What is an evaporator coil's role in air conditioning?

The evaporator coil plays a crucial role in the air conditioning process by absorbing heat from the indoor air. It does this through the evaporation of refrigerant within the coil. When warm air from the inside of a building passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside the coil absorbs the heat, causing the refrigerant to change from a liquid to a gas. This heat exchange process cools the air, which is then circulated back into the building, lowering the overall indoor temperature.

This function is essential for effectively cooling a space and is a fundamental part of the refrigeration cycle that ensures efficient temperature regulation. The other options do not accurately describe the role of the evaporator coil in the air conditioning system. For example, distributing warm air or compressing refrigerant pertains to different components and processes within the system.