Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Air Conditioner Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free ASE Air Conditioner Practice Questions and Study Guide

The component primarily responsible for circulating refrigerant in an A/C system is the compressor. The compressor acts as the heart of the air conditioning system, drawing low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and compressing it into a high-pressure gas. This process not only helps in moving the refrigerant through the system but also increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, enabling it to efficiently release heat when it passes into the condenser.

The function of the compressor is crucial because without it, the refrigerant would not flow through the system, rendering the air conditioning inoperative. The proper functioning of the compressor ensures that the refrigerant moves through all components of the A/C system in a continuous loop, supporting the cooling cycle effectively.

In contrast, the expansion valve, condenser, and evaporator each have distinct roles in the refrigerant cycle, such as reducing pressure, dissipating heat, and absorbing heat, respectively, but they do not circulate the refrigerant like the compressor does.