What is latent energy?

Latent energy refers specifically to the energy absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance, such as when water transitions from ice to liquid (melting) or from liquid to vapor (evaporation). This energy is not associated with a change in temperature; instead, it is involved in changing the state of the material while maintaining a constant temperature, which is why it is termed "latent" (hidden).

When a substance changes state, it either absorbs or releases energy without a corresponding increase in temperature. For instance, when water evaporates, it absorbs latent heat from its surroundings, which can significantly impact drying processes in restoration scenarios. Understanding latent energy is crucial in the context of drying because it helps professionals determine how much energy will be needed to effectively evaporate moisture from materials during restoration work, which is a key component of the IICRC drying protocols.

This concept is essential in commercial drying applications, where managing moisture and phase changes is critical to restoring affected environments efficiently and effectively.