Why do you need a leakage test?

Global warming, the greenhouse effect and environmental protection are not unfamiliar concepts to us. But it is worth thinking about what these concepts have in common and how they relate to leakage testing.

At the heart of the leakage test is the need to protect the environment, more specifically to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming.

European Union member states, including Hungary, are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was the first agreement in which signatory states (including the EU) committed to reducing emissions of gases that contribute to global warming. The four focus gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases (F-gases).

Refrigerants used in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment such as heat pumps, liquid refrigerators, cold storage or refrigerated display cabinets are also considered to be highly polluting gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

These gases can leak from equipment during use. Leakage is acceptable to a certain extent, but significant releases to the atmosphere are seriously damaging to the environment. Therefore, equipment should be leakage tested from time to time.

The National Climate Protection Authority has been designated as the authority responsible for climate protection with the adoption of Government Decree 14/2015 (II.10.) on the conditions for carrying out activities related to fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances. The Authority is responsible for the supervision of companies carrying out activities with fluorinated greenhouse gases and for the operation of the Climate Gas Database.

What is a leakage test about?

During a leakage test, technicians determine and document the extent of leakage of refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. If the leakage rate of refrigerants in the equipment exceeds the maximum allowable value, the owner is required to take immediate action to correct the problem. If the leakage rate is acceptable, the technicians will issue a valid leakage test report and record the results in the national online register system.

When and for whom is a leakage test mandatory?

Owners who operate refrigeration and air conditioning equipment are required to leakage test if the refrigerant in their equipment exceeds 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This will be checked by the Climate Protection Authority, which may impose a heavy fine on the business owner if a valid leakage test report is not provided.

Don't risk it, get an expert to check for leakages

We provide a full service to those who are required to leakage test, from consultancy to the completion of the leakage test. Our experienced experts, with the necessary licences and training, carry out leakage testing on an ongoing basis for many small and large companies.

Request our free quotation and be sure to get your mandatory leakage test in hand.