What is the function of a refrigerant recovery machine?

The function of a refrigerant recovery machine is primarily to extract refrigerant from HVAC systems for recycling or proper disposal. These machines are essential for ensuring that refrigerants, which can be harmful to the environment if released into the atmosphere, are safely removed from the system when repairs, retrofits, or system replacements are necessary. By recovering refrigerants, technicians can prevent emissions, comply with environmental regulations, and reuse the recovered refrigerants in future applications, thereby promoting recycling and sustainability within the HVAC industry.

In practice, a refrigerant recovery machine operates by creating a vacuum that pulls the refrigerant from the system into a storage tank, allowing the system to be safely serviced. This is especially important as the handling of refrigerants is strictly regulated due to their potential impact on ozone depletion and climate change.