Which step should follow the initial leak test and precede charging?

• A. Inspected
• B. Recharged
• C. Evacuated
• D. Pressurized

Answer: (C)

After a leak test, pulling a vacuum (evacuating) the system is the essential next step before charging. Evacuation removes air, moisture, and residual gases from the lines, which prevents contaminants from affecting the charge, causing improper refrigerant behavior, or forming acids and ice during operation. Achieving a deep vacuum (often a specified micron level) also helps confirm that the system will hold a vacuum, indicating good seals.

Charging should come after this evacuation to ensure the refrigerant fills a clean, dry, air-free system. If you charge before evacuating, trapped air and moisture will remain, leading to poor performance and potential damage. Inspected is typically an earlier quality check unrelated to the direct sequence of leak testing and charging. Recharged would occur after evacuation, and pressurized refers to the leak-checking method itself rather than the step that sits between leak testing and charging.