JR Hobbs Innovation
Is your commercial property ready for stricter HVAC regulations? How the new AIM Act will impact your bottom line.
Commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are critical, and a costly, component of any commercial property. Regular HVAC maintenance is the most effective way to protect your investment, reduce operating expenses, and ensure regulatory compliance. With new federal regulations taking effect January 1, 2026, proactive HVAC management is no longer optional. It is essential.
Protect your assets, control operating costs, and stay compliant with the new AIM Act HVAC regulations
Refrigerant leaks often go unnoticed until an HVAC system can no longer maintain comfort levels or fails entirely. These refrigerants, known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are critical for cooling performance. When leaks occur, systems must work harder to compensate which can drive up energy costs, accelerate equipment wear, and shorten system lifespan. The result is higher utility bills, unplanned capital expenses, and increased tenant dissatisfaction.
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 went into effect Jan 1, 2026. The new regulations create fines and new monitoring responsibilities for commercial property owners. New federal regulations requires that HVAC systems are operating efficiently and within compliance. Under new federal requirements, owners and operators of most commercial properties will be required to actively monitor and promptly repair refrigerant leaks or face substantial financial penalties.
Historically, only HVAC systems containing 50 pounds or more of refrigerant were regulated. The new AIM Act lowers that threshold to just 15 pounds bringing smaller commercial buildings (as small as 2,000–3,000 square feet under federal oversight. Commercial real estate owners now have increased compliance responsibility: more regulated buildings mean more HVAC systems are open to government oversight.
The AIM Act imposes strong penalties for faulty HVAC systems. If a refrigerant leak is detected, repairs must be completed within 30 days. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $60,000 per day per violation, depending on severity, and continued non-compliance can trigger even larger penalties, with increased regulatory scrutiny.
In addition, the AIM Act introduces stricter system documentation requirements. Owners and operators must maintain detailed records of leak detection, repairs, follow-up testing, and refrigerant usage for a minimum of three years. Without a structured maintenance program, this administrative burden can become costly and time-consuming. Companies like JR Hobbs have integrated the AIM Act requirements into their maintenance programs to provide the monitoring and record keeping required to maintain compliance. Now more than ever before commercial property owners need a preventative maintenance plan that proactively addresses the performance and new regulatory requirements of their HVAC systems.
The Smart Approach: Proactive HVAC Maintenance
The most effective way to control energy costs, avoid penalties, and protect asset value is to prevent leaks before they occur. Proactive monitoring and routine inspections by experienced, licensed technicians can identify small issues early, before they escalate into major repairs, compliance violations, or tenant complaints.
During scheduled maintenance, technicians focus on key system components that directly impact efficiency, reliability, and AIM compliance:
-
Evaporator and condenser coils, which can corrode over time and develop leaks
-
Air filters, where dirt and age restrict airflow, increase system strain which increases the potential for leaks,
-
Valves, fittings, and joints, common failure points where refrigerant can escape
Addressing these issues early extends equipment life, stabilizes operating expenses, helps ensure uninterrupted building operations, and maintains AIM compliance.
A Trusted Partner for Commercial HVAC Compliance
JR Hobbs delivers comprehensive maintenance solutions designed specifically for commercial real estate that will address the AIM Act regulations. Serving the Southeast since 1971, JR Hobbs employs experienced, licensed technicians and is a recognized industry leader in designing and managing large-scale preventative maintenance programs. Our customized preventative maintenance plan now includes monitoring and reporting critical to AIM act compliance. The JR Hobbs maintenance plan supports monthly inspections, regulatory documentation, to extend system performance, while helping your business stay compliant with federal regulations. Our goal is to maximize efficiency and protect your investment.
At JR Hobbs, all we do is commercial HVAC. Whether you have one building with one unit or dozens of buildings with hundreds of units across the southeast we can install and maintain your commercial HVAC system.
.png){kind=logo}