What should the technician check if a refrigeration system is not cooling effectively?

When a refrigeration system is not cooling effectively, it is essential for the technician to check both the compressor operation and the refrigerant levels. The compressor plays a critical role in circulating the refrigerant through the system, and if it is not operating correctly, the cooling effect will be compromised. Similarly, checking the refrigerant levels is vital because low refrigerant can lead to insufficient cooling and potentially cause other issues, like compressor damage.

Inspecting both the compressor and the refrigerant ensures that the technician can diagnose the root cause of the cooling problem. Addressing these two aspects covers the mechanical operation of the system as well as the chemical aspect of refrigeration—both of which are fundamental to maintaining and troubleshooting refrigeration systems effectively.