Prior to opening a vapor/compression system for service, what must be done with the refrigerant?

The appropriate action prior to opening a vapor/compression system for service is to recover the refrigerant using approved equipment. This step is crucial for several reasons. First, refrigerants can be harmful to the environment if released into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and ozone layer depletion. Regulations like the Clean Air Act mandate that professionals in the HVAC field follow proper procedures for handling refrigerants to minimize environmental impact.

Using approved recovery equipment ensures that the refrigerant is captured and stored safely for eventual recycling or disposal, preventing leaks and maintaining compliance with environmental laws. Additionally, this practice protects service technicians from exposure to potentially hazardous refrigerants.

Some options, such as venting refrigerants to the atmosphere, are illegal and unsafe, while others imply inadequate handling of refrigerants that could have adverse effects on the environment and public health. Therefore, recovery using approved equipment is the best practice for responsible refrigerant management when servicing vapor/compression systems.