What equipment must be available at a technician's place of business for small appliance service and repair?

The correct answer is that a recovery machine must be available at a technician's place of business for small appliance service and repair. This is a critical piece of equipment because it allows technicians to safely remove refrigerant from appliances when repairs are necessary. It is important to handle refrigerants carefully to prevent environmental harm and to comply with legal regulations regarding refrigerant management.

Having a recovery machine ensures that any refrigerant removed from a small appliance is collected and stored properly, instead of being released into the atmosphere. This practice protects the environment by minimizing emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.

While other equipment, such as a vacuum pump, leak detector, and refrigerant scale, play important roles in the repair and maintenance process, they do not specifically address the need to recover refrigerant from a system. Recovery machines are mandated by regulations to prevent harmful refrigerant releases, making them essential for compliance and safety in HVAC work.