New Reporting Features Help Grocery Stores Navigate Complex EPA Refrigerant Requirements
The countdown to January 1, 2026 has begun for grocery retailers and cold storage operators across America. That's when the EPA will begin enforcing new refrigerant leak detection requirements under the AIM Act – and the penalties for non-compliance are steep. To help facilities prepare, we're excited to announce Enhanced Compliance Reporting, a new addition to our AI-powered Early Leak Detection system.
Why This Matters Now
Let's cut to the chase: starting January 1, 2026, about 25,000 refrigeration systems across the US will need automated leak detection systems, and nearly every refrigerated facility will be able to minimize regulatory exposure by installing one. But it's not just about having the technology – facilities need to maintain detailed records and be ready to report leaks when they occur. Non-compliance could result in fines up to $57,000 per day or even jail time.
California operators are already dealing with similar requirements under CARB regulations, and other states are following suit. The message is clear: the regulatory landscape for refrigeration is getting more stringent and complex, and facilities need robust solutions to stay compliant.
Beyond Just Detection: Making Compliance Simple
Our Enhanced Compliance Reporting builds upon our EPA and CARB-listed indirect Automatic Leak Detection (ALD) system to provide what we call an "easy button" for compliance. Here's what that means in practice:
The system automatically documents every leak detected and its location within the facility
Required records of ALD system installation and calibration dates at each facility are generated automatically (to support recordkeeping requirements)
Required reports are available promptly upon request if an auditor shows up unannounced
Note: Axiom’s ALD module is NOT a complete inventory management or refrigerant tracking solution (like Trakref or similar).
Why Act Now?
While 2026 might seem far away, there are compelling reasons to implement an ALD solution in 2025:
Avoid the last-minute rush as the deadline approaches
Start saving money immediately through reduced refrigerant costs
Improve operational efficiency across your refrigeration systems
Reduce your facility's greenhouse gas footprint
Build confidence in your compliance processes before enforcement begins
Acting now ensures adequate time for system deployment and integration across your operations.
A Smart Solution for a Complex Challenge
Our AI-powered system continuously monitors your refrigeration performance, helping detect and document leaks before they become major issues. By integrating compliance reporting directly into our existing Early Leak Detection module, we've created a seamless solution that handles both the technical and administrative aspects of compliance.
The bottom line? The new regulatory requirements are coming, and they're complex. But with the right tools in place, compliance doesn't have to be a burden. Our Enhanced Compliance Reporting is designed to give grocery retailers and cold storage operators peace of mind, knowing they're prepared for both scheduled audits and surprise inspections.