SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/epa-cycle-condenser
In an air-cooled system, where does the refrigerant give up heat to the outdoor air?
The condenser, where vapor turns into liquid.
- The evaporator
- The compressor
- The condenser ✔
Why: In the condenser, hot refrigerant vapor releases heat to the air passing over the coil. The refrigerant changes from superheated vapor to sub-cooled liquid.
Huh, didn't know that: Fans pull ambient air across the condenser coil, which has copper tubes and aluminum fins in a typical design.
Why did the heater go to the talk show? Because it wanted to blow hot air in front of a live audience!
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References
Answer: The condenser. In the condenser, hot refrigerant vapor releases heat to the air passing over the coil. The refrigerant changes from superheated vapor to sub-cooled liquid.
- Refrigeration 201, US EPA (archived) 19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/sites/static/files/documents/Refrigeration201.pdf
Heat is rejected to atmosphere
Checked 2026-10-10. - Refrigeration 201, US EPA (archived) 19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/sites/static/files/documents/Refrigeration201.pdf
Refrigerant changes from superheated vapor to sub-cooled
Checked 2026-10-10.
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