What is a refrigerant's role in an HVAC system?

The primary function of a refrigerant in an HVAC system is to absorb and release heat as it circulates through the system. This process is fundamental to how HVAC systems operate, particularly in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

As the refrigerant passes through the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and change from a liquid to a gas. This absorption of heat cools the air in the building. Subsequently, the refrigerant then moves to the compressor, where it is pressurized, and then it travels to the condenser. In the condenser, the refrigerant releases the heat it absorbed earlier into the outdoor air, allowing it to condense back into a liquid state. This cycle of heat absorption and release is what allows an HVAC system to effectively regulate indoor temperatures and provide comfort.

The other choices do not accurately describe the specific role of the refrigerant. Distributing warm air is a function of the heating elements in a system but does not involve the refrigerant directly. Cooling the air before it enters the system may occur but is not the primary role of the refrigerant itself. Filtering pollutants from the air is typically handled by air filters and not by the refrigerant. Thus, understanding the critical heat