LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

Which device is specifically designed to enhance energy efficiency by regulating humidity and temperature?

1. Dehumidifier

2. Thermostat

3. Economizer

4. Heat exchanger

The correct answer is: Economizer

The device that is specifically designed to enhance energy efficiency by regulating humidity and temperature is a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is a system that transfers heat between two or more fluids without mixing them. This process can significantly improve energy efficiency by either recovering heat from exhaust air or transferring heat from one part of a building to another, thus reducing the need for additional heating or cooling. In the context of energy usage, heat exchangers are particularly effective because they allow for the recapture of energy that would otherwise be lost, which helps to maintain comfortable humidity and temperature levels in a building. This interplay between temperature and humidity management is crucial for optimizing indoor environmental quality and reducing energy consumption. Dehumidifiers, while they regulate humidity effectively, do not inherently manage temperature and therefore may not provide the comprehensive energy efficiency improvements that a heat exchanger can offer. Thermostats control temperature but do not directly influence humidity. Economizers help reduce energy use by utilizing outside air for cooling when conditions are favorable, but they do not specifically regulate humidity levels.