Which component is responsible for reducing the refrigerant pressure in a system?

The component responsible for reducing the refrigerant pressure in a system is the expansion device. This device, which can be a thermal expansion valve, capillary tube, or electronic expansion valve, functions by creating a restriction in the refrigerant flow. As the refrigerant passes through the expansion device, its pressure drops significantly, allowing it to expand and cool. This low-pressure refrigerant then enters the evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat from the environment, facilitating the refrigeration cycle.

The other components serve different purposes in the system. The condenser is where the refrigerant releases heat and condenses from a gas into a liquid, and it operates at high pressure. The suction line carries low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator back to the compressor for further compression. The discharge line transports high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor to the condenser after compression. Thus, the expansion device plays a crucial role in controlling the refrigerant pressure and enabling the cooling process efficiently.