The term "fan" in this context is used colloquially by electricians and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) professionals to refer to the condenser fan that is part of the outdoor unit of an air conditioning system. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner contains the compressor and the condenser coil, and it is responsible for dissipating the heat absorbed from inside the building to the outside.
The condenser fan plays a crucial role in this process. It draws air through the condenser coil, helping to remove the heat from the refrigerant that has been compressed by the compressor. As the refrigerant releases heat, it condenses into a liquid state, preparing it to be cycled back into the indoor unit to absorb heat again.
Since the fan is an essential component of the outdoor unit and plays a significant role in the heat exchange process, HVAC professionals often refer to it simply as a "fan" in their technical jargon and casual conversations. It's worth noting that while this term may be commonplace among professionals, it may not be as common or well-known among the general public. Most people refer to the entire system as an air conditioner or AC, without distinguishing individual components like the condenser fan.