In this article, we’ll explain in just 3 minutes the symptoms and consequences of refrigerant overcharge in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Below, we analyze each point clearly and precisely.
- Increased Power Consumption
Excess refrigerant leads to higher power consumption, exceeding the system’s Rated Load Amperage (RLA). This increase can be easily measured using a clamp meter on the system’s power supply cable. - Higher System Pressures
Refrigerant overcharge causes a significant rise in suction and discharge pressures. Monitoring these requires connecting pressure gauges to the system. - Higher Temperatures on Low and High-Pressure Sides
The pressure increase also raises average temperatures on both sides of the system:- Low-pressure side.
- Condenser (high-pressure side).
These temperatures can be checked using a thermometer.
- Minimal or No Superheat
In the evaporator, excess refrigerant nearly eliminates superheat. Using a probe thermometer, you’ll observe that the temperature difference between the evaporator inlet and outlet is nearly zero. - Equal Temperatures Between Compressor and Condenser
The refrigerant exiting the compressor and entering the condenser shows almost identical temperatures. This can be confirmed with a thermometer. - Slight Increase in Subcooling
Refrigerant overcharge causes a minor rise in condenser subcooling. This can be verified by comparing:- Ambient temperature around the condenser.
- Refrigerant temperature at the condenser outlet.
The values are nearly identical.
- Normal Compressor Outlet Temperature
Despite the refrigerant overcharge, temperatures at the compressor outlet remain near normal values, generally below 100°C.
