What is the role of the compressor in an HVAC system?

The compressor plays a critical role in the HVAC system by functioning to compress refrigerant gas. When the refrigerant enters the compressor, it is in a low-pressure gaseous state. The compressor increases the pressure of this gas, which raises both its temperature and pressure. This is essential because it enables the refrigerant to move through the rest of the system and ultimately release heat as it transitions to a liquid state in the condenser.

Understanding this process is crucial as it facilitates the continuous cycle of heat exchange, allowing the HVAC system to either cool or heat the indoor environment effectively. The other options pertain to different functions within the HVAC system. For instance, evaporating refrigerant pertains to the evaporator coil's role, dissipating heat is primarily handled by the condenser, and filtering air is the job of air filters within the system, not the compressor. Thus, the function of compressing the refrigerant gas is foundational to the overall operation of HVAC systems.