What could be a sign of inadequate refrigerant charge in a system?

High discharge temperature is indicative of inadequate refrigerant charge in a refrigeration system because the refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the evaporator and carrying it away to the condenser. When the charge is low, there’s insufficient refrigerant to absorb the heat effectively, which causes the compressor to work harder and leads to a higher discharge temperature. It often signifies that the system is overworked, which can lead to compressor damage if it continues to operate under these conditions.

In contrast, low compressor noise, frequent cycling of the compressor, and stable suction pressure do not directly correlate with low refrigerant levels. Low compressor noise might indicate that the system is underperforming, but it does not directly signal an inadequate charge. Frequent cycling can stem from various issues, such as thermostat settings or other mechanical failures. Lastly, stable suction pressure typically suggests that the evaporator is functioning correctly and is not a definitive indicator of refrigerant charge levels, as it could remain stable even when the charge is lacking.