What component of an air conditioning unit compresses the low-pressure refrigerant vapor?

The component of an air conditioning unit that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant vapor is the compressor. The compressor plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle by taking in refrigerant gas, which is low in pressure and temperature, and mechanically compressing it. This process raises both the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, allowing it to move to the condenser coil and dissipate heat.

The compressor serves as the circulation pump of the system, facilitating the flow of refrigerant throughout the various components. When the refrigerant vapor is compressed, it becomes a high-pressure gas, which is essential for the next step in the cycle, where it releases heat in the condenser coil and transforms into a liquid state.

Other components, such as the evaporator, expansion valve, and condenser coil, each have distinct functions in the overall cooling process but do not compress the refrigerant vapor. The evaporator absorbs heat from the indoor environment, the expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant, and the condenser coil releases the heat absorbed from inside the building to the outside environment.