Which HVAC component rejects heat from refrigerant to outside air?

• A. Compressor
• B. Expansion device
• C. Condenser
• D. Evaporator

Answer: (C)

In a basic refrigerant loop, heat is rejected to outside air at the condenser. The compressor pushes hot, high‑pressure refrigerant gas into the condenser coil, which is cooled by outside air. As air flows over the coil, heat leaves the refrigerant, causing it to condense into a high‑pressure liquid. This sets up the next stage of the cycle, where the liquid is throttled by the expansion device and then evaporates in the evaporator to absorb interior heat. The evaporator is the inside heat absorber, while the expansion device lowers pressure and temperature, and the compressor increases pressure and temperature.