High outdoor temperatures can lead to what condition in an AC system?

High outdoor temperatures can lead to high pressures within an AC system, particularly in the refrigerant lines and related components. This is due to the increased heat load on the refrigerant, which must absorb and expel more heat to maintain indoor temperature settings. As the outdoor air temperature rises, the condenser outside works harder to dissipate heat, resulting in elevated pressures in that part of the system.

The compressor, which is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system, is also affected by these high pressures. If the pressure becomes too excessive, it can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential damage to the compressor. Thus, understanding how high outdoor temperatures can influence system pressures is crucial for proper maintenance and operation of HVAC systems.