An R-123 chiller leaked 140 percent of its full charge during 2025. What must the owner do?

Leak detection · EPA 608 Type III. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Pressurizing low-pressure systems for leak tests, signs of leaks, inspections and reports.

The question

An R-123 chiller leaked 140 percent of its full charge during 2025. What must the owner do?

• AReport to EPA within 30 days of the chiller reaching 125 percent of its charge
• BReport to EPA by December 31, 2025, with a retirement date
• CReport to EPA by March 1, 2026, describing efforts to find and fix leaksCorrect answer
• DKeep records on site; no report is needed unless EPA asks

Why “Report to EPA by March 1, 2026, describing efforts to find and fix leaks” is correct

Chronically leaking appliances, those losing 125 percent or more of full charge in a calendar year, trigger a report to EPA. 40 CFR 82.157(j) requires it by March 1 of the following year, describing the efforts made to identify leaks and repair the appliance.

Source: 40 CFR 82.157(j); 40 CFR 82.157(m)

Why the other answers are wrong

• Report to EPA within 30 days of the chiller reaching 125 percent of its charge — The report is annual, due by March 1 of the following year.
• Report to EPA by December 31, 2025, with a retirement date — The deadline is March 1 of the next year, and the report describes leak repair efforts.
• Keep records on site; no report is needed unless EPA asks — Chronic leakers must submit a report; on-site records alone are not enough.

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Type III practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.