What is a typical sign of a starved evaporator?

A starved evaporator typically shows signs such as frost buildup. This occurs because, in a starved condition, the evaporator is not receiving enough refrigerant to absorb heat effectively. As a result, the temperature within the evaporator drops significantly, leading to condensation and subsequently freezing of moisture on the coils. This frost buildup can restrict airflow and further compound the issue, impacting the overall performance of the refrigeration system. The physical manifestation of frost is a clear indicator that the evaporator is not functioning optimally due to insufficient refrigerant flowing through it.

In contrast, increased pressure would likely indicate an overcharged system or a blockage, while low refrigerant levels would lead to similar symptoms but would not necessarily present as frost if there's enough humidity. Normal cooling output would not be associated with a starved evaporator, which would inherently lead to diminished cooling performance due to inadequate refrigerant flow.