What effect does low refrigerant have on an A/C system's performance?

Low refrigerant levels in an A/C system lead to a reduction in cooling capacity. Refrigerant is essential for the heat exchange process that allows the air conditioning system to cool indoor air. When the refrigerant level is low, there isn’t enough fluid to absorb heat from the indoor air, which means the system cannot effectively cool the space. This often results in less cold air being produced and can lead to longer run times for the compressor as it works harder to try to meet the desired temperature. Eventually, this can cause additional strain on the system components and may lead to further issues if not addressed.