HVAC Journeyman Practice Exam

The correct answer is the condenser, which is a key component in the refrigeration cycle. The primary function of the condenser is to facilitate the change of phase of refrigerant from vapor to liquid. As vaporized refrigerant passes through the condenser coils, it releases heat to the surrounding environment, allowing it to condense back into a liquid state. This process is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the system and ensuring that the refrigerant can return to the evaporator to absorb heat once more.

In understanding this, it is important to recognize that the compressor, while essential, does not liquefy refrigerant; it increases the pressure and temperature of the vapor refrigerant. The evaporator is responsible for absorbing heat from the surroundings, thereby vaporizing the refrigerant, and the generator is not typically a component found in standard HVAC systems focused on refrigerant cycles.