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Mechanical / HVACaka: refrigerant compressoraka: scroll compressoraka: screw compressor

Compressor

In Plain English

The mechanical pump in an HVAC system that pressurizes refrigerant to keep the cooling cycle running.

Definition

The component of a refrigeration or air conditioning system that raises the pressure and temperature of low-pressure refrigerant vapor, enabling the refrigeration cycle to operate. The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system—it consumes electrical energy and drives the flow of refrigerant through the system. Common types include scroll, screw, reciprocating, and centrifugal compressors.

Why It Matters in Bidding

The compressor is usually the most expensive component in an HVAC package, so its type, capacity, and efficiency rating drive equipment pricing, electrical load, and often long lead times that an estimator must plan procurement around. Selecting the wrong compressor type for the spec'd application, or missing rigging and startup costs, can leave a mechanical bid short on both money and schedule.

Example

Pricing a chiller plant, a mechanical estimator carries a long lead time and rigging crew for the centrifugal compressor unit after confirming the spec'd capacity and efficiency rating.

Related Terms

RefrigerantChillerCondensing UnitHeat Pump

Frequently Asked Questions

Compressor type and capacity largely set the equipment cost, electrical service requirements, and physical footprint of the unit. Higher-efficiency or larger-tonnage compressors raise both first cost and lead time. Estimators must match the compressor to the spec'd performance and account for rigging, electrical coordination, and startup, not just the equipment quote.
Common types include scroll and reciprocating for smaller systems, screw for mid-range capacity, and centrifugal for large chillers. Each suits a different tonnage range and application. The spec or schedule of equipment typically dictates the type, so estimators should quote accordingly rather than assuming a cheaper alternative is acceptable.
Large or high-efficiency compressors and packaged chillers are frequently built to order, and supply constraints can extend delivery for months. This makes them long-lead items that drive procurement sequencing and submittal timing. Estimators should confirm availability with the manufacturer and flag the lead time as a schedule qualification in the bid.

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