Which component rejects heat to the surroundings and condenses refrigerant?

• A. Evaporator
• B. Condenser
• C. Expansion device
• D. Float switch

Answer: (B)

In a refrigeration cycle, heat is rejected at the condenser. The condenser receives high‑pressure, high‑temperature vapor from the compressor and transfers that heat to the surroundings, causing the vapor to shed energy and condense into a liquid. This phase change from vapor to liquid is essential for restarting the cycle, since the liquid then goes on to the expansion device where its pressure is lowered and it can again absorb heat in the evaporator.

The evaporator, in contrast, is the place where heat is absorbed from the space or product being kept cold, turning liquid refrigerant into vapor. The expansion device lowers the refrigerant’s pressure to enable this cooling effect. The float switch is simply a level sensor used to monitor liquid in a container and does not participate in heat transfer.

Therefore, the component that rejects heat to the surroundings and condenses the refrigerant is the condenser.