ESCO Air Conditioning Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The main purpose of preventing liquid slugging in a compressor is to prevent mechanical damage. Liquid slugging occurs when liquid refrigerant enters the compressor instead of gas. Since compressors are designed to compress gases, the presence of liquid can create excessive pressure and strain on the internal components, such as pistons, valves, and bearings. This can lead to catastrophic failures, including broken components or compressor seizure, which would require costly repairs or replacement.

While ensuring proper oil return, enhancing cooling efficiency, and reducing noise levels are important factors in the overall operation of an HVAC system, the immediate and critical concern with liquid slugging is the mechanical integrity of the compressor itself. By mitigating liquid slugging, the compressor can operate safely and efficiently, thereby maintaining the longevity and reliability of the system.