Applies in Germany. This page explains the German rules in English. German terms are given in brackets.

F-gas leak checks for air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pumps: when are they required?

In Germany, air-conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, chillers and heat pumps with fluorinated refrigerants need regular F-gas leak checks (also called refrigerant leak testing) once they exceed a certain charge. The rules are set by the EU F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, which applies since 11 March 2024, supplemented in Germany by the Chemicals Climate Protection Ordinance (Chemikalien-Klimaschutzverordnung, ChemKlimaschutzV), in its new version since 17 April 2026. The leak check intervals, records and certification duties of the F-gas Regulation apply in all EU member states; the leakage limits and certificate rules of the ChemKlimaschutzV apply only in Germany.

In short

Required from 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent per piece of equipment for refrigerants listed in Annex I (e.g. R32, R410A, R134a), and from 1 kg for refrigerants in Annex II Group 1 (e.g. R1234yf, R1234ze). Depending on the quantity every 12, 6 or 3 months, or twice as long with a leak detection system (Art. 5). Only certified persons may carry out the checks. Natural refrigerants such as R290, R744 or R717 are not covered by this duty.

Overview for guidance only, not legal advice. No guarantee of accuracy. Intervals and scope depend on design, use and the risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung). Responsibility lies with the operator.

F-gas calculator: does my system need leak checks?

Enter the refrigerant and charge per piece of equipment (per refrigerant circuit or outdoor unit). The calculator shows the CO₂ equivalent and the leak check interval under Art. 5 of Regulation (EU) 2024/573.

Refrigerant

Charge in kg

Hermetically sealed and labelledWith leak detection system

CO₂ equivalent

6.26 t

Leak check

at least every 12 months

The calculation applies per piece of equipment. If a system has several circuits or outdoor units, the interval applies to each one.
In residential buildings, hermetically sealed, labelled equipment below 3 kg is also exempt.
GWP values according to Annexes I and II of Regulation (EU) 2024/573. For blends, the value is shown on the rating plate.
Natural refrigerants (e.g. R290, R744, R717) are not F-gases. Other inspection duties may apply to them, e.g. under the German Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV).
The result is for guidance only. The operator is responsible for meeting the intervals.

Intervals at a glance

from 5 t CO₂ equivalent (Annex I) or from 1 kg (Annex II Group 1)at least every 12 monthsat least every 24 months

from 50 t CO₂ equivalent or from 10 kgat least every 6 monthsat least every 12 months

from 500 t CO₂ equivalent or from 100 kgat least every 3 monthsat least every 6 months; from this quantity a leak detection system is mandatory (Art. 6)

Hermetically sealed and labelled as such: below 10 t CO₂ equivalent or below 2 kg (Annex II); in residential buildings below 3 kgno leak check required–

After repairing a leak (Art. 4)follow-up check after at least 24 hours of operation and no later than 1 month after the repair–

The leak detection system itself (Art. 6)check that it works at least every 12 months–

Checks apply per piece of equipment, i.e. per refrigerant circuit or outdoor unit, not per building. The duty covers stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump systems as well as refrigeration units of trucks and trailers. For other mobile equipment, such as refrigerated containers or air conditioning in buses and trains, it applies to operators only from 12 March 2027.

What has to be documented?

For each piece of equipment subject to leak checks, the operator keeps records (Art. 7): type and quantity of refrigerant, quantities added and recovered with dates, the origin of recycled or reclaimed refrigerant, name and certificate number of the company and of the person doing the work, date and result of every leak check and repair, and recovery on decommissioning. Records must be kept for at least 5 years; the service company keeps copies.

Frequently asked questions

Does every air conditioner have to be leak-checked?

No. What matters is the refrigerant and the charge per piece of equipment. A split unit with 1.5 kg of R32 has about 1 t CO₂ equivalent and does not need leak checks. A system with 3 kg of R410A has about 6.3 t and must be checked at least once a year. The calculator above shows this for your system.

What applies to R1234yf and R1234ze?

These refrigerants are listed in Annex II Group 1 and have a very low GWP. Under the new F-gas Regulation they still need leak checks, based on kilograms: from 1 kg per piece of equipment, regardless of the CO₂ equivalent.

Does the duty also apply to heat pumps and chillers?

Yes, the same thresholds apply. Many domestic heat pumps with R32 stay below them. R290 (propane) is not a fluorinated gas and is not covered by this duty. Larger heat pumps and chillers in commercial buildings and apartment blocks often reach the threshold.

Who may carry out leak checks?

For stationary equipment, only persons certified under Art. 10 of the F-gas Regulation; in Germany this is a certificate of competence (Sachkundebescheinigung) under the ChemKlimaschutzV. New: from 13 March 2029, a refresher course at least every seven years becomes mandatory. Until then, transitional rules apply to existing certificates (Sections 5 and 17 ChemKlimaschutzV).

How much refrigerant may a system lose?

In Germany, Section 2 ChemKlimaschutzV sets maximum refrigerant losses in normal operation. For stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump systems installed after 30 June 2008: 3 % per year below 10 kg charge, 2 % from 10 to 100 kg and 1 % above 100 kg. Higher values apply to older systems. Leaks found must be repaired without undue delay (Art. 4).

Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, Art. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 and Annexes I and II (applies since 11 March 2024); German Chemicals Climate Protection Ordinance (Chemikalien-Klimaschutzverordnung, ChemKlimaschutzV) of 14 April 2026, BGBl. 2026 I No. 100, in force since 17 April 2026, Sections 2, 5 and 17. As of November 2026.

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