What is the primary function of the condenser in an A/C system?

The primary function of the condenser in an air conditioning system is to cool refrigerant after it has absorbed heat. In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant first absorbs heat from the indoor air in the evaporator unit, turning from a low-pressure gas into a low-pressure vapor. This vapor then travels to the condenser, where it is compressed and turned into a high-pressure gas.

In the condenser, the refrigerant releases the absorbed heat to the outside air. As the refrigerant releases this heat, it cools down and condenses back into a liquid state. This process is crucial for maintaining efficient cooling within the system. Without the condenser effectively cooling the refrigerant, the cycle would not be completed, resulting in a failure to provide indoor cooling.

The other options describe functions that are not performed by the condenser. For example, absorbing indoor heat is the role of the evaporator, distributing air pertains to the fan and duct system, and filtering contaminants is a task typically handled by filters in the air intake system.