Q&A

What causes low suction and high head pressure?

What causes low suction and high head pressure?

This can be caused by low air flow (dirty filter, slipping belt, undersized or restricted ductwork, dust and dirt buildup on blower wheel) or a dirty or plugged evaporator coil. Checking superheat will indicate if the low suction is caused by insufficient heat getting to the evaporator.

What causes high head pressure in a refrigeration system?

Once the air gets to the condenser, it will remain at its top and not condense. The subcooled liquid seal at the condenser’s bottom will prevent the air from passing out of the condenser. This air and water vapor will take up valuable condenser surface area and cause high-head pressures.

What can be the reason for low suction pressure in a compressor?

Compressor suction pressure is too low or liquid returns, what should be done? 1) If refrigerant filled is insufficient, please add refrigerant. 2) If indoor temperature is set too low, please set it higher. 3) If filters are clogged with dirt, please replace the filters.

Why is my suction pressure low?

Many reasons can cause low refrigerant suction pressure, i.e.: low indoor temperature, dirty filters, restricted ducts, undersized ducts, closed dampers, frosted coils, restricted refrigerant line, restricted piston, incorrect piston, restricted strainer, bad indoor blower motor ect.

Will a bad TXV cause low suction pressure?

A TXV being restricted will cause the evaporator, compressor, and condenser to be starved of refrigerant. This will cause low suction pressures, high superheats, low amp draws, and low head pressures. Even the receiver may overfill if too much refrigerant is added.

How do you fix high head pressure?

Plugged up condenser coils is another big problem commonly encountered with high head pressure. That is also probably the easiest one to solve, provided you have a water hose nearby. A little coil cleaner and spraying water (from the inside out) will solve that problem and drop the head pressure to normal levels.

What should the head pressure be on a 410A system?

For R-410A, a working pressure capability of at least 400 psi is recommended (this includes recovery cylinders). Standard DOT recovery cylinders rated for 350 psi should not be used.

What happens if refrigerant pressure is too low?

Low refrigerant means low pressure and low pressure means low temperatures that will eventually freeze something called an evaporator coil. When the evaporator coil freezes, cold liquid refrigerant flows through the refrigerant line, causing the surrounding moisture in the air to freeze.

How do you tell if a TXV is clogged?

Valve blockage A plugged TXV will underfeed the evaporator and produce symptoms that include the evaporator operating under a vacuum or very low pressure. A plugged valve will not respond to a superheat decrease or will suddenly open up if superheat is adjusted downwards. Some TXVs have an inlet strainer.

When should I worry about head pressure?

You should see a doctor if you consistently have to take pain medication for head pressure more than two times per week. Make an appointment with your doctor if your head pressure is long term (chronic), severe, or unusual for you. Headaches that disrupt your day-to-day activities warrant medical treatment.

Why does my refrigeration have high suction pressure?

A basic understanding of your refrigeration system is learning about the two operating systems. The two systems are suction pressure and discharging pressure. There are both high and low settings for each pressure line. For a high-pressure suction to occur you could have an insufficient compressor.

What causes low head pressure and high suction pressure?

The main reasons your compressor will have simultaneously low head pressure and high suction pressure is due to: 1 Bad or leaky compressor valves 2 Worn compressor piston rings 3 Leaky oil separator return line More

What happens when your compressor has a high suction pressure?

When your compressor has both a low head pressure and a high suction pressure your refrigeration equipment is still running, but the temperature is dangerously low. Your compressor is still cooling, but not cooling to its rated capacity. Your medium temperature products will spoil quicker.

What is high head pressure and low suction for 410A?

What is high head pressure for 410a? “For example, to produce an evaporating temperature of 40 degrees F and a condensing temperature of 115 degrees, the suction and head pressures would be 83 psia and 257 psia in an R-22 system, while they would be 133 and 406 psia, respectively, in an R-410A system.”