Where should recovery start with an air-cooled condenser on the roof and the evaporator on the first floor?

The correct approach to starting the recovery process with an air-cooled condenser located on the roof and the evaporator on the first floor is to initiate the recovery from the liquid line entering the evaporator.

When recovering refrigerant, it’s crucial to remove it in a manner that ensures the system is depressurized and that the refrigerant is moved correctly through the system. Starting at the liquid line allows for efficient recovery of the liquid refrigerant that has been condensed in the condenser and is now flowing towards the evaporator. This ensures that you are handling the refrigerant in its liquid state, which is less harmful in terms of environmental impact and reduces the risks associated with capturing vapor that may contain non-condensable gases.

Starting from the vapor line or discharge of the compressor may lead to difficulties. Recovering from the vapor line entering the condenser would mean dealing with refrigerant that is in a gaseous state, which is less efficient for recovery as it can take longer and potentially lead to incomplete recovery. Similarly, beginning recovery on the discharge side of the compressor also involves engaging with vapor in many cases, which introduces its own complications. The suction line is typically not the best starting point either, as it is where low-pressure vapor enters the compressor, making