Nate Core Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The purpose of a compressor in an HVAC system is crucial for the refrigeration cycle, as it serves to compress refrigerant gas. This process raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, enabling it to flow through the system efficiently. When the refrigerant enters the compressor, it is in a low-pressure gaseous state. As the compressor operates, it pushes the gas into a higher pressure state, which subsequently increases its temperature as a result of the compression process.

This elevated pressure and temperature are essential for the refrigerant to release heat effectively when it reaches the condenser. The cycle then continues as the refrigerant, now in a high-pressure, high-temperature state, moves through the condenser where it releases heat to the outside environment before returning to the evaporator, contributing to the cooling effect in the space being conditioned.

Understanding the role of the compressor in this context clarifies why it is vital for the overall functioning of the HVAC system, as it greatly influences the efficiency and effectiveness of heat transfer in the system.