Noncondensable gases in the refrigeration system can cause which of the following other symptoms?

• A. Hot compressor
• B. Cold compressor
• C. Lower discharge pressure
• D. High humidity in the room

Answer: (A)

Noncondensable gases in the refrigerant circuit hinder the condenser’s ability to reject heat. They form pockets that reduce contact with condenser surfaces, so the refrigerant vapor doesn’t condense as it should. To push heat out under these conditions, the system must increase the condensing pressure and temperature, which means the compressor has to work harder and discharge gas at a higher temperature. That extra load shows up as a hot compressor. The other symptoms don’t fit this mechanism: a cold compressor would imply overcooling or low load, lower discharge pressure goes against the need to push heat out through a less efficient condenser, and high room humidity isn’t a direct result of internal noncondensables.