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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

  1. 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.