Diagnosing a Restricted Condenser: Symptoms and Causes

* High head pressure. The head pressure is the pressure of the refrigerant gas leaving the condenser. When the condenser is cooled, the head pressure will be higher than normal.

* Low condenser efficiency. The condenser efficiency is the ratio of the heat absorbed by the condenser to the heat input to the condenser. When the condenser is cooled, the condenser efficiency will be lower than normal.

* Reduced cooling capacity. The cooling capacity of a refrigeration system is the amount of heat that can be removed from the refrigerated space per unit of time. When the condenser is cooled, the cooling capacity will be reduced.

* Increased power consumption. The power consumption of a refrigeration system is the amount of electrical energy required to operate the system. When the condenser is cooled, the power consumption will be increased.

In addition to these symptoms, a cooled condenser can also cause the refrigerant to flood back into the compressor, which can damage the compressor.