What is a typical symptom of low refrigerant levels in a system?

A typical symptom of low refrigerant levels in a system is frost build-up on the evaporator. When refrigerant levels are low, the refrigerant cannot absorb adequate heat from the air passing over the evaporator coil. As a result, the evaporator coil can drop in temperature significantly, often below the freezing point of water. This can cause moisture in the air to freeze on the coil surface, leading to frost or ice accumulation.

Recognizing this symptom is crucial for technicians, as it indicates that the system is not operating efficiently and may be at risk for additional issues, such as compressor damage or system failure if not addressed promptly. Understanding this condition helps in diagnosing refrigerant leaks or other related problems that need immediate attention to restore proper function to the system.