May. 06, 2024
When breaking down cooling systems there are generally two categories: Small & Large capacities. Smaller capacities require air conditioners, whereas larger capacities will typically require chillers.
Air conditioners serve smaller cooling loads up to 5-tons (60,000 BTU) and are installed in residential and smaller commercial settings. There are different types of air conditioners depending on the end-use specifications, all provide cold air as the output. Examples are: Central units (shown in the image below), Window unit, Ductless / Split Wall mounted unit or Evaporative units. Air conditioners tend to be more expensive per ton of cooling because they are smaller scale and fixed costs occupy a larger sum, and they contain fans for air handling within the unit.
Air Conditioners range in price from a 1-ton (12,000 BTU) that will cost around $1,000 and a 5-ton (60,000 BTU) that costs around $3,200. With larger units the price per ton drops to around $640/ton.
There are two types of chillers: air-cooled and water-cooled; attributed to the medium used to cool down the condenser. Water-cooled chillers are a more efficient option for larger industrial cooling requirements, however they need extra components such as pumps and a cooling tower which usually increases the capital investment to more than that of an air cooled chiller.
A manufacturing plant that uses a chiller at its site spends around $700/ton of cooling annually. This exceeds the capital costs of a chiller per ton and arises from the intensive electricity consumption of the chiller. We can see that compressor based cooling technology is cheap to purchase not cost effective in operating in the long run.
With increasing electricity prices, the operating costs become a deterrent to purchasing such equipment . This is where newer technologies, such as aDsorption and aBsorption cooling comes into play. These systems rely on thermal compression, eliminating the need for compressors; in-turn using a 1/20 fraction of electricity and reducing operating costs by more than 50%.
Chiller Rentals By CTCA’s skid-mounted chillers are always ready for 24/7 emergency delivery and installation.
Whether you’re considering renting or buying a chiller, there are several factors you should consider before taking the first step to ensure you receive the right cooling level the first time around. In this article, we’ll be answering the 4 most frequently asked questions regarding renting or buying chiller units.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between HVAC and chiller?
What are the different types of chillers?
Which type of chiller is best?
How much do chillers cost?
HVAC is an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is an encompassing set of technologies and solutions geared toward delivering optimal levels of heat, ventilation, and cooling needed by residents, businesses, and organizations. Chillers are a subset of HVAC; more specifically, chillers are one of the technologies falling under the AC part of HVAC.
When you hear the term ‘AC, the first thing that might come to mind is window-type and split-type A/C units that are typically used to cool rooms. In a way, chillers are similar to these units since both solutions are designed to cool a particular area. However, there are some key differences in the purpose, size, and capacity of chiller units from their standard household counterparts.
Chillers are typically used for high-volume applications and industrial settings like hospitals, refineries, and power stations where a constant level of cooling is required over a large area. Considering their purpose, they’re much bigger in size compared to typical A/C units and can bring more than 1,000 tons of cooling power, depending on the configuration. Household A/C units are usually limited in their ability to cool below 16°C, but chillers are designed to cool an area to levels below 16°C when needed. Simply put, chillers are one of many HVAC technologies which are specially designed for high-volume applications and industrial settings.
What are the different types of chillers?
There are 2 main types of chillers you should know about: Air-cooled chillers and water-cooled chillers.
Both chillers share the same method and mechanics of cooling, which involves the use of vapor compression. The key difference is that the water-cooled chillers use a cooling tower to remove unwanted heat, while air-cooled chillers use fans for heat dissipation.
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Air-cooled chillers use air to remove the unwanted heat through the process of fanning the heat moving along the open tubes of the condenser.
Air-cooled chillers are the best option when the area to be cooled has limited space or doesn’t have access to continuous clean water. These chillers have lower cooling efficiency than their water-cooled counterparts, but they are quick and easy to install and cheaper than water-cooled units.
Water-Cooled Chiller
Water-Cooled chillers use water to remove unwanted heat through the process of forcing water through the condenser’s tubes and dissipating the heat through a cooling tower.
Because water-cooled chillers use a cooling tower, this type of chiller offers a higher efficiency rating compared to its air-cooled counterpart. However, these units require additional components like condenser water pumps and make-up water pumps on top of the existing cooling tower, which increases the overall cost of these chillers.
The best type of chiller is one that gets you the cooling level you need without exceeding your ideal installation and operating costs.
Both air-cooled and water-cooled chillers are better suited to some situations than others, which is why they both exist and are both widely used today. Which solution is best for your situation will depend on a number of factors. For example, if you’re in an area with no continuous clean water supply or if the area’s water supply costs significantly more than electricity, an air-cooled chiller will likely be a better fit and help you better control costs.
While your decision-making process for the best chiller type for your unique situation may seem complex, knowing some key differentiating factors can help simplify your decision. To help, we’ve listed the pros and cons of each type of chiller below.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Many reputable chiller manufacturers, including Trane, Carrier, and York Chillers, do not disclose chiller pricing on their websites. However, detailed research can reveal an approximate price range, depending on the type and size of your chiller unit.
Mark Stehney, a writer for CSE Magazine, developed and published a price comparison between air-cooled and water-cooled chillers. His research showed that a 200-ton air-cooled chiller costs approximately $250,000, while a 200-ton water-cooled chiller can run approximately $340,000. These cost approximations were based on previous-year pricing and accounted for a 3% annual inflation rate.
The $90,000 difference between air-cooled and water-cooled chillers can be attributed to the difference in unit structure and needed accessories. As previously mentioned, air-cooled chillers don’t require a cooling tower, condenser water pump, condenser pipe, or other controls and accessories.
However, this isn’t the only cost consideration when comparing chiller prices; the same report also showed that 200-ton air-cooled chillers cost about twice ($122,400) the yearly energy costs of 200-ton water-cooled chillers ($69,360). To calculate the true cost of ownership, you should evaluate a number of factors, including installation costs, how long you plan to own and operate your chiller, and any ancillary costs your company may incur.
Considering the significant amount of money and considerations involved, it’s best to test out your ideal solution first by renting a chiller. By using a chiller rentals, you can easily gauge which type of chiller is best for you at a fraction of the total cost. For short-term use, you may save tens of thousands of dollars vs. purchasing a unit directly. With a rental, you’ll incur less risk and have a maximum cooling capacity for your business!
You don’t have to spend $250,000 or more just to get your own chiller. Instead, you can easily rent one with Chiller Rentals By CTCA and have it delivered and installed in 24 hours!
Trusted for 44 years, Chiller Rentals By CTCA offers nationwide portable chiller delivery, installation, and support 24/7, 365 days a year. Our chiller experts are always available to help you get the best chiller rental for your situation and your budget, saving you time and money.
Call us anytime at 1 (866) 880-9097 or contact us so our chiller experts can assist with your cooling problems today
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