What does proper superheat indicate about the operation of the system?

Proper superheat indicates that the evaporator is functioning efficiently and that the refrigerant is adequately charged within the system. Specifically, superheat is the temperature increase of the refrigerant vapor above its boiling point at a given pressure. When superheat is within the appropriate range, it signifies that the evaporator has fully vaporized the refrigerant and that the system is not only correctly charged but also operating effectively.

This implies that the refrigerant has absorbed sufficient heat as it passes through the evaporator coil, thus effectively cooling the air that is circulated throughout the living space. If the superheat is too low or too high, it could suggest issues such as overcharging or undercharging of refrigerant, or problems within the system components like the evaporator or compressor. Observing proper superheat is crucial for ensuring efficient operation and longevity of the air conditioning system.