What is the main function of the condenser in an air conditioning system?

The main function of the condenser in an air conditioning system is to remove heat from the refrigerant. In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant transitions from a vapor to a liquid state within the condenser. As the high-pressure vapor refrigerant enters the condenser coils, it releases heat to the outside air (or water) surrounding the coils. This heat removal allows the refrigerant to cool and condense into a liquid state, making it ready to return to the expansion valve for the next stage of the cycle.

This process is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the air conditioning system, as it ensures that the refrigerant can effectively absorb heat from the indoor environment when it circulates through the evaporator coil. If the condenser does not effectively remove heat, the refrigerant will not condense properly, leading to insufficient cooling and decreased overall system performance.