Building Code Glossary
Heat Exchanger: Building Code Definition
How the IMC 2009 define heat exchanger, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Heat exchanger is a defined term in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IMC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 16 chapters of this corpus, most often in Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009), Hydronic Piping (IMC 2009), Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Heat Exchanger — IMC 2009, Definitions:
A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Heat Exchanger is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009:
A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.
Where heat exchanger is used in the code
The term appears in 16 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 10 |
| Hydronic Piping | IMC 2009 | 10 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 6 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 4 |
| Duct Systems | IMC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Refrigeration | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Solar Systems | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IECC 2009 | 1 |
4 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about heat exchanger, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
For climate Zones 5 through 8 as indicated in Figure 301.1 and Table 301.1, if an open- or closed-circuit cooling tower is used, then a separate heat exchanger shall be required to isolate the cooling tower from the heat pump loop, and heat loss shall be controlled by shutting down the circulation pump on the cooling tower loop and providing …
Shutoffvalves shall be installed on the supply and return side of a heat exchanger.
Filters shall be installed in the return air system, upstream from any heat exchanger or coil, in an approved convenient location.
The terms heat exchanger is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what heat exchanger covers:
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Heat Exchanger: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hydronic Piping (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Device: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of heat exchanger?
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on heat exchanger?
In this corpus the term is used across 16 chapters, led by Commercial Energy Efficiency in the IECC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is a heat exchanger?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IMC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.” It is defined in IMC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is the purpose of a heat exchanger in a building?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IMC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.” It is defined in IMC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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