Heat exchanger baffles and methods for manufacturing the same

A baffle comprising:

• a cylindrical core with a closed end extending in an axial direction;
• an at least partially cylindrical outer wall surrounding the core and defining at least one flow path between the outer wall and the core;
• and
• a plurality of fins extending from the outer wall to the core, each of the plurality of fins having a serpentine shape having a curving or undulating shape forming a plurality of alternating convex peaks and extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction,
• wherein the outer wall and the plurality of fins are formed in one piece from extruded aluminum, and
• wherein an outer surface of the outer wall includes a plurality of indents in positions corresponding to the plurality of fins.

A water heating system comprising:

• a burner configured to create products of combustion;
• a vent configured to vent the products of combustion from the water heater;
• at least one flue tube defining a flow path for the products of combustion received from the burner and extending toward the vent;
• and
• at least one baffle removably positioned within the at least one flue tube, the at least one baffle comprising:
• a cylindrical core with a closed end;
• an outer wall surrounding the core and defining at least one flow path between the outer wall and the core;
• and
• a plurality of fins extending from the outer wall toward the core, each of the plurality of fins having a serpentine shape having a curving or undulating shape forming a plurality of alternating convex peaks.