What is a potential consequence of having a low refrigerant charge in a system?

Having a low refrigerant charge in a system can lead to the evaporator becoming starved. When the refrigerant level is insufficient, there is not enough fluid available to absorb heat from the indoor air effectively. This results in reduced cooling output and can cause the evaporator coil to operate at a colder temperature than intended, potentially leading to freezing of the coil. Insufficient refrigerant can disrupt the balanced flow needed for optimal system performance, affecting both efficiency and system components' longevity.

In contrast, while it's possible for a compressor to struggle with a low charge, it can still start as long as there is enough refrigerant present for the circuit to function. A faulty thermostat is also unrelated to refrigerant levels, and the freezing of the outdoor unit typically occurs due to airflow issues or ambient temperature conditions rather than directly from a low refrigerant charge.