Which HVAC component is responsible for removing heat from the indoor air?

The evaporator coil is the component responsible for removing heat from indoor air in an HVAC system. It operates as part of a refrigeration cycle. When warm, humid indoor air passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside the coil absorbs the heat from the air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and change from a liquid to a gas. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it cools the air, which is then circulated back into the living space. This cooling process is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment during warmer months.

In contrast, the furnace primarily generates heat to warm indoor spaces rather than removing it. The heat exchanger is involved in transferring heat from one medium to another, but its primary role is in heating air rather than cooling. The compressor, while a vital part of the refrigeration cycle, works to pressurize the refrigerant and circulate it through the system but does not directly remove heat from indoor air. Therefore, the evaporator coil is specifically designed for the purpose of removing heat, making it the correct answer to the question.