If an air conditioning system is running but not cooling well, what does a very cold suction line and sweating compressor indicate?

A very cold suction line accompanied by a sweating compressor typically indicates that the evaporator is not receiving enough air flow. When this happens, the refrigerant can become over-cooled, causing condensation to form on the compressor and leading to a cold suction line. This suggests that there may be issues such as restricted return air flow or a dirty evaporator coil, which would limit the amount of warm air that can be effectively cooled.

In situations where the evaporator is starved of warm air, several issues can arise. If the return air flow is restricted, then the system cannot circulate sufficient air to transfer heat, leading to reduced efficiency and the symptoms observed. Regular maintenance to check for blockages, clean the evaporator coil, and ensure optimal air flow is crucial for the proper functioning of the air conditioning system.

This reasoning aligns with the correct conclusion drawn, where maintaining clean and unobstructed air passages is essential for the effective operation of HVAC systems.