What is a likely effect of a partially clogged capillary tube in an air conditioning system?

A partially clogged capillary tube in an air conditioning system restricts the flow of refrigerant, which directly affects how the evaporator operates. The evaporator relies on a steady and sufficient flow of refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor environment effectively. When the capillary tube is obstructed, it can result in less refrigerant reaching the evaporator, leading to a condition known as "starvation."

This starvation means that the evaporator does not have enough refrigerant to cool the air effectively, which can cause the system to struggle to maintain the desired temperature. In severe cases, this can lead to inadequate cooling and potential frosting or icing on the evaporator coils due to low refrigerant flow. Thus, the situation distinctly relates to a starved evaporator, confirming that this answer accurately reflects the impact of a partially clogged capillary tube.