In a refrigeration system, what part would be considered the low side?

In a refrigeration system, the low side refers to the section of the system that operates at lower pressure and typically includes components where the refrigerant absorbs heat, resulting in a state change from liquid to vapor. The area between the evaporator and the compressor is classified as the low side because the refrigerant vapor that exits the evaporator has been low-pressure and low-temperature after absorbing heat from the environment or refrigerated space.

The evaporator is where the refrigerant picks up heat, and it intentionally operates under low-pressure conditions. Following this, the gaseous refrigerant is drawn into the compressor, which then compresses it, raising its pressure and temperature and sending it into the high side of the system, starting a new cycle.

Understanding the distinction between high side and low side is crucial for diagnosing issues, servicing equipment, and ensuring that the refrigeration cycle operates efficiently. The other sections mentioned refer to different interactions in the system, but they do not represent the low-pressure side where the evaporator and the compressor are involved in the heat absorption process.