What happens to the refrigerant when it reaches the condenser?

When refrigerant reaches the condenser, it undergoes a critical change in state from a gas to a liquid. During this process, the refrigerant loses heat to its surroundings, which is essential for effective cooling in an air conditioning system. As the refrigerant moves through the condenser coils, it releases the heat it absorbed in the evaporator, causing it to condense. This loss of heat is what allows the refrigerant to transition back into a liquid state, which is necessary for the refrigeration cycle to continue.

The function of the condenser is vital in ensuring that the refrigeration cycle operates efficiently. By expelling heat from the system, the condenser allows the refrigerant to prepare for the next cycle, where it will again absorb heat and return to a gaseous state in the evaporator. Understanding this process helps in diagnosing issues within the air conditioning system, as any malfunction in the condenser can hinder the entire cooling cycle.