Which component of an HVAC system is primarily responsible for the removal of heat from the air?

The primary component responsible for the removal of heat from the air in an HVAC system is the cooling coil. The cooling coil operates by allowing refrigerant to absorb heat from the air that passes over it. As warm air moves across the coil, heat is transferred from the air into the refrigerant, which then causes the air to cool down before it is circulated back into the living space. This cooling process is essential for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

The heating unit, on the other hand, functions to add heat to the air rather than remove it. The ventilator plays a role in bringing in fresh air or exhausting stale air but does not directly affect the heat content of the air. The compressor is critical for circulating refrigerant within the HVAC system, enabling the cooling cycle, but it does not directly interact with the air in a way that removes heat. Thus, the cooling coil is identified as the main component that effectively cools the air by removing heat.