What can result from water present in the refrigeration side of a Freon refrigeration system?

Water present in the refrigeration side of a Freon refrigeration system can lead to a frozen expansion valve. The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. If water enters the system, it can freeze within the expansion valve, obstructing the refrigerant flow. This blockage disrupts the system's ability to cool properly and can lead to further system inefficiencies or damage if not rectified. The formation of ice in the expansion valve is particularly problematic because it impairs the valve's function, ultimately affecting the entire refrigeration cycle.