All brands · Air conditioner troubleshooting
Liquid floods back to compressor on start / liquid refrigerant in cold condenser
What is going on
Possible causes and checks for: liquid floods back to compressor on start / liquid refrigerant in cold condenser.
Likely causes
- No discharge line trap, refrigerant migrating to cold condenser (coldest point) from receiver
Check in this order
- Discharge trap, inverted trap at condenser outlet or check valve between LAC and receiver
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Source: General HVAC service practice — verify per model. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.
For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.