What is one reason why proper refrigerant recovery is important?

Proper refrigerant recovery is essential primarily to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Regulations such as those enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are designed to prevent harmful refrigerants from being released into the atmosphere, where they can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. By recovering refrigerants, technicians can ensure that these substances are safely captured and disposed of or recycled, instead of being vented, which is prohibited and can lead to severe penalties.

Environmental regulations exist to protect the atmosphere and promote sustainability, so adhering to these standards is a legal and ethical obligation for technicians working with refrigerants. This compliance not only addresses environmental concerns but also helps maintain the integrity of the industry by ensuring that technicians perform their work responsibly.