German leak rates down to 1.07%
18th June 2025
GERMANY: Latest data from German system operators show a steep decline in refrigerant emissions since 2017.
Analysis of data gathered last year by the VDKF from over 65,000 system operators and around 293,000 refrigeration and air conditioning systems showed leakage rates of only 1.07%. In 2017, it was three times as high at 3.2%.
The highest leakage rates were found in commercial refrigeration applications (1.89%) and the lowest in split air conditioning (0.54%).
The VDKF hails this as “a remarkable success” for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, with manufacturers, system builders, and operators placing increasing importance on system leak tightness.
It also suggests a corresponding awareness of the environmental impacts of direct emissions from fluorinated refrigerants, while increased refrigerant prices are also likely to have played a role.
