When the compressor refrigerant is drawn into the suction side, it is compressed and sent to the condenser. The condenser is the area in which heat dissipation occurs. As hot, compressed gases are introduced into the top of the condenser, they are cooled off. As the gas cools, it condenses and exits the bottom of the condenser as a high-pressure liquid.

The condenser, in most cases, will have much the same appearance as the radiator in your car because they both have similar functions. Like your car's radiator, the condenser is designed to dissipate heat and it is usually located in front of the car, where airflow is usually the greatest. In some cars, however, the location may vary due to aerodynamic considerations.

Condensers must have good airflow anytime your air conditioning system is in operation. On rear wheel drive vehicles this is usually accomplished by taking advantage of your existing engine's cooling fan. On front wheel drive cars the airflow is supplemented with one or more electric cooling fans.