Which component directly converts the refrigerant from liquid to gas?

The component that directly converts the refrigerant from liquid to gas is the evaporator. In the refrigeration cycle, the evaporator plays a critical role by allowing the refrigerant, which enters in a liquid state, to absorb heat from the surrounding environment. As the refrigerant flows through the coils of the evaporator, it undergoes a phase change; it absorbs heat and consequently transforms from a liquid to a gaseous state. This process is essential for the cooling effect that refrigeration systems provide.

In contrast, other components serve different functions in the refrigeration cycle. The compressor, for example, pressurizes the gaseous refrigerant and raises its temperature, while the condenser is responsible for converting the refrigerant back from gas to liquid by releasing heat. The expansion valve regulates the flow and pressure of the refrigerant into the evaporator but does not directly cause the phase change from liquid to gas. Thus, the evaporator is distinctly the component where this conversion happens.