Contaminated refrigerants can cause the appliance to

• A. Cool more efficiently
• B. Cool less efficiently
• C. Stop cooling
• D. Have no impact on performance

Answer: (B)

Contaminants in refrigerant change the way the system transfers heat and moves oil through the compressor. Impurities, moisture, or air can alter the refrigerant’s boiling and boiling/condensing behavior, clog the metering device, and disrupt lubrication. All of this makes heat transfer less effective, so the evaporator absorbs less heat each cycle and the system has to work longer or harder to reach the desired temperature. In short, the appliance loses cooling efficiency because the refrigerant isn’t performing as it should.