Which component connects the compressor and condenser in a split system air conditioning unit?

The correct component that connects the compressor and condenser in a split system air conditioning unit is the refrigeration line set. This line set consists of two copper pipes; one carries the refrigerant in a vapor state from the compressor to the condenser, while the other returns the refrigerant back from the condenser to the evaporator. The proper functioning of this line set is crucial as it allows the refrigerant to possess the necessary properties for heat exchange between these components, ultimately enabling the cooling process in the system.

Other components mentioned play different roles in the refrigeration cycle. The capillary tube functions as a metering device, controlling the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator but does not connect the compressor to the condenser directly. Similarly, the expansion valve, whether it is a standard expansion valve or a thermostatic expansion valve, is responsible for regulating refrigerant flow but is positioned within the system so that it operates after the condenser, not as a connecting component. Therefore, understanding the correct function and placement of these components within a refrigeration system is key to grasping how these units operate effectively.