What is a heat exchanger?
Definition and functionality of heat exchangers – in simple terms
When discussing energy-efficient heating and ventilation systems, there is no getting around the heat exchanger. But what are heat exchangers (HRV)? What are they used for and when do you need a heat exchanger for your ventilation system? We provide the answers.
What exactly is a heat exchanger?
The term heat exchanger essentially describes components that transfer heat from one medium to another. To begin with, the medium involved is not important. Generally speaking, it is water or air. But what really matters is the operation, i.e. the transfer of heat. That is why heat exchangers are also called heat transfer systems. A well-known example: Your radiator. In the true sense of the word, your radiator at home is nothing other than a heat exchanger. It transfers the heat from the water heated by the central heating system to the air in the room.
What are heat exchangers used for?
If you are familiar with the topic of heat exchangers, you will have certainly noticed that not all heat exchangers are the same. In addition to the radiator, there are a wide variety of types and functions of heat exchangers. They transfer heat from air to water in heating systems, from water to water in fresh water stations, or from air to air in ventilation systems. If you want to improve the efficiency of your ventilation or heating system and are looking for a heat exchanger, it is therefore most important to understand what a heat exchanger does and where it is located.
Why are heat exchangers important?
Heat exchangers are an indispensable part of modern heating and ventilation systems. This is because they ensure that generated heat is efficiently transferred, and that consumed heat is reused. In doing so, they improve the energy efficiency of a heating or ventilation system. With modern residential ventilation, for example, heat exchangers ensure the transfer of heat from exhaust air to supply air. The incoming fresh air is heated with the help of the consumed room air. This ultimately saves money because the thermal energy already present in the room air is transferred to the fresh air.
When does it make sense to use a heat exchanger?
As a rule, a heat exchanger is always a worthwhile purchase. Because a heat exchanger ensures that heat is reused rather than lost. This reduces the energy required to heat air or water and thus helps to protect the environment. But it is also important to understand that a heat exchanger is usually part of a ventilation or heating system. If you are considering whether a heat exchanger is right for your home, it’s best to talk to your ventilation or heating expert.
Why you should choose CORE for your heat exchanger
If you have opted for a ventilation system with heat recovery, that’s likely because a healthy indoor environment and energy efficiency are important to you. CORE heat exchangers are the ideal choice. With their unique performance values, our heat exchangers ensure effective heating of the room air with optimum energy efficiency. And to make sure this is always the case, we manufacture the right heat exchanger for every ventilation system. So you always benefit from the best performance of your ventilation system.
Additional topics
Counterflow heat exchanger vs. crossflow heat exchanger
What are the different types of heat exchangers? How do they work? And when is which technology suitable? We’ll explain all about the different types of heat exchangers.
All about ventilation systems with heat recovery
What is heat recovery and why is it important to consider the right heat exchanger for ventilation systems with heat recovery?
Products and solutions
Wide variety of products, patented technology: With our wide-ranging portfolio of crossflow and counterflow heat exchangers, you will always find the right product for your application. And if needed, we can individually manufacture the right heat exchanger for your specific ventilation system.