What effect does low refrigerant have on HVAC system efficiency?

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Low refrigerant levels in an HVAC system lead to a reduction in the system's cooling capacity. When there is insufficient refrigerant, the heat exchange process that is essential for cooling is compromised. This means that the system struggles to absorb heat from the indoor air, resulting in insufficient cooling.

Additionally, operating with low refrigerant can lead to increased pressures within the system as the compressor works harder to try to circulate the limited refrigerant. This added stress on the compressor can ultimately cause serious damage or even complete failure of the compressor, which is one of the most critical and expensive components of the HVAC system to repair or replace.

Thus, understanding the implications of low refrigerant levels is essential for maintaining HVAC efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of the system.

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