What is most likely to increase refrigerant leakage from an air conditioning system?

Excessive discharge vapor superheat in an air conditioning system can lead to increased refrigerant leakage due to a few critical reasons. When the superheat is too high, it indicates that the refrigerant is excessively heated beyond the desired level by the time it reaches the compressor. This situation can lead to elevated pressures and temperatures within the system, which can compromise seals, gaskets, and fittings.

The higher thermal and pressure stresses can result in wear over time or immediate failure points, allowing refrigerant to escape more readily from the system. Additionally, high discharge temperatures may cause overheating, which could lead to components failing prematurely or developing leaks.

Properly managing superheat is essential for the efficient and safe operation of refrigerant systems to minimize the risk of leaks and maintain system integrity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal parameters for both performance and environmental responsibility.