ESCO Air Conditioning Practice Exam

A broken reed valve in a compressor often results in high suction pressure and high discharge pressure. This occurs because the reed valve’s primary function is to control the flow of refrigerant into and out of the compressor. If the reed valve is broken or does not close properly, it can lead to excessive pressure on both the intake and discharge sides.

When the reed valve fails, it allows refrigerant to flow back into the suction side, causing it to not effectively compress the refrigerant. As a result, the suction pressure can remain elevated due to the refrigerant continuously making its way back, while at the same time, the compressor may still be generating discharge pressure, albeit inefficiently. This scenario creates an imbalance, leading to both high suction and discharge pressures rather than the expected performance levels.

Understanding how the reed valve functions helps to identify these symptoms, especially in troubleshooting situations where compressor issues are suspected. High pressures on both sides indicate a failure in the refrigerant management flow, which is essential for the proper functioning of the air conditioning system.