What are the consequences of overcharging a refrigeration system?

Overcharging a refrigeration system introduces excess refrigerant into the system, which results in significantly higher pressure levels. This increase in pressure can lead to a number of serious operational issues. First, the compressor must work harder to circulate the refrigerant, creating inefficiency in energy use and increasing operating costs. The excessive pressure can also result in mechanical stress on the compressor and other components, leading to premature failure or even catastrophic damage to the compressor, which can be costly to repair or replace.

Moreover, when the system is overcharged, it can cause improper heat exchange, which diminishes the system's ability to absorb heat from the refrigerated space. This inefficiency can manifest in higher energy consumption, impacting overall system performance. In summary, overcharging disrupts the intended balance and functioning of the refrigeration cycle, resulting in high pressures, inefficiency, and the potential for compressor damage, making option C the correct choice.