Which refrigeration system is significantly affected by low ambient temperatures?

Air-cooled units are significantly affected by low ambient temperatures. This is due to the fact that air-cooled systems rely on ambient air for heat rejection. In colder conditions, the temperature difference between the refrigerant in the condenser and the surrounding air decreases, reducing the efficiency of heat exchange. If the ambient temperature is too low, the unit may struggle to expel heat effectively, leading to poor performance and potential operational issues.

On the other hand, water-cooled units are less impacted by low ambient temperature since they use water, which maintains a more stable temperature than the surrounding air. Compressors are components of refrigeration systems and their performance can be influenced by many factors, including ambient temperature, but they are not a type of refrigeration system themselves. Dairy coolers are also refrigeration systems designed specifically for agricultural use, and while they might experience performance issues at low temperatures, they are not as directly impacted in the same manner as air-cooled units. Thus, the focus on ambient conditions specifically highlights the challenges faced by air-cooled units in cooler environments.