Chill with Confidence: Ace the 2026 ASE Air Conditioner Exam and Keep Cool Under the Hood!

The evaporator is the component of the A/C system typically found inside the passenger cabin. Its primary function is to absorb heat from the cabin air, which cools the air before it is circulated back into the passenger area. The evaporator achieves this by utilizing the refrigerant, which evaporates inside the coil. As the liquid refrigerant flows through the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the cabin air, causing the refrigerant to change from a liquid to a gas and effectively cooling the air that is blown into the vehicle.

In contrast, other components like the compressor, condenser, and receiver-drier are located outside the passenger cabin. The compressor is usually mounted on the engine and is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant. The condenser is located at the front of the vehicle and dissipates heat from the refrigerant, while the receiver-drier is typically found in the engine bay as well, serving to filter and store refrigerant. Understanding the location and function of each component is crucial for diagnosing and servicing vehicle air conditioning systems effectively.