What is a heat exchanger?

A heat exchanger is a crucial component in various HVAC systems, and its primary function is to transfer heat between two or more fluids without allowing them to mix. This process is vital for effective temperature regulation in heating and cooling applications. In a heat exchanger, one fluid absorbs heat from another fluid, which is typically at a different temperature. This allows for energy efficiency as heat can be reused or expelled, depending on the desired outcome of the system.

Heat exchangers are commonly found in furnaces, air conditioning systems, and chillers, where they help maintain the indoor environment by either heating or cooling the air that is distributed throughout a building. The separation of the two fluids ensures that they do not intermingle, preserving their distinct properties and enhancing system performance.

Understanding the function of a heat exchanger is important for anyone in the HVAC field, as it plays a significant role in energy management and system effectiveness.