What is a common symptom of low refrigerant levels in a system?

A common symptom of low refrigerant levels in a system is frost on the evaporator. When refrigerant levels are insufficient, the evaporator coil does not receive adequate refrigerant to absorb heat effectively. This can cause the coil temperature to drop below the freezing point of water, leading to frost or ice formation on the coil. The presence of frost indicates that the refrigerant is not circulating as it should, resulting in an inefficient heat exchange process.

Frost can impede airflow and reduce the overall efficiency of the system, leading to potential further issues such as compressor strain or failure if left unaddressed. Recognizing the formation of frost as a symptom of low refrigerant levels is essential for diagnosing and resolving refrigerant-related issues in HVAC systems.