CSLB Class B General Contractor's License Practice Exam

What is the primary function of the refrigerant in a split air conditioning system?

1. To absorb moisture

2. To transfer heat

3. To filter air

4. To create pressure

The correct answer is: To transfer heat

The primary function of the refrigerant in a split air conditioning system is to transfer heat. Refrigerants are specially formulated fluids that change states between liquid and gas, facilitating the absorption of heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside. When the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the indoor space, effectively cooling the air. Then, when it is compressed in the outdoor unit, it releases that heat into the outside environment. This continuous cycle of heat absorption and release is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. Understanding the mechanism of heat transfer is crucial for recognizing how split air conditioning systems operate. The refrigerant’s ability to shift between different phases allows it to absorb heat efficiently when in a low-pressure gaseous state and expel heat when it is compressed into a high-pressure liquid state. Other options, while related to air conditioning systems, do not capture the core function of the refrigerant itself within this specific context.