What is the main consequence of an improperly sized suction line?

The main consequence of an improperly sized suction line is reduced compressor efficiency. When the suction line is too small, it can create a restriction in refrigerant flow, leading to higher pressure drops. This inefficiency makes the compressor work harder to maintain the desired cooling effect, leading to increased energy consumption and decreased overall system performance.

An oversized suction line can also cause issues, including poor refrigerant velocity and potential liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor, which can damage the compressor. Therefore, proper sizing is crucial to ensure that the compressor operates efficiently and effectively.

In contrast, the other choices do not reflect the impact of an improperly sized suction line. Improved refrigerant flow is typically associated with a correctly sized line, while higher operating pressures and increased cooling capacity often result from other system issues rather than improper line sizing.