What can moisture in a refrigeration system lead to?

Moisture in a refrigeration system is detrimental and can lead to various issues, primarily because it can form acids and other harmful compounds when combined with refrigerants, leading to long-term system damage. While the selected answer mentions "excessive high-side pressures," moisture can indeed contribute to complex issues including reduced system efficiency and overloading of components.

More specifically, moisture can produce ice or hydrate formations within the refrigeration cycle, potentially causing blockages that affect the overall pressure and result in system inefficiencies. It can alter the pressure-temperature relationship of the refrigerant within the system, creating conditions that lead to excessive high-side pressures. This situation can arise because ice blockages cause pressures to build in the high side of the system as the compressor continues to operate, increasing the risk of mechanical failure.

Additionally, moisture can create conditions that lead to freezing components or corrosion, particularly impacting metal surfaces, but these effects would generally be manifestations of the broader issues initiated by moisture presence. Understanding this allows refrigeration operators to appreciate the importance of moisture control and proper service practices to maintain operational integrity and efficiency.