What is indicated by a system with low pressures and low amperage draw?

A system with low pressures and low amperage draw typically indicates low airflow across the evaporator. When airflow is restricted, it can lead to insufficient heat exchange, resulting in decreased pressure within the system. This lack of adequate airflow prevents the refrigerant from absorbing enough heat, causing the system to operate inefficiently and draw lower amperage as it struggles to meet the cooling demand.

In contrast, if there were issues such as a high refrigerant charge, you would expect to witness elevated pressures and potentially higher amperage draw as the compressor works harder to manage the excess charge. A faulty compressor could create conditions that result in low pressures and low amperage, but the symptom of low airflow is a more direct indicator associated with low readings. Dirty condenser coils may lead to higher pressures and inefficiencies in the heat rejection process, making them less likely in this scenario. Therefore, the presence of low pressure and low amperage is most closely linked to inadequate airflow across the evaporator.