Refrigerant Management: are you ready for 2026 regulatory changes?

Learn how to stay compliant while boosting efficiency and cutting costs

As we approach 2026, the HVACR industry faces significant regulatory changes that will reshape how businesses manage their refrigerants. These new regulations aim to reduce environmental impact and improve compliance standards across the board by reducing the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

For busy facility managers and business owners, staying ahead of these changes is vital -but not just for compliance and avoiding large penalties. It’s also an opportunity to optimize operations, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

From January 1, 2026, businesses using HFCs must have implemented certain operating and reporting changes to remain compliant. The legislation now affects a broad scope of businesses including some that may have been exempt in the past.

Key areas affected include:
 

• Industrial Refrigeration: Large-scale cooling systems used in manufacturing or food storage.
• Commercial Refrigeration: Systems in grocery stores, warehouses, and restaurants.
• Comfort Cooling Systems: Air conditioning in offices, hotels, and residential complexes.
• Small to Mid-Size Equipment Compliance: Any HVAC or refrigeration equipment with 15+ pounds of refrigerant with a GWP above 53 is now subject to the AIM Act’s requirements.

A key tenet of the act is the use of Automatic Leak Detection Systems (ALDs). Large systems with 1,500+ pounds of refrigerant must have real-time leak detection technology installed, capable of continuous monitoring and automatic reporting.

What’s more, businesses must track refrigerant use, leaks, and repairs in detail and reports must be available for EPA audits on demand. This requires a more sophisticated approach to effective refrigerant management that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance.

In addition, in some states such as New York, Washington and California, stricter policies are being introduced that may even exceed federal standards on tracking and reporting. Those operating across multiple jurisdictions must stay vigilant to avoid falling foul of new local laws.

The good news is that taking a more strategic approach to refrigerant management can significantly impact your bottom line for the better. Consider this: the average leak rate for grocery stores is estimated to be 25% per year, while best practices can reduce this to just 7%.

Plus, as supply continues to be reduced over time, refrigerant costs will continue to rise, which can have a substantial effect on an organization’s profit margins. In fact, for a business operating at a 1% margin, saving $10,000 in refrigerant recharge is equivalent to generating $1,000,000 in revenue.

The environmental impact of refrigerant leaks cannot be overstated. Refrigeration and HVAC systems can account for up to 75% of energy usage in supermarkets, and equipment operating with suboptimal refrigerant charge uses significantly more energy. By implementing robust refrigerant tracking and leak detection systems, businesses will not only comply with regulations but also dramatically reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.

As we move closer to 2026, the importance of centralized record keeping and a comprehensive refrigerant management system is increasingly clear.

Such a system should offer real-time tracking of refrigerant usage, automated compliance reporting, and integration with maintenance workflows. It should also provide clear data visualization to help identify trends and areas for improvement.

This is where JLL Corrigo’s Refrigerant Tracking Compliance (RTC) feature comes into play. Powered by MSA Parasense technology, JLL Corrigo RTC consolidates all refrigerant management tasks into a single platform, for efficient refrigerant tracking, maintenance, and compliance reporting.

This powerful tool can help you

• Streamline compliance with U.S. EPA 608, EU, and CARB regulations
• Reduce the risk of costly fines and penalties
• Eliminate manual data transfer errors
• Provide a unified experience accessible from any device
• Deliver proactive maintenance to minimize downtime and prevent leaks.
   

With its intuitive dashboard design, seamless integration with work orders, and comprehensive equipment overview, JLL Corrigo RTC empowers businesses to not only meet the upcoming regulatory changes but to thrive in a more environmentally conscious marketplace.

As we approach 2026, implementing a solution like Corrigo RTC isn’t just about compliance—it’s about positioning your business for long-term success and sustainability.

Corrigo RTC is designed for the multi-location facilities management environment. Learn more about the platform here.