Which component should be checked frequently to prevent contamination from acids, moisture, and oil?

• A. Drier
• B. Oil filter
• C. Condenser
• D. Oil pump

Answer: (B)

Moisture and acids in a refrigerant system are harmful because they can cause corrosion, acid buildup, and lubrication problems. The device designed to prevent this contamination is the desiccant drier, which adsorbs moisture and helps neutralize acids in the refrigerant. It should be checked frequently because once its capacity is exhausted or the desiccant breaks down, moisture and acids can circulate through the system and jeopardize components like the compressor. The oil filter mainly removes particulates from oil and doesn’t address moisture or acid in the refrigerant loop; the condenser and oil pump serve other essential roles—removing heat and supplying lubrication, respectively—rather than filtering moisture or acids.