What is a common symptom indicating a potential issue during the refrigerant recovery process?

A strong odor during the refrigerant recovery process can indicate a potential issue because it may signal the presence of contaminants or a refrigerant leak. Certain refrigerants, when they break down, can produce noticeable odors that suggest chemical reactions occurring within the system, indicating that the refrigerant may be compromised or mixed with oil or moisture. Detecting a strong odor can alert technicians to investigate further to ensure safe handling of the refrigerants and prevent any adverse reactions or further damage to the system.

Additionally, while low suction pressure, high discharge pressure, and high temperatures at the evaporator can indicate various operational issues or imbalances within the refrigeration cycle, they do not typically signal a problem specific to the recovery process itself. In contrast, an odor alerts technicians to potential hazards immediately, making it a critical marker during refrigerant recovery.