When is it mandatory to recover refrigerants from small appliances?

Recovering refrigerants from small appliances is mandatory whenever the unit is being serviced or disposed of. This requirement is in place to prevent the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere, which can be harmful to the environment and contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. The EPA regulations specify that technicians must recover all refrigerants before repairing, maintaining, or disposing of appliances containing refrigerants.

The focus on recovery during service or disposal is crucial because these are the times when refrigerants can easily escape if proper procedures are not followed. Proper recovery techniques ensure that refrigerants are captured and either recycled or properly disposed of, in accordance with environmental regulations. This practice helps in minimizing the environmental impact and maintaining compliance with federal laws governing refrigerants.