SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/epa-cycle-compressor

Which part of the refrigeration cycle squeezes refrigerant vapor to a high pressure and temperature?

The compressor, which needs work input to do it.

Start playing free

  1. The evaporator
  2. The compressor ✔
  3. The condenser

Why: The compressor takes in low-pressure vapor and raises its pressure and temperature, which takes work input. Heat transfer happens at the condenser and evaporator, not here.

Huh, didn't know that: In EPA's air-cooled example, hot high-pressure gas leaves the compressor through the discharge port.

The dad joke
Why did the AC compressor write a self-help book? Because it knew the key to staying cool under pressure!
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: The compressor. The compressor takes in low-pressure vapor and raises its pressure and temperature, which takes work input. Heat transfer happens at the condenser and evaporator, not here.

  1. Refrigeration and Heat Pump Systems, WPI lecture notes (Chapter 10) users.wpi.edu/~sullivan/ES3001/Lectures/ch10-jms.pdf
    vapor refrigerant is compressed to a relatively high temperature and pressure requiring work input
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Trades & ShopIn an air-cooled system, where does the refrigerant give up heat to the outdoor air?Trades & ShopIn the refrigeration cycle, where does refrigerant boil and absorb heat from the air being cooled?Trades & ShopWhat drops the refrigerant's pressure before it enters the evaporator?

That's stuff everyone should know.