What happens if the heat exchanger in an air washer leaks?

When a heat exchanger in an air washer leaks, it typically involves a failure in the boundary that separates the refrigerant from the water or air involved in the system. In this scenario, if the heat exchanger leaks, the refrigerant is likely to enter the water side of the system. This can lead to contamination of the water being used in the air washer.

The purpose of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat between two fluids - in this case, refrigerant and water. If there is a breach in this exchange, refrigerant can migrate into the water, which poses several risks, including potential harm to individuals due to exposure to refrigerants, as well as the possibility of damaging equipment that operates with the contaminated water.

Moreover, the presence of refrigerant in the water could affect the performance of the air washer and create issues with air quality. It is crucial for HVAC systems to maintain proper containment of refrigerants to adhere to safety and environmental regulations.