In a residential air-conditioning system, which component absorbs heat energy from the air?

In a residential air-conditioning system, the component that absorbs heat energy from the air is the evaporator. The main function of the evaporator is to cool the air inside the building by allowing the refrigerant within to evaporate as it absorbs heat. It operates by circulating the refrigerant through coils that are exposed to the indoor air. As warm air blows over these coils, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat and changes from a liquid to a gas. This process effectively removes heat from the air in the living space, lowering the temperature and providing a cooling effect.

In contrast, the condenser is responsible for releasing heat, the compressor increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas, and the expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. Each of these components plays a critical role in the overall cooling process, but it's the evaporator that specifically handles the absorption of heat from the air, making it essential for the cooling function of the system.