Low operating pressures and low amperage draw in a split system may indicate what condition?

Low operating pressures and low amperage draw in a split system typically suggest that there may be an insufficient refrigerant charge. When the refrigerant charge is low, the system cannot adequately absorb heat from the indoor environment, leading to low suction pressures. This subsequently affects the compressor's workload, resulting in lower amperage draw as it struggles to operate efficiently.

In a properly functioning system, a balanced refrigerant charge helps maintain appropriate pressures within the system, ensuring that it can effectively cool the space. When the charge is insufficient, both suction and discharge pressures drop, and the compressor operates at less than optimal performance levels. Understanding this relationship is crucial for diagnosing refrigerant-related issues in HVAC systems.