What does a compressor do to refrigerant?

The function of a compressor is to change the state of the refrigerant from a low-pressure vapor to a high-pressure vapor. This process is crucial in the refrigeration cycle. When the refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure gas, the compressor compresses it, which increases its pressure and temperature.

This transformation is essential because, once the refrigerant is under high pressure, it can then travel to the condenser, where it will release heat and change to a liquid state. The ability of the compressor to increase the pressure of the refrigerant allows the refrigeration system to effectively transfer heat from inside a building to the outside environment, thereby cooling the interior space. This understanding is fundamental in HVAC systems, as the efficiency of a compressor directly impacts the overall performance of the air conditioning or refrigeration system.