What function does a service valve serve in a refrigerant system?

A service valve in a refrigerant system primarily serves the purpose of providing access for maintenance, troubleshooting, and system charging. When technicians need to inspect or service the system, they can open the service valve to allow refrigerant to enter or exit the system without needing to disconnect any hoses or components. This is crucial for safely checking pressures, recovering refrigerants, or adding refrigerant to the system.

This function is essential for routine maintenance and troubleshooting, as it facilitates the necessary access to monitor and adjust the refrigerant levels as needed. The ability to easily connect diagnostic tools or refrigerant recovery equipment greatly enhances the efficiency and safety of working on refrigerant systems.