What is the purpose of a compressor in an HVAC system?

The purpose of a compressor in an HVAC system is to pump refrigerant and facilitate the heat exchange process. The compressor plays a critical role in the cooling and heating cycles of the system. It increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, enabling it to absorb heat from the indoor environment (in cooling mode) or release heat to the outdoor environment (in heating mode) as the refrigerant circulates through the system.

By compressing the refrigerant, the compressor allows it to move efficiently through the condenser and evaporator coils. This process is essential for creating the temperature differential that facilitates heat exchange. Without the compressor, the refrigerant would not be able to transition between gas and liquid states effectively, thereby disrupting the entire HVAC system's operation.

In this context, the other options do not directly describe the primary function of the compressor. Maximizing energy consumption is not an objective of the compressor; rather, the goal is to optimize energy efficiency. While filtering air pollutants is an important function, it is typically the role of air filters, not the compressor. Similarly, regulating temperature settings is managed by the thermostat and control system, not directly by the compressor itself.