Which gas is considered the most dangerous to use for pressure testing in residential air conditioning?

Oxygen is considered the most dangerous gas to use for pressure testing in residential air conditioning systems due to its highly reactive nature. When oxygen is under pressure and comes into contact with oil or grease, it can ignite or even explode, leading to severe hazards. Oxygen itself is not flammable, but it greatly enhances combustion; thus, it can turn a small spark into a large and uncontrollable fire.

In contrast, the other gases mentioned have different characteristics. Nitrogen is inert and commonly used for pressure testing in HVAC applications because it doesn’t react with other materials under normal conditions. Acetylene and propane are flammable gases, but their use is limited in pressure testing due to the risk of fire, making them dangerous but not as hazardous as oxygen in the presence of flammable materials. The reactivity of oxygen, especially in a system that may contain lubricants and other combustible materials, makes it particularly hazardous for pressure testing in residential air conditioning systems.