What is one of the primary indicators of a low refrigerant charge in a system?

A low refrigerant charge in a system can be effectively indicated by low suction pressure. When the refrigerant charge is low, there is not enough refrigerant present to absorb the heat from the indoor air, leading to insufficient pressure within the suction line. This drop in pressure can result in reduced cooling efficiency and may cause the system to struggle to reach the desired temperature.

In addition to low suction pressure, other indicators may include high discharge pressure and frost on the evaporator coils. However, these symptoms are often connected to other issues and may not directly indicate a low refrigerant charge. Low suction pressure is a more definitive sign of refrigerant deficiency because it directly reflects the capability of the system to draw in refrigerant vapor from the evaporator, affecting overall performance and efficiency.