What is the function of a compressor in an HVAC system?

The function of a compressor in an HVAC system is to increase the pressure of the refrigerant and circulate it throughout the system. This is a critical role in the refrigeration cycle.

In an HVAC system, the compressor takes in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and compresses it into a high-pressure vapor. This increase in pressure also raises the temperature of the refrigerant, allowing it to release heat effectively when it reaches the condenser. The compressor ensures that the refrigerant flows continuously through the system, enabling the absorption of heat from the indoor environment and the subsequent rejection of that heat to the outdoors.

To contrast with other potential functions: the compressor does not serve to decrease the temperature of the refrigerant; rather, it raises its temperature through compression. Filtering the air is a task designated for components like air filters, which are separate from the compressor's operation. Similarly, providing ventilation is managed through ductwork and fans, not by the compressor itself, which is focused solely on refrigerant management within the system's cycle.