When performing maintenance on a refrigeration system, which component is crucial for keeping it leak-free?

In a refrigeration system, seals and gaskets play a critical role in preventing refrigerant leaks. They are responsible for creating airtight connections between various components, effectively minimizing the risk of refrigerant escaping the system. Over time, seals and gaskets can wear out or degrade due to temperature fluctuations, pressure changes, and the chemical properties of refrigerants, making it essential to ensure that they are in good condition during maintenance checks.

By maintaining the integrity of seals and gaskets, you significantly reduce the likelihood of leaks, which can not only lead to reduced system efficiency but also environmental concerns and potential safety issues. In contrast, while other components like the expansion valve, evaporator, and compressor are vital for the operation of the refrigeration system, they do not directly address the prevention of leaks as effectively as seals and gaskets do.