Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Practice Exam

Describe the role of the evaporator coil in an air conditioner.

1. To release heat into the exterior environment

2. To absorb heat from the indoor air, cooling it before circulating it back into the space

3. To filter air contaminants

4. To store refrigerant

The correct answer is: To absorb heat from the indoor air, cooling it before circulating it back into the space

The role of the evaporator coil in an air conditioner is to absorb heat from the indoor air, effectively cooling it before that air is circulated back into the living space. This process occurs when the refrigerant within the evaporator coil evaporates. As the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, lowering the temperature of that air. The cooled, dehumidified air is then blown back into the room, providing a comfortable environment. This function is critical because it directly contributes to the cooling effect that air conditioning systems provide. Without the efficient heat absorption capabilities of the evaporator coil, the air conditioner would not be able to lower the indoor temperature effectively. The other options describe functions that are not associated with the evaporator coil, such as releasing heat, filtering air, or storing refrigerant, which are performed by other components in the air conditioning system.