What is the role of a refrigerant in HVAC systems?

The primary role of refrigerant in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems is to absorb and release heat. This process is fundamental to how cooling systems operate. When the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator coils inside the space to be cooled, it absorbs heat from the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to change from a liquid to a vapor. This absorption of heat lowers the air temperature in the space. The refrigerant then moves to the compressor, where it is pressurized and sent to the condenser coils, typically located outside. Here, the vapor releases the absorbed heat to the outdoors and condenses back into a liquid.

This cycle of heat absorption and release allows HVAC systems to effectively regulate indoor temperatures, making refrigerants a critical component in maintaining comfort in residential and commercial buildings.