Outdoor Unit

The component of a split HVAC system located outdoors. In a standard central air system, the outdoor unit (also called the condensing unit) houses the compressor, condenser coil, and fan. In a heat pump system it also contains the reversing valve. The outdoor unit releases or absorbs heat to/from the outside air. It is connected to the indoor unit by refrigerant lines. In a packaged system, all parts may be in one outdoor box. In a split system, the outdoor unit handles the heat exchange with outside air.