If an air conditioning system operates in a low ambient condition, what happens to condenser operation?

In an air conditioning system operating in low ambient conditions, the condenser's ability to reject heat is compromised due to reduced ambient temperatures. This leads to a decrease in head pressure. It’s essential to maintain adequate superheat to ensure that refrigerant in the evaporator is fully vaporized before returning to the compressor. If the head pressure is too low, the superheat needs to be raised to prevent issues such as liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor, which can cause damage.

By increasing superheat, the system helps to ensure that only vapor reaches the compressor, thereby protecting it from potential liquid slugging. Thus, raising superheat in response to low head pressure is a crucial step in maintaining proper system operation and efficiency during low ambient conditions.