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What is the most likely cause of an air conditioner operating with low system pressures, an evaporator saturation temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and a suction line temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit with the suction line frosting?

a) Dirty air filters
b) Insufficient refrigerant charge
c) Faulty compressor motor
d) Blocked condenser coils

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The most likely cause of the described air conditioner issue is insufficient refrigerant charge, leading to lower evaporation pressure and temperature, resulting in suction line frosting.

Step-by-step explanation:

An air conditioner operating with low system pressures, an evaporator saturation temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and a suction line temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit with the suction line frosting indicates that the system is experiencing a cooling process with inadequate refrigerant levels. This condition is usually due to insufficient refrigerant charge, causing the remaining refrigerant to evaporate at a lower pressure and temperature than usual, hence the low evaporator saturation temperature and frosting along the suction line as the ambient air loses heat more rapidly to the colder refrigerant.

User Bob Blob
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