In an air conditioning system, what component removes heat from the air and transfers it to the refrigerant?

In an air conditioning system, the evaporator is the component responsible for removing heat from the air and transferring it to the refrigerant. The evaporator works by allowing warm air from the living spaces to pass over its coils, which contain the refrigerant. As the warm air flows over the coils, the refrigerant inside evaporates because it absorbs the heat from the air. This process cools the air, which is then circulated back into the living area. The heat that the refrigerant absorbs is later removed by the condenser, which acts as a separate component in the cooling cycle.

This understanding of the evaporator's role highlights its importance in the cooling process of an air conditioning system, as it is the key element that initiates the heat exchange that allows for effective temperature control within a home or building.