Why is monitoring refrigerant purity important in A/C systems?

Monitoring refrigerant purity is crucial in A/C systems because it helps prevent system damage and inefficiency. Refrigerants can be contaminated by moisture, air, or other substances, which can lead to a variety of problems within the system. For instance, impurities in the refrigerant can cause corrosion, leading to leaks, and can also impair the efficiency of heat exchange processes. When the refrigerant is not pure, it may not evaporate or condense properly, resulting in suboptimal cooling performance and increased operational costs. Maintaining refrigerant purity ensures that the system operates within its designed parameters, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and extending the lifespan of the components.

The other options, while related to A/C performance, don't address the primary reasons for monitoring refrigerant purity as directly as preventing damage and inefficiency does.