Unloaders are used to balance the ______ on a run cycle.

• A. load
• B. flow
• C. pressure
• D. temperature

Answer: (A)

Unloaders balance the load on a run cycle by reducing the number of active cylinders (or capacity) so the compressor doesn’t have to work at full force all the time. This keeps the mechanical load, and thus the torque drawn from the motor, more even during operation, preventing excessive current, strain, and cycling issues when demand is only partial. The effect is smoother running and better efficiency at partial load. Flow, pressure, and temperature are consequences of how much gas is being moved, but the purpose of unloaders is to manage the mechanical load itself, not directly set those other variables.