What is the required recovery percentage from an appliance if its compressor is operational?

The correct answer is 90%. When working with appliances that have an operational compressor, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates a recovery percentage of 90% for most refrigerants. This means that 90% of the refrigerant in the system should be recovered before servicing or repairing the unit.

The rationale behind this requirement is to minimize the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere, as they can be harmful to the environment. Proper recovery ensures that the refrigerant is captured and reused or properly disposed of, which aligns with efforts to prevent ozone depletion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast to this standard, lower recovery percentages do not ensure adequate protection against the environmental impacts of refrigerant release. Therefore, achieving the 90% recovery threshold is critical for compliance with EPA regulations and for maintaining responsible environmental practices in refrigeration and air conditioning.