An inefficient compressor is usually indicated by which of the following?

An inefficient compressor is typically indicated by lower than normal head pressure combined with higher than normal suction pressure. This scenario suggests that the compressor is struggling to effectively compress the refrigerant.

Lower head pressure indicates that the compressor is not adequately compressing the refrigerant's vapor into a high-pressure state, which can result from various issues such as refrigerant leaks, mechanical failures, or improper charge. On the other hand, higher suction pressure may indicate that the evaporator is not releasing the heat effectively, allowing more refrigerant vapor to return to the compressor without being fully evaporated, resulting in an imbalance in the system.

In essence, this combination of pressure readings points to inefficiency, signaling that the compressor may not be operating as designed, leading to poor refrigeration performance and potential system breakdowns if not addressed.