When you are finished leak testing with R22 and nitrogen the next step would be?

• A. Recharge with refrigerant
• B. Vent refrigerant and nitrogen to open air
• C. Seal system and wait
• D. Vent only nitrogen

Answer: (B)

The next step is to vent both refrigerant and nitrogen to the open air. After completing leak testing, you need to purge the system of the test media and depressurize it so you can proceed with charging or further service. The nitrogen serves as the inert test gas, and the refrigerant is the actual system fluid used during the test; removing both ensures there’s no residual pressure or test gas left in the lines. Venting only nitrogen would leave the refrigerant in the system, and sealing and waiting wouldn’t complete the purge. Therefore, venting both gases to the atmosphere is the appropriate action to finish the test. (In real practice, refrigerants are typically recovered rather than vented, but this is the step described in the scenario.)