A system that runs at a superheat of 1 ° F will likely result in what?

When a system operates at a superheat of only 1 °F, it indicates that the refrigerant vapor is only slightly above its saturation temperature at the evaporator exit. This minimal superheat can lead to conditions where liquid refrigerant may not fully evaporate before entering the compressor. If liquid refrigerant returns to the compressor, it can cause several issues, including mechanical damage, decreased efficiency, and potential failure of the compressor.

In refrigeration systems, adequate superheating is critical to ensure that only vapor reaches the compressor, protecting it from damage due to liquid slugging. Therefore, a superheat reading as low as 1 °F implies a higher risk for liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor during operation. This scenario is not ideal for the compressor’s performance and reliability.