An ink jet recording apparatus for effecting recording with ink that adheres to a recording medium has an ink jet recording head unit having a recording head in which a plurality of electrothermal conversion elements available to discharge the ink are arranged, a heat exchange device having a first heat exchange portion contacting with the whole area of one side of the recording head in the lengthwise direction thereof and effecting heat exchange and a second heat exchange portion provided in continuation to the first heat exchange portion and extending on the outside far from the recording head, a heater provided near the second heat exchange portion for heating the heat exchange device, and a temperature detector provided on a portion of the first heat exchange portion; the second heat exchange portion being inclined upwardly relative to the recording head; a cooling device for acting on the second heat exchange portion of the heat exchange device and assisting the heat radiation of the second heat exchange portion; and drive controller for controlling the driving of the cooling device and/or the heating device on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature detector.