What does the term "superheat" refer to in HVAC systems?

Superheat is a critical concept in HVAC systems that refers specifically to the measurement of the temperature of a vapor refrigerant relative to its saturation temperature at the same pressure. It is defined as the difference between the evaporation temperature (saturation temperature) and the actual temperature of the refrigerant as it exits the evaporator coil.

When refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from the indoor air, which causes it to change from a liquid to a vapor. If the refrigerant continues to be heated beyond its boiling point at that pressure, it becomes superheated. Monitoring superheat is essential because it ensures that the compressor is only handling vapor; this is crucial for preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, which can cause damage.

Understanding superheat is important for diagnosing HVAC system performance, as an inadequate or excessive superheat can indicate issues like low refrigerant levels or airflow problems. Thus, the term accurately captures the measurement necessary for maintaining efficient operation within air conditioning systems.