What is a potential issue if an air conditioning unit's refrigerant is below standard?

When the refrigerant level in an air conditioning unit is below standard, one significant potential issue is that the unit may run constantly. Refrigerant is essential for absorbing heat from inside the building and transferring it outside. If there’s insufficient refrigerant, the system struggles to reach the desired temperature set on the thermostat because it cannot efficiently cool the air. This inefficiency results in the unit operating continuously in an attempt to achieve the set cooling level.

Running constantly not only reduces the system's overall efficiency but can also lead to other complications, such as additional wear and tear on components, potentially leading to system failures or increased repair costs. In this context, the strain caused by continuous operation highlights the importance of maintaining adequate refrigerant levels for the proper functioning and longevity of the unit.