What is the recommended action when an annual leak rate exceeds 35%?

When the annual leak rate exceeds 35%, the recommended action is to repair the system. This threshold is significant because a leak rate above 35% indicates that the system is losing refrigerant at an unsustainable rate, which can lead to inefficient operation, increased environmental impact due to refrigerant emissions, and potential damage to the cooling system itself.

Repairing the system is essential as it directly addresses the source of the leak, ensuring that the refrigerant is contained effectively, thus improving the system's efficiency and performance. Additionally, repairing leaks helps to comply with the regulatory standards set by the EPA regarding refrigerant management and reduces the environmental impact associated with refrigerant releases.

In contrast, simply reducing refrigerant levels would not solve the problem of the leak itself, increasing the likelihood of future performance issues or further leaks. Increasing pressure in the system could lead to dangerous conditions, and conducting additional monitoring without first repairing the leak does not address the existing issue, potentially exacerbating the refrigerant loss and operational inefficiencies. Hence, repairing the system is the most responsible and effective action when faced with a leak rate exceeding 35%.