What factor is most likely to increase refrigerant leakage from an air conditioning system?

The factor most likely to increase refrigerant leakage from an air conditioning system is excessive discharge vapor superheat. When discharge vapor superheat is too high, it indicates that the refrigerant is overheating before it returns to the compressor. This condition can lead to an increase in pressure and temperature within the system, which may compromise the integrity of seals and gaskets. High temperatures can accelerate wear and cause components to fail, thereby creating pathways for refrigerant to leak.

In addition, excessive superheat can also imply that the system is not operating efficiently, potentially leading to greater stress on components. This inefficient operation, combined with the effects of high temperatures, creates a scenario where the likelihood of refrigerant leakage is significantly heightened.

Factors such as low ambient temperature, high humidity, and infrequent maintenance checks can influence the efficiency and operation of an air conditioning system, but they are not directly linked to an increased likelihood of refrigerant leakage as much as excessive superheat is.