What is the primary function of a compressor in an air conditioning system?

The primary function of a compressor in an air conditioning system is to compress the refrigerant gas, which often involves heat transfer processes that result in heating the gas. The compressor takes in low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and compresses it, increasing its pressure and temperature in the process. As this gas is heated, it prepares the refrigerant to enter the condenser, where it will then release heat to the outside air and condense into a liquid.

This function is crucial because it ensures that the refrigerant circulates effectively throughout the system, allowing for the extraction of heat from inside the building and the discharge of that heat outside.

Understanding this process is essential when evaluating how air conditioning systems operate, as it highlights the importance of the compressor in maintaining the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling cycle.