What is superheat in an air conditioning system?

Superheat refers to the temperature of the refrigerant vapor above its boiling point after it has passed through the evaporator coil. In an air conditioning system, the refrigerant absorbs heat in the evaporator, causing it to evaporate into vapor. The superheat measurement is crucial for ensuring that the refrigerant has fully evaporated and is in a gaseous state before entering the compressor. If the refrigerant is not sufficiently superheated, there is a risk of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, which can cause damage.

Additionally, maintaining the correct superheat level is essential for the efficient operation of the air conditioning system. It influences the system's cooling capacity and helps prevent potential compressor issues. Understanding superheat is an integral part of diagnosing and optimizing air conditioning systems, making it a fundamental concept in the HVAC field.