's full charge in a calendar year, mandatory EPA reporting kicks in. Here's how it works.
HVAC Refrigerant GWP Table: Complete Reference for 2026 Compliance
A complete reference table of refrigerant GWP values, safety classifications, and regulatory status under the AIM Act phase-down schedule.
What a Compliant Refrigerant Log Must Contain in 2026
Every service on a 15+ lb system needs a log entry with eight specific fields, a computed leak rate, and three years of retention. Here's the complete list.
EPA Refrigerant Tracking Software: What It Must Do in 2026
The rule doesn't require software — it requires calculation at every refrigerant addition, deadlines that start themselves, and three years of retrievable records. Here's how to evaluate the tools that promise that.
Free Compliance Tools
Put the theory into practice with our free leak rate calculators — the same EPA-compliant calculation engine that powers Ref LeakLog.
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