What is the primary reason for ensuring proper refrigerant recovery?

Ensuring proper refrigerant recovery is primarily important for protecting the environment. Refrigerants can have significant impacts on the ozone layer and contribute to global warming if they are released into the atmosphere. Many refrigerants contain substances that have high global warming potential (GWP) and deplete the ozone layer. By capturing and recovering these substances during servicing or disposal of HVAC systems, technicians prevent harmful emissions and support environmental sustainability efforts. This practice is not only a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, but also a crucial step in responsible environmental stewardship.

While other options such as maintaining system performance and reducing operational costs are relevant aspects of HVAC maintenance, they do not carry the same urgency or significance in the context of environmental impact as proper refrigerant recovery does. It is essential to prioritize environmental protection and adhere to regulations designed to mitigate harmful effects on the planet.