The Advantages of HVAC Chillers

Description

• HVAC water cooler chillers are used in most air conditioning systems and provide cool water pushed through coils to prevent systems from overheating. Water chillers are used in both industrial and residential environments, their capacity and power defined by the size and capacity of the HVAC unit. HVAC chillers may also be air-cooled or evaporation-cooled and are most often used in large, indoor areas.

Function

• Water-cooled chillers push cooled water through coils or an air-handling unit to prevent the HVAC system from overheating. The chiller cools water that flows through the system's coils. The water chiller component is located outside or in the basement, depending on the scenario. Chillers transfer heat from water entering a system and remove heat from components within the HVAC system. Cool or cold water produced through this transfer of heat enables cold water to then enter the system to cool coils transporting refrigerant, located in the evaporator heat exchanger. Chillers can reduce temperatures to 65 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Efficiency

• Water-cooled chillers maximize efficiency of an HVAC system by maintaining a steady temperature throughout the home or office environment. This prevents the system from constantly turning off or on, which reduces surges of energy and heating or air-conditioning costs. Some water chillers situated outdoors are gas operated, which may also help save on air-conditioning costs. Water-cooled chillers reduce risk of leaks or contaminants of refrigerant. Some water-cooled chillers are also installed as a separate component to an HVAC system for focused positioning and optimal space cooling capacity.

Cooling Capacity

• Water-cooled chillers are especially beneficial in large environments such as hospitals and universities. They’re less expensive to operate per ton in over 50-ton locations. Homes usually contain approximately 3 to 5 tons of cooling capacity. The cost efficiency and effectiveness of water-cooled chillers is based on electricity usage per ton of cooling.