What is a common function of an air conditioning compressor?

The primary function of an air conditioning compressor is to compress the refrigerant vapor. This is a critical step in the refrigeration cycle, where the compressor takes low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant gas from the evaporator and compresses it, raising its pressure and temperature. This compression process is essential for the refrigerant to flow through the system and exchange heat in the condenser.

By increasing the pressure, the refrigerant becomes capable of releasing heat as it travels to the condenser. Without the compressor functioning properly, the entire cooling system would not operate as intended, and the unit would be unable to effectively remove heat from the indoor environment. The other functions listed, such as cooling the refrigerant or circulating air, involve different components in the HVAC system rather than the compressor itself, making the role of the compressor focused solely on compressing the vapor.