Final answer:
Trapping liquid refrigerant between service valves can decrease system efficiency, damage the compressor, and lead to system failures or leaks.
Step-by-step explanation:
When transferring liquid refrigerant between the recovery unit and the refrigeration system, it is important to avoid trapping liquid refrigerant between the service valves because it can lead to several issues. First, it can cause a decrease in system efficiency as trapped liquid refrigerant can impede the flow of refrigerant. Second, it can result in liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, which is designed to handle vapor refrigerant. This can lead to compressor damage and decrease the lifespan of the equipment. Third, trapped liquid refrigerant can cause pressure imbalances and potentially lead to system failures or leaks.