Where is the compressor located in a refrigeration system?

The compressor in a refrigeration system is located inside the outdoor condenser unit. This positioning is essential because the compressor plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle, functioning to compress the refrigerant and increase its pressure and temperature before it moves to the condenser.

By having the compressor located outdoors, it allows for efficient management of heat exchange. The hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas leaves the compressor and enters the outdoor unit to release heat to the outside air, transitioning into a liquid state before moving on to the expansion valve and evaporator coil.

The indoor unit primarily houses components related to air handling and cooling, such as the evaporator coil and blower, but not the compressor itself. The evaporator coil is the part where heat is absorbed from the indoor environment, and the expansion valve regulates the refrigerant flow into this coil. These components work together in the cycle, but the compressor's placement in the outdoor unit is critical for the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system.