Subcooling is measured on systems with Thermal Expansion Valves (TXV) to check if the liquid line is packed with solid liquid refrigerant.
Formula & Method
Subcooling = Saturated Liquid Temp (PT Conversion) - Liquid Line Temp
- Connect manifold gauge to liquid line service port to read discharge pressure.
- Convert the pressure reading to saturated temperature using a PT chart.
- Attach a pipe clamp thermocouple to the liquid line near the service port to read liquid line temperature.
- Subtract the line temperature from the saturated temperature. Target is typically 10°F to 14°F.