When refrigerant enters the metering device, it is usually in what state?

When refrigerant enters the metering device, it is usually in a high-pressure liquid state. This is because the metering device is designed to regulate the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil, which occurs after the refrigerant has been condensed in the condenser unit. The refrigeration cycle compresses the refrigerant, raising its pressure and temperature, and feeds it into the metering device.

In this high-pressure liquid state, the refrigerant has absorbed heat from the space being cooled and is ready for expansion through the metering device. The expansion process causes the refrigerant to drop in pressure and temperature, transitioning to a low-pressure mixture of liquid and vapor as it enters the evaporator. This phase change is crucial for the refrigerant to absorb heat efficiently as it evaporates within the evaporator coil, effectively cooling the indoor environment.