MACS 609 Certification Practice Exam

Improper refrigerant recovery can lead to significant risks, particularly regarding human safety. When refrigerants are not recovered correctly, they can leak into the atmosphere, resulting in human exposure to potentially toxic and harmful substances. Many refrigerants, especially those that have been phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly options, can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems or other hazardous effects.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes, which are not associated with improper recovery. System performance and energy consumption would typically suffer from negligence in recovery processes, while the lifespan of the A/C unit would likely be shortened due to the associated risks and damages that could result from refrigerant leaks. Thus, the emphasis is on the dangers and consequences to human health when refrigerants are mishandled.