What does superheat refer to in HVAC systems?

Superheat refers to the amount of heat added to a vapor after it has reached its boiling point. This process is critical in HVAC systems, particularly in understanding refrigerant behavior. When refrigerant is heated beyond its boiling point, it becomes superheated vapor. This is essential for the efficiency of refrigeration cycles, as it allows for the complete vaporization of the refrigerant before it reaches the compressor.

In cooling systems, ensuring that the refrigerant is adequately superheated prevents liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, which can cause damage. So, the concept of superheat helps HVAC technicians diagnose issues and optimize system performance by indicating how much additional heat is added to the vapor after it has changed from a liquid to a gas. This makes the understanding of superheat vital for proper operation and maintenance of HVAC systems.