Which of the following is a common indication that a refrigeration system may need maintenance?

Increased energy costs without a change in usage is a common indication that a refrigeration system may need maintenance. When a refrigeration system starts to consume more energy than usual while operating under the same load conditions, it may signal underlying issues such as poor efficiency, refrigerant leaks, or mechanical problems. These issues can cause the system to work harder than necessary to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.

Identifying this anomaly allows technicians to investigate further. They can check components such as the compressor, evaporator coil, or expansion valve, which may need repair or replacement. By addressing the root causes of increased energy costs, operators can restore efficiency, reduce energy bills, and prolong the lifespan of the refrigeration system.

In contrast, low exhaust temperatures, decreased noise levels from the compressor, and regular system pressure readings are not reliable indicators of maintenance needs. Low exhaust temperatures might suggest that the system is effectively cooling, while decreased noise levels could indicate that a system is running more smoothly and efficiently. Regular system pressure readings, on their own, do not always correlate directly to a maintenance requirement unless they show abnormal trends.