What impact does having an undersized condenser have on a refrigeration system?

Having an undersized condenser significantly impacts the refrigeration system by causing high discharge pressure. The condenser's primary function is to reject heat from the refrigerant as it transitions from a gas to a liquid. When the condenser is undersized, it cannot effectively remove the heat from the refrigerant at the rate it is being introduced from the evaporator.

As a result, the refrigerant accumulates in the condenser, leading to increased pressure within the condenser unit. This elevated discharge pressure can cause a cascade of issues within the refrigeration system, including reduced efficiency, potential overheating, and increased energy consumption as the compressor works harder to overcome the excess pressure. Over time, this can lead to mechanical failures or a decrease in the overall performance of the system.

In essence, an undersized condenser does not merely limit the system's efficiency; it directly ties to operational pressures which can affect the entire system's longevity and effectiveness.