Which equipment is specifically designed to heat and supply potable water?

The equipment specifically designed to heat and supply potable water is a water heater. Water heaters are utilized in residential and commercial settings to ensure the availability of hot water for various purposes, such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. They come in various forms, including tankless designs, storage tanks, and heat pump models, and are equipped to maintain water at a certain temperature for immediate use.

While a boiler can also heat water and may supply it for potable use, its primary function is typically to generate steam or hot water for heating systems, which may not directly cater to potable water supply. A heat exchanger is used to transfer heat between two or more fluids but does not inherently serve as a water supply device. A warm air furnace primarily heats air rather than water, making it unsuitable for the specific task of providing potable hot water. Thus, the focus on the water heater illustrates its purpose and design, aligning perfectly with the requirement of supplying potable water.