If refrigerant pressure increases, what happens to the boiling point?

When the pressure of a refrigerant increases, its boiling point also increases. This relationship is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics known as the pressure-temperature relationship of a substance. As the pressure surrounding a liquid is increased, more energy is required to break the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid together. Consequently, a higher temperature is needed for the refrigerant to achieve the boiling state, where it transitions from the liquid phase to the vapor phase.

This concept is critical in refrigeration cycles, where managing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant is essential for efficient operation. In contrast, reducing pressure would lower the boiling point, allowing the refrigerant to evaporate at a cooler temperature, which is how it absorbs heat in the system. Understanding this relationship helps in diagnosing issues and optimizing the performance of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.