What effect does low refrigerant levels have on a refrigeration system?

Low refrigerant levels in a refrigeration system primarily reduce the cooling capacity. Refrigerants are crucial for absorbing and transferring heat, and when the levels are insufficient, the system cannot effectively remove heat from the space it is meant to cool. As a result, the evaporator coil may not achieve the necessary temperature to cool the air properly, leading to inadequate cooling performance.

When the refrigerant is low, the compressor also works harder to try to compensate for the lack of cooling. This increased workload can eventually lead to further issues within the system, such as damage to the compressor itself, which could result in more severe operational problems.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the implications of low refrigerant levels. Energy efficiency is compromised rather than improved, air quality is not inherently enhanced by such a scenario, and the longevity of the compressor is likely to be negatively impacted due to the added strain caused by a low refrigerant level.