Question

How do ocean currents help maintain Earth's heat balance?

Answer 1

Ocean currents are one of the main causes of different atmospheric condtions all over the world.

Explanation:

We know that when air heats up, it rises the area becomes less dense, it is quickly replaced by surrounding cold air. So, one may understand that air blows from the poles towards the equator.

The winds also facilitate ocean water to move accordingly. Thus we conclude that cold water moves towards the equator and hot water to poles. Thus ocean currents ultimately help in maintaining heat balance.

Ocean currents across the globe are shown below:

In other ways it also deflect back uneven solar radiations from the sun.
This can help you further :
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/pd/oceans_weather_climate/energy_oceans_atmosphere.html