Gas Heat ESCO Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a flue baffle?

1. Decrease exhaust temperature

2. Increase heat exchange

3. Reduce noise

4. Stabilize draft

The correct answer is: Increase heat exchange

The primary purpose of a flue baffle is to improve the efficiency of heat exchange within a heating system. A flue baffle is designed to redirect the flow of exhaust gases, allowing them to spend more time in contact with the heat exchanger surfaces. This increased contact time enhances heat transfer to the surrounding air or water, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of the heating system and maximizing the heat that is utilized from the combustion process. While options like decreasing exhaust temperature or stabilizing draft also address important aspects of a heating system's operation, they do not directly relate to the primary function of a flue baffle. The baffle is specifically intended to enhance the heat transfer efficiency, which is key to optimizing the performance of gas heating systems. Reducing noise is not a core function of a flue baffle, as its main role is focused on heat exchange rather than acoustics.