What happens to system pressure when a refrigerant leak occurs?

When a refrigerant leak occurs in an air conditioning system, the pressure within the system decreases. This is because refrigerant is a critical component that helps maintain the necessary pressure levels for efficient operation. The refrigerant absorbs heat and undergoes phase changes in the evaporator and condenser coils, and it is under specific pressure designed to facilitate these processes.

When there is a leak, refrigerant escapes from the system, reducing the overall amount of refrigerant available to maintain pressure. As the refrigerant level drops, the pressure corresponding to the remaining refrigerant also decreases. This drop in pressure can lead to a less efficient cooling process, as the system may not be able to effectively absorb and release heat.

If the pressure continues to drop below a certain threshold, it can impact the air conditioning system's ability to function properly, potentially leading to compressor damage and overall system failure. Therefore, the decrease in pressure due to a refrigerant leak is a critical aspect of maintaining and troubleshooting air conditioning systems.