What process occurs first in the refrigeration cycle?

In the refrigeration cycle, the first process that occurs is actually vaporization. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment and changes from liquid to vapor in the evaporator, which is where this initial process takes place. This vaporization is crucial as it allows the refrigerant to gather heat before it moves on to the next stages of the cycle.

Once vaporization occurs, the refrigerant is then compressed, leading to an increase in pressure and temperature. Following that, the refrigerant passes through the condenser, where it releases heat and condenses back into a liquid. The expansion valve is the last step, where the high-pressure liquid refrigerant experiences a drop in pressure, preparing it to enter the evaporator once again.

Understanding the order of these processes is fundamental for anyone studying HVAC systems, as each step is interdependent, ensuring the cycle functions effectively to cool spaces.