Why is it essential to use a recovery machine when collecting refrigerant?

Using a recovery machine when collecting refrigerant is essential primarily to prevent environmental damage. Refrigerants can be harmful to the environment if released into the atmosphere, contributing to ozone depletion and climate change. Recovery machines are specifically designed to safely extract refrigerants from systems, ensuring they are not vented into the atmosphere during service or maintenance work. By using these machines, technicians comply with legal regulations aimed at protecting the environment and promote responsible handling of these substances.

While the speed of the collection process, lowering the pressure in the system, and ensuring refrigerant purity are important considerations in refrigerant management, they are secondary to the critical goal of environmental protection. Recovery machines are engineered to effectively capture and contain refrigerants, mitigating potential negative impacts on the ozone layer and promoting overall environmental sustainability.