Which component's malfunction could lead to compressor overheating?

A condenser fan plays a critical role in the cooling process of a refrigeration or air conditioning system. Its primary function is to circulate air over the condenser coils, where heat is dissipated from the refrigerant into the surrounding environment. If the condenser fan malfunctions—such as failing to operate or operating at a reduced capacity—heat can accumulate in the condenser coils because the airflow needed to remove heat is insufficient. This increased heat can cause the compressor to work harder to maintain system pressure, leading to overheating over time.

In contrast, while other components like the pressure relief valve, expansion valve, and evaporator coil each have unique functions and can impact system performance, they do not directly regulate the heat exchange in a way that would lead to compressor overheating in the same immediate manner as the condenser fan. The compressor relies heavily on the efficiency of the condensing process, making the proper functioning of the condenser fan essential to overall system reliability and preventing overheating.