What should technicians do if they encounter a refrigerant that has not been marked?

When technicians encounter a refrigerant that has not been marked, the best practice is to mark it properly before recovering or disposing of it. Proper labeling is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures that the refrigerant's identity is known, which is crucial for safety and compliance with regulations. Different refrigerants have different chemical properties, and using the wrong one can pose risks to equipment and human health.

Additionally, marking the refrigerant aids in the compliance with EPA regulations, which require proper management of refrigerants to prevent environmental harm. By taking the initiative to mark the refrigerant, technicians contribute to maintaining a safe working environment and adhere to best practices in refrigerant management.

In contrast, disposing of it immediately without proper identification could lead to environmental hazards or breaches of regulations. Assuming it is safe without verification neglects the potential dangers associated with unknown refrigerants. Using it in any HVAC system poses significant risks due to the possibility of incompatibility with system components. Therefore, marking the refrigerant is the responsible course of action.