What condition is referred to when insufficient airflow causes refrigerant temperature to drop below the freezing point?

The term that describes insufficient airflow causing refrigerant temperature to drop below the freezing point is referred to as liquid slugging. When airflow is inadequate, it can lead to a series of consequences in the air conditioning system. One significant outcome is that the refrigerant can become too cold and transition into a liquid state inappropriately.

Liquid slugging occurs when liquid refrigerant enters the compressor due to this drop in temperature, which should only be processing gas. Since the compressor is not designed to handle liquid refrigerant, this can cause significant damage to the compressor and potentially lead to catastrophic failure.

This situation often arises in scenarios where there are blockages in the airflow or when filters become dirty, causing restricted airflow to the evaporator. Understanding this condition is vital for diagnosing issues related to airflow in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It highlights the importance of proper airflow for optimal system functionality and refrigerant management.