Liquid pressure amplifiers have been proposed as an energy saving technology for vapor compression refrigeration systems configured with direct-expansion evaporators. The technology utilizes a refrigerant pump in the high pressure liquid line as a means of maintaining a suitable pressure differential across the expansion valve while lowering condensing pressure to achieve the reduction of compressor energy consumption. Applications have been proposed on systems ranging from small unitary air-conditioning to large supermarket and commercial refrigeration systems. This paper clarifies the role of such a device in a vapor compression refrigeration system. Limitations are presented and discussed. Finally, results of detailed analyses are presented to quantify the energy consumption both with and without a liquid pressure amplifier in a unitary air conditioning system. The estimated energy savings associated with the installation of a liquid pressure amplifier are minimal.