Refrigeration systems are made up of major components in series with one another (see Figure 1). As most of us are well aware, the major components are the compressor, discharge line, condenser, liquid line, metering device, evaporator, and suction line.
Because these components are in series with one another, the refrigerant that flows through one component must flow through the other components as well. If one of these major components is not working properly — damaged, kinked, plugged, dirty, restricted, frosted, or starved of refrigerant — the entire system is affected. And, since the compressor is considered the heart of the refrigeration system, it is the most sensitive to any other major component malfunctioning.