What should be done if a refrigerant recovery procedure indicates oil contamination?

When a refrigerant recovery procedure indicates oil contamination, utilizing oil separators is the most effective response. Oil separators are designed to remove oil from the refrigerant during the recovery process, allowing for cleaner recovery and minimizing the amount of contaminated refrigerant that returns to the system. This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the A/C system since excessive oil can hinder heat exchange and lead to further complications.

Continuing the recovery process without addressing the oil contamination may result in returning a mixture of refrigerant and oil to the system, which can compromise its performance and effectiveness. Replacing the entire system might seem like a solution in the face of significant oil contamination, but it is often not necessary and can be costly. Inspecting for potential leaks is important in maintaining system integrity, but it does not directly address the issue of oil contamination during recovery. Therefore, using oil separators is the most appropriate and effective action to take in this scenario.