Is the accumulator supposed to be hot?

Yes, the accumulator in a refrigeration or air conditioning system can become hot during operation. It is designed to collect refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and may reach elevated temperatures as it absorbs heat from the refrigerant. However, if it becomes excessively hot, it could indicate a problem with the system, such as insufficient refrigerant or issues with the compressor. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the system is functioning correctly.