ESCO Air Conditioning Practice Exam 2025 - Free AC Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The functions of a condenser in an air conditioning system are performed in a specific order to ensure the proper exchange of heat and phase change of refrigerant. The correct order starts with de-superheating. When the refrigerant gas enters the condenser, it is typically in a superheated state. The first task of the condenser is to remove this excess heat, which is known as the de-superheating process.

Following de-superheating, the refrigerant then condenses. During this phase, the refrigerant changes from a gas to a liquid by releasing latent heat as it cools down. This phase transition is crucial for the efficient operation of the refrigeration cycle, as it prepares the refrigerant for use in the evaporator.

The last function is subcooling, where the condensate (liquid refrigerant) is further cooled below its saturation temperature, ensuring that it remains a liquid as it flows into the expansion device. Subcooling can also enhance system efficiency by increasing the amount of energy extracted from the refrigerant.

This order of de-superheating, condensing, and subcooling is essential for optimizing the performance of the condensing unit and ensuring effective operation of the entire air conditioning system. Understanding this sequence helps in troubleshooting,