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

The primary function of a compressor in an HVAC system is to increase the pressure of refrigerant gas. This process is crucial because it allows the refrigerant to be more effective at absorbing heat from the indoor environment and releasing it outside.

During the refrigeration cycle, the compressor takes in low-pressure refrigerant gas and compresses it into a high-pressure gas. This increase in pressure raises the refrigerant’s temperature, enabling it to release heat efficiently when it passes through the condenser coil outside the building. Once cooled, the refrigerant achieves a state that allows it to cycle back into the evaporator coil to absorb more heat, thus maintaining temperature control in the environment being conditioned. The compressor, therefore, plays an integral role in ensuring the entire system operates effectively and efficiently.

In contrast, while cooling the refrigerant, circulating air, and removing moisture are important functions of an HVAC system, they are not the primary role of the compressor itself. The cooling process occurs after the refrigerant has been compressed; air circulation is managed by fans, and moisture removal is a function of the evaporator coil.