What best describes the temperature of a sub-cooled refrigerant?

The temperature of a sub-cooled refrigerant is described as being below the saturation temperature. This condition occurs when the refrigerant is in a liquid state at a temperature lower than the boiling point at a given pressure. Sub-cooling is an essential process in refrigeration because it ensures that no vapor exists in the liquid refrigerant as it enters the expansion valve, leading to more efficient cooling and system performance.

When refrigerant is sub-cooled, it can absorb more heat within the evaporator before converting into vapor, which enhances the overall efficiency of the system. Proper management of sub-cooling is crucial to prevent issues like inefficiency or compressor damage that can arise if vapor enters the compressor.