In a typical residential split-system air conditioner, where is the evaporator located?

In a typical residential split-system air conditioner, the evaporator is located indoors. The evaporator coil is an essential component of the air conditioning system where refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, thereby cooling the air that circulates through the home. This coil is generally found within or near the air handler or furnace, which is situated in a conditioned space like a living room or utility area.

Locating the evaporator indoors is crucial for optimal heat absorption since it allows the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat from the air in the living space. This design ensures efficient cooling and contributes to maintaining indoor comfort levels.

While the outdoor unit contains the condenser coil and compressor, which are responsible for expelling heat from the refrigerant back into the outside environment, the evaporator's placement indoors emphasizes the role of the entire system in regulating the internal climate effectively. Other locations like an attic or basement might house the equipment, but the key aspect remains that the evaporator itself resides within the indoor component of the split system.