Recovering refrigerant from an air conditioning (AC) unit should only be done by trained and certified HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians or professionals who have the necessary equipment and knowledge to handle refrigerants safely. It is illegal and dangerous for untrained individuals to work with refrigerants because they can harm the environment and pose serious health risks.

If you suspect that your AC unit has a refrigerant leak or needs refrigerant recovery, here are the general steps a certified technician would follow:

Gather Equipment and Safety Gear:

Refrigerant recovery machine: This is a specialized piece of equipment designed to safely remove refrigerant from the AC unit and store it in a separate container.
Refrigerant recovery cylinder: A certified cylinder capable of storing the recovered refrigerant.
Safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against potential contact with refrigerant.

Turn Off the AC Unit:

Ensure the AC unit is turned off and unplugged from the power source.

Connect the Recovery Equipment:

Attach the recovery machine's hoses to the AC unit's service ports. There are high and lowpressure service ports on the AC system.

Start the Recovery Process:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating the refrigerant recovery machine.
The recovery machine will extract the refrigerant from the AC unit into the recovery cylinder.

Monitor Pressure and Temperature:

Continuously monitor the pressure and temperature during the recovery process to ensure it proceeds safely and efficiently.

Complete the Recovery:

When the recovery machine indicates that the refrigerant has been fully recovered, shut off the recovery machine.

Disconnect the Equipment:

Carefully disconnect the hoses and equipment, ensuring that no refrigerant is released into the atmosphere.

Store the Recovered Refrigerant:

Label the recovery cylinder with the type and quantity of refrigerant it contains.
Store the recovered refrigerant in compliance with local regulations.

Properly Dispose of the Cylinder:

Contact a licensed facility or recycling center to dispose of the recovered refrigerant safely and in accordance with environmental regulations.
It's essential to follow all local, state, and federal regulations when handling and disposing of refrigerants. Refrigerants can harm the environment and contribute to ozone depletion if released improperly. Always hire a certified HVAC technician to perform refrigerant recovery and maintenance on your AC unit to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.