The evaporator function is:

The evaporator function is:

• A. The component that circulates refrigerant through the system
• B. The component where refrigerant boils and absorbs heat
• C. The component where refrigerant is compressed
• D. The component where refrigerant is condensed

Answer: (B)

The evaporator’s job is heat transfer through a phase change. It is the heat exchanger where the refrigerant, at low pressure and low temperature, absorbs heat from the indoor air. As it picks up that heat, the refrigerant boils and changes from a liquid into a gas. That absorption of heat and the resulting vaporization is what cools the air in the space. In the cycle, the vapor then moves on to the compressor to be pressurized, while the condenser and expansion device handle the other stages. The evaporator does not compress or condense; its primary function is to absorb heat by evaporating the refrigerant.

The evaporator’s job is heat transfer through a phase change. It is the heat exchanger where the refrigerant, at low pressure and low temperature, absorbs heat from the indoor air. As it picks up that heat, the refrigerant boils and changes from a liquid into a gas. That absorption of heat and the resulting vaporization is what cools the air in the space.

In the cycle, the vapor then moves on to the compressor to be pressurized, while the condenser and expansion device handle the other stages. The evaporator does not compress or condense; its primary function is to absorb heat by evaporating the refrigerant.