Commercial Heat Exchangers and Cooling Towers: What’s the Difference?

Commercial Heat Exchangers and Cooling Towers: What’s the Difference?

July 21, 2023 by Timberline

For commercial and industrial property owners, facility managers and other decision makers, understanding the options for heating, cooling and generally maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is crucial.

You don’t have to be an expert in the various technologies – that’s our job. However, a basic knowledge of the air conditioning systems involved is helpful when considering the options for equipment and the company that maintains and maintains them to keep them working properly.

Two terms you’re likely to hear when preparing to build a new facility, upgrade an existing facility, or replace outdated HVAC systems are “heat exchanger” and “cooling tower.” This article explains what these terms mean

Commercial and industrial HVAC systems

One of the reasons why the terminology in this industry can be a bit confusing is that it has to cover several separate but related functions. Specifically, HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

A commercial or industrial HVAC system has components to do every job—heating and cooling an indoor environment, and moving air in, through, and out as needed. And of course there is considerable overlap in these measures.

Heat exchangers and cooling towers are components within an HVAC system as described below.

What is a commercial/industrial heat exchanger and how does it work?

The simplest definition of a heat exchanger is...