Final answer:
Refrigerant vapor releases latent heat when it condenses into a liquid in the condenser, an exothermic process that increases the temperature of the surroundings.
Step-by-step explanation:
When refrigerant vapor enters the condenser to be condensed back into a liquid, it is giving off latent heat. This process occurs because energy must be removed from the vapor to change its phase from gas to liquid. The amount of energy released during this phase change is significant and can be calculated using the formula Q = mLy, where Q is the heat transferred, m is the mass of the substance, and Ly is the latent heat of vaporization. The release of latent heat during condensation is an exothermic process, which increases the temperature of the surroundings.