Stationary Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Rule Revisions.

If your facility uses HFC-134a, a common HVAC refrigerant, it is subject to many provisions of the new regulations.

EPA’s original refrigerant rule on this subject was published in 1993 and is codified at 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F.  The revised final rule, 400+ pages, is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register shortly and will change the refrigerant compliance management significantly.

Following are the highlights of few of the many changes that can impact your facility:

1. Refrigerant management requirements to include substitute refrigerants such as Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).
2. Lowers the leak rate thresholds that trigger the regulatory requirement to repair, retrofit, or retire equipment containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant.
   • Lowers from 35% to 30% for industrial process refrigeration (IPR)
   • Lowers from 35% to 20% for commercial refrigeration equipment
   • Lowers from 15% to 10% for comfort cooling equipment
3. Requirements to submit a report to EPA detailing the repair efforts for chronically leaking appliances.
4. Annual or quarterly leak inspections requirements depending on the type and size of the equipment
5. Requires recordkeeping of recovered refrigerant during system disposal.
6. Sales restriction to HFCs and other non-exempt substitutes.

It is recommended that all facilities subject to the revised rule have a refrigerant compliance program in place. If you have any questions, or would like to develop a Refrigerant Compliance Manual for your organization, please contact Sam Joshi at (215) 389-2811.