Where are the condenser and compressor located in a typical residential split-system air conditioner?

In a typical residential split-system air conditioner, the condenser and compressor are located outdoors. The split-system design consists of two main components: the indoor unit, which usually houses the evaporator coil and air handler, and the outdoor unit, which contains the condenser coil and the compressor.

The reason for placing the condenser and compressor outside is primarily due to the operational efficiency of the system. The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas and circulating it through the system, while the condenser releases heat from the refrigerant, allowing it to cool and condense back into a liquid. If these components were placed indoors, they would release heat into the home, making the air conditioning process less efficient and uncomfortable for the occupants.

In addition, situating these components outdoors allows for better heat exchange, as the ambient outdoor air helps to dissipate the heat more efficiently than indoor air could. This placement is crucial for maintaining optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Other options, such as placing these components inside the ductwork or in the ceiling, would not support the necessary heat transfer processes required for effective air conditioning.