The outside unit of an air conditioner is commonly referred to as the "condenser unit" or simply the "condenser." It plays a crucial role in the air conditioning system by dissipating heat from the indoor air to the outside environment.
The condenser unit contains several important components, including the compressor, condenser coils, fan, and various valves. The compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant gas, which then flows through the condenser coils. As the refrigerant releases heat to the outside air in the condenser coils, it undergoes a phase change from a hot gas to a high-pressure liquid.
The condenser fan blows air over the condenser coils, helping to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air. This process cools down the refrigerant, preparing it to circulate back to the indoor unit (evaporator) to absorb heat from the indoor air once again.
By continuously cycling the refrigerant between the indoor evaporator and the outdoor condenser unit, an air conditioner can maintain a cool and comfortable indoor environment, even in hot weather. The condenser unit is typically located outside the building, often on the ground level or mounted on brackets on the exterior wall.