When refrigerant is added, what must occur to existing outdoor access ports?

In the context of adding refrigerant, it is essential to ensure that the existing outdoor access ports are properly managed to prevent contamination and refrigerant loss. Fitting these access ports with protective caps is a critical step in maintaining the integrity of the refrigerant system.

Protective caps serve multiple purposes: they help to safeguard the port from debris and contamination, which could otherwise interfere with the refrigerant system's performance. Additionally, these caps prevent moisture from entering the system, which can lead to issues like acid formation or the freezing of moisture within the refrigerant lines. Properly capped ports also minimize the chance of refrigerant escaping during maintenance activities.

While options that mention replacement of ports or sealing with liquid nitrogen suggest maintenance actions, they do not directly address the specific requirement to protect existing ports when adding refrigerant. Leaving the ports unprotected would expose them to the environment and potential damage, highlighting the importance of ensuring that protective caps are used.