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

The role of a compressor in an HVAC system is to compress refrigerant gas, which is essential for the refrigeration cycle. The compressor is responsible for increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant after it has absorbed heat from the indoor environment. By compressing the refrigerant gas, the compressor converts it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas that can then be sent to the condenser.

This process is crucial because it allows the refrigerant to release heat to the outside environment, completing the cycle of heat exchange that is necessary for cooling indoor spaces. If the compressor does not function properly, the entire cooling system will be disrupted, leading to inadequate indoor temperature control and potential system failures.

The other functions mentioned in the other choices, such as filtering air particles, collecting condensate, or circulating cooler air, are performed by different components in the HVAC system and do not pertain to the primary function of the compressor.