An accumulator is primarily used to?

An accumulator plays a crucial role in refrigeration systems, particularly in preventing liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor. The compressor is designed to handle vapor, and if liquid refrigerant enters it, it can lead to liquid slugging, which may cause significant damage to the compressor.

The accumulator is positioned after the evaporator and has the capacity to collect any excess liquid refrigerant that may have not fully evaporated. By doing so, it ensures that only vapor enters the compressor, thus maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the system. The accumulator works by allowing the vapor to rise to the top and exit toward the compressor while trapping the liquid at the bottom, effectively performing its primary function of protecting the compressor from liquid refrigerant.

Understanding the function of an accumulator in this context is vital for maintaining a well-functioning HVAC system, as it safeguards critical components like the compressor from potential operational hazards.