The outside unit of an air conditioner is commonly called the condenser unit or outdoor unit. More technically, the whole outside assembly is often called the condensing unit.

Quick scoop

In everyday conversation, people may also just call it:

  • the outside AC unit.
  • the outdoor unit.
  • sometimes the compressor , though that’s only one part inside it.

What it does

Its job is to release heat from inside your home to the outdoors, which is why it sits outside. The outdoor unit usually contains the compressor, condenser coil, and fan.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between the condenser , compressor , and evaporator in one simple diagram-style breakdown.