Which practice helps prevent compressor damage when charging Refrigerant?

Charging refrigerant into the low side of a system helps prevent compressor damage because it allows for the refrigerant to enter the compressor in a controlled manner. When refrigerant is charged this way, it minimizes the risk of flooding the compressor with liquid refrigerant, which can cause hydraulic slugging. This occurs when a compressor tries to compress liquid, leading to potential damage such as bent rods, broken valves, and other mechanical failures.

By introducing refrigerant into the low side, the gas is able to evaporate in the evaporator coil before it reaches the compressor. This practice ensures that the compressor is handling vapor rather than liquid, allowing it to operate efficiently and safely. It also helps maintain the proper pressures and temperatures for the system to function correctly.

Charging only as a vapor, while a safer method in certain situations, doesn’t offer the same level of support for system efficiency during the initial charging process of a refrigerant. Conversely, charging only as a liquid risks sending liquid directly into the compressor. Lastly, charging at high temperatures can lead to imbalances in pressures and further risks of compressor damage, making it an undesirable practice.