What occurs if the expansion valve in a refrigeration system is partially blocked?

When the expansion valve in a refrigeration system is partially blocked, it restricts the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. This reduced flow leads to a lower amount of refrigerant available to absorb heat in the evaporator, which results in less cooling capacity. Consequently, the system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, which ultimately means it operates less efficiently. The compressor may run longer or at higher pressure, but the overall efficiency of the system decreases due to suboptimal refrigerant flow and heat absorption. This decreased performance can lead to higher energy consumption and increased wear on the compressor over time, thereby reducing the reliability and lifespan of the system.