Which condition can cause the compressor RLA to increase?

The condition that can cause the compressor rated load amps (RLA) to increase is linked to poor condenser airflow. When the airflow across the condenser is restricted, it causes the condenser to operate less efficiently. This inefficiency leads to elevated pressures within the system. Consequently, the compressor must work harder to move the refrigerant through the system at these higher pressures, resulting in an increase in the current draw and thus raising the RLA.

On the other hand, while high refrigerant charge can affect system performance, it may not directly lead to a consistent increase in the RLA depending on various system characteristics. Excessive load on the evaporator can lead to changes in efficiency, but it's generally the restrictions or inefficiencies that have a more direct impact on compressor workload. Low ambient temperatures typically result in lower system pressures, which would decrease the RLA rather than increase it.

Understanding how airflow impacts the entire refrigeration cycle is crucial for maintaining system efficiency and ensuring that the compressor operates within the designed parameters. This knowledge is essential for diagnosing performance issues in residential air conditioning systems.