Nate Core Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The main function of a compressor in the vapor-compression cycle is to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. In this process, the compressor takes in the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and compresses it into a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor. This increase in pressure is crucial because it raises the refrigerant’s temperature, enabling it to release heat effectively in the condenser.

By elevating the refrigeration pressure, the compressor ensures that the refrigerant can circulate through the system efficiently and absorb heat from the indoor environment during its phase change in the evaporator. This function is pivotal in the overall operation of any refrigeration or air conditioning system, where the movement and transformation of the refrigerant drive the cooling process.