What is a consequence of allowing air into a refrigerant system?

The introduction of air into a refrigerant system leads to several negative consequences, and one of the most significant is corrosion. Air contains moisture and other contaminants that can react with the refrigerant and metal components of the system. When moisture is present, it can form acids that corrode metals, leading to leaks and structural damage over time. This corrosion can compromise the integrity of components such as the compressor, evaporator, and condenser, ultimately reducing the lifespan of the system.

In addition to corrosion, the presence of air can also disrupt the refrigeration cycle, leading to inefficiencies and even mechanical failure at later stages in operation. The other potential consequences like faster cooling or better efficiency are misleading since the system's performance is degraded with the presence of air, ultimately resulting in more energy consumption instead of efficient operation.

Therefore, managing the integrity of the refrigerant system to prevent air entry is critical to ensuring efficient and long-lasting performance.