What happens if superheat is increased excessively?

When superheat is increased excessively, it creates a situation where the evaporator is starved of refrigerant. Superheat measures the temperature of the refrigerant vapor above its boiling point at a given pressure. If the superheat is too high, it indicates that the refrigerant is not absorbing enough heat before it reaches the compressor. This lack of refrigerant flow can lead to insufficient refrigerant entering the evaporator coil, which is critical for proper heat absorption. As a result, the evaporator does not operate efficiently, which can ultimately lead to reduced cooling capacity and potential overheating of the compressor, as it is not receiving the adequate refrigerant to absorb heat.

In contrast, enhancing cooling efficiency, optimizing refrigerant flow, or improving compressor performance would not result from excessively high superheat. Instead, these aspects rely on maintaining an optimal superheat level to ensure the system works efficiently. Maintaining an appropriate balance is crucial for the overall performance and longevity of the HVAC system.