What Is a Refrigerant Exposure Risk Assessment (and Why You Need One Before 2026)

1. What is a refrigerant exposure risk assessment? Why do you need one before 2026?

The new management provisions under the AIM Act mark one of the biggest shifts in refrigerant management in decades. Until now, only facilities with large HVAC/R systems (typically those with older, ozone-depleting substances or assets above a 50-pound charge threshold) had to think seriously about refrigerant compliance.

That’s about to change.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the AIM Act lowers that threshold to 15 pounds and expands covered material types to nearly all HFC refrigerants, bringing millions of additional systems (not to mention, entire industries) under new federal oversight. Categories like retail, convenience stores, and med-tail, which may have never needed to track refrigerant data before, will soon be required to do so.

As Steven Blumenfeld, Vice President and General Manager of Fexa Trakref, explains:

“We understand that this is a big change. Entire categories like retail, convenience stores, and med-tail that may have never previously thought about these regulations because it just didn’t affect them are now going to be newly impacted. Our number one priority is making sure our partners aren’t caught by surprise.”

That’s exactly why Fexa Trakref created the Refrigerant Exposure Risk Assessment: a free, no-strings-attached review of your HVAC/R portfolio designed to help you understand your exposure before new compliance rules take effect.

2. What do you get from an assessment?

A Refrigerant Exposure Risk Assessment is more than just a regulatory check — it’s a clear roadmap to compliance and operational improvement. During your session, our team walks you through a personalized overview of the upcoming AIM Act changes, helping you understand exactly how the new rules will impact your facilities portfolio.

We start by reviewing your existing HVAC/R asset data to determine which systems may soon fall under federal or state refrigerant management requirements. You’ll see how your current assets compare against key regulations — like the Clean Air Act, the AIM Act Subsection H (effective January 1, 2026), and relevant state programs such as CARB, New Jersey Greenhouse Gas Reporting, New York Part 494, and Washington’s Refrigerant Management Program.

Once we’ve identified your exposure, we’ll demonstrate how Fexa Trakref can help you track, manage, and automate compliance through a single connected platform. You’ll get a preview of how refrigerant management data syncs directly with your CMMS, making it easier to link assets, service events, and work orders while maintaining visibility into all refrigerant-related activities.

The assessment concludes with a clear, realistic readiness plan which includes a phased timeline for achieving AIM Act compliance. We’ll share best practices for data cleanup, governance, technician training, and audit preparation so your team knows exactly what to do next.

You’ll walk away with:

• A clear picture of your organization’s refrigerant compliance exposure
• A simple roadmap for reaching audit-ready status by 2026
• Insights into potential cost savings from leak reduction and data-driven capital planning
• A preview of how automated workflows can streamline reporting and sustainability tracking
  

In short, it’s not just about checking a compliance box — it’s about building a smarter, more efficient refrigerant management program that pays off long after 2026.

Read also: Asset Inventory Checklist: How to Prepare for AIM Act Changes

3. Who should get an exposure risk assessment?

Any organization with HVAC or refrigeration assets should take a closer look.

If your business operates multiple locations or relies on cooling systems to protect products or comfort, the upcoming AIM Act changes likely affect your operations. This includes:

• Retail chains with HVAC or refrigeration systems
  
• Grocery and foodservice brands managing cold storage and display cases
  
• Convenience stores with on-site refrigeration or freezer units
  
• Med-tail and healthcare facilities with temperature-sensitive equipment
  
• Distribution centers and warehouses that depend on climate control
  

Even if your assets have previously been considered “too small to regulate,” it’s important to understand what’s changing.

When the refrigerant charge threshold drops to 15 pounds, many of the systems powering these everyday spaces—think rooftop units, walk-in coolers, and refrigerated display cases—will move into the regulated category for the first time.

Read also: AIM Act Flow Chart: How do you know if your assets are affected?

If you decide to take the next step, your Refrigerant Exposure Risk Assessment isn’t just a call — it’s a hands-on working session designed to give you clarity, data, and a practical plan for what comes next.

4. How can Fexa Trakref help you prepare for 2026?

As the 2026 AIM Act deadline approaches, proactive preparation is the smartest move you can make. Fexa Trakref combines deep regulatory expertise with purpose-built technology to help multi-site facilities teams understand their exposure, automate compliance, and eliminate surprises before new refrigerant rules take effect.

Whether you’re just starting to evaluate your readiness or you already have a refrigerant management program in place, Fexa Trakref can give you the clarity and tools to move forward with confidence.

You can either:

• Request a free, no-strings-attached Refrigerant Exposure Risk Assessment. Get a quick, expert review of your assets and discover where you stand under the new AIM Act rules.
  
• Schedule a personalized Fexa Trakref demo. See how integrated refrigerant tracking and compliance automation can simplify management across all your sites.
  

Either way, your 2026 compliance journey starts with visibility, and Fexa Trakref is here to help you get there.