When servicing refrigeration or air conditioning systems that incorporate reciprocating or piston-type compressors, worn compressor rings and/or leaky compressor suction or discharge valves can cause a lack of cooling in both types of applications.
Service technicians are often called when the refrigeration or air conditioning equipment is operating, but the product or room temperature is suffering from being too warm. These calls can be very challenging, because the system is still producing cooling, but not quite enough cooling to achieve the desired space temperature. In refrigeration, this means that fruits and vegetables will spoil more quickly or low-temperature products will not be frozen solid. In air conditioning applications, people will be uncomfortable — and unhappy — from warm temperatures and higher humidity.