A combined suction header and accumulator for a refrigeration system is described that may protect a compressor from refrigerant liquid entering the compressor while reducing superheat used to evaporate the refrigerant. The combined suction header and accumulator unit for a refrigeration system includes a suction header coupled to an exit side of an evaporator. The suction header includes a main body and receives a flow of refrigerant from the evaporator. The flow of refrigerant includes a liquid portion and a vapor portion. The combined suction header and accumulator unit includes a liquid accumulator disposed within the main body of the suction header. The liquid accumulator blocks the liquid portion of the flow of refrigerant from exiting the main body.