Air-Cooled Chiller vs Water-Cooled Chiller
Introduction
Chillers are a cornerstone of modern HVAC and industrial cooling systems, designed to remove heat from a liquid and keep environments, processes or equipment at the right temperature.
One of the most important decisions when selecting a chiller is choosing between an air-cooled chiller vs a water-cooled chiller. While both serve the same purpose, the way they reject heat – and the implications this has for cost, efficiency, maintenance and environmental impact – can be very different. Making the right choice can significantly impact energy bills, long-term system performance and sustainability.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, explore their advantages and disadvantages, compare their efficiency, and highlight how to determine which system is best suited to your specific application.
What is a Chiller?
A chiller is a cooling system that removes heat from a liquid, typically water or a water/glycol mix, and circulates the cooled fluid through equipment, air handlers or processes that require temperature control. This makes chillers an essential component in applications ranging from air conditioning to precision cooling.
There are many types of chillers, but they are typically split into two categories:
- Air-cooled chillers: these use fans to expel heat directly into the surrounding air.
- Water-cooled chillers: these use water and a cooling tower to reject heat.
Both systems perform the same fundamental function, but the way they achieve it has implications for efficiency, operating costs, maintenance, and suitability for different environments. To find out more about how a chiller system works, take a look at our dedicated guide .
Air-Cooled Chiller Explained
An air-cooled chiller works by transferring heat from the building or process into refrigerant, which then passes through condenser coils. Large fans blow ambient air across these coils, dissipating the heat directly into the atmosphere. They are most often used in:
- Small to mid-sized commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities where water is limited or costly
- Locations with moderate cooling loads and outdoor space available for installation
Advantages of Air-Cooled Chillers
- Lower installation costs: fewer components mean reduced upfront investment.
- Easier to maintain: no cooling tower or water treatment systems are required.
- Suitable for water-scarce areas: ideal for regions where water conservation is critical.
Disadvantages of Air-Cooled Chillers
- Less efficient than water-cooled systems: especially in large-scale or continuous-use applications.
- Larger footprint and noise levels: fans and condensers require more space and can generate higher sound levels compared to water-cooled options.
Water-Cooled Chiller Explained
A water-cooled chiller removes heat from a process or building and transfers it into water. This heated water is then circulated to a cooling tower, where the heat is rejected into the atmosphere. They are typically found in:
- Large industrial plants and manufacturing facilities
- Data centres with high cooling demands
- High-rise commercial and residential buildings where efficiency and quiet operation are critical
Advantages of Water-Cooled Chillers
- Higher efficiency: especially beneficial for large or continuous cooling loads.
- Longer equipment lifespan: reduced exposure to outdoor conditions can extend service life.
- Quieter operation: no large external fans, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Disadvantages of Water-Cooled Chillers
- Higher initial costs: requires additional infrastructure such as cooling towers and pumps.
- Water treatment needs: to prevent scaling, corrosion and biological growth within the system.
- Greater maintenance requirements: more components mean more regular servicing is needed.
Air-Cooled vs Water-Cooled Chiller: The Key Differences
When comparing an air-cooled chiller vs a water-cooled chiller, the choice often comes down to how each system performs in terms of installation, efficiency, maintenance and long-term operation. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the right system for your building or process cooling needs.
Factor | Air-Cooled Chiller | Water-Cooled Chiller |
Installation | Easier, no cooling tower needed | More complex, requires a cooling tower and pumps |
Space Requirements | outdoor space needed | Compact indoor or outdoor installation, plus cooling tower |
Efficiency | Lower efficiency, best for smaller loads | Higher efficiency, ideal for large/continuous loads |
Maintenance | Minimal – mainly coils and fans | Higher – includes tower, pumps and water treatment |
Lifespan | Shorter | Longer |
Environmental Impact | Saves water, may use more energy | Conserves energy, higher water consumption |
Installation and Space Requirements
Air-cooled chillers are simpler to install since they often require less additional equipment. However, they take up more outdoor space and need adequate airflow around the unit.
Water-cooled chillers require a mechanical room, cooling tower and associated equipment.
Operating Efficiency
When it comes to air-cooled vs water-cooled chiller efficiency, water-cooled systems usually outperform. Water has better thermal transfer properties than air, making these chillers more energy-efficient in large-scale applications. Air-cooled chillers, however, can be more practical for smaller loads or in regions with mild climates.
Maintenance Needs
Air-cooled systems are easier to maintain, as they don’t require water treatment or tower upkeep. Routine tasks mostly involve coil cleaning and fan inspections. Water-cooled systems require more maintenance due to cooling tower operation, water treatment and pump upkeep.
Lifespan and Durability
Air-cooled units are exposed to outdoor conditions, which can reduce lifespan, though proper maintenance helps extend it. Water-cooled units are typically housed indoors and protected from the weather, giving them a longer service life.
Environmental Considerations
Air-cooled chillers consume less water but may use more electricity over time due to lower efficiency. Water-cooled chillers are more energy efficient, but rely heavily on water, which can be a challenge in regions with water scarcity or strict sustainability targets.
Which Chiller is More Efficient?
When comparing air-cooled chiller vs water-cooled chiller efficiency, water-cooled systems generally come out ahead. This is because water is more effective than air at absorbing and transferring heat. As a result, water-cooled chillers can operate at lower condensing temperatures, reducing the amount of energy required to achieve the same cooling output.
However, efficiency is context dependent. While water-cooled chillers are typically the most energy-efficient choice for large-scale or continuous cooling applications, air-cooled chillers can be more cost-effective in smaller installations or in climates where cooling loads are moderate.
Key Factors Affecting Efficiency
- Energy costs: in areas with high electricity prices, the efficiency of water-cooled chillers can deliver long-term operational savings despite their higher upfront cost.
- Climate conditions: hot, humid climates may reduce the effectiveness of air-cooled chillers, while water-cooled systems remain stable. Conversely, in cooler regions, air-cooled chillers can operate more efficiently and with less strain.
- Building load profiles: facilities with heavy, continuous cooling demands (like data centres or industrial plants) benefit most from water-cooled efficiency. Smaller offices, retail sites or facilities with variable loads often find air-cooled systems more practical.
In summary, while water-cooled chillers are usually more efficient overall, the ‘right’ system depends on balancing energy savings with installation costs, available resources, and the specific cooling needs of your building or process.
Choosing the Right Chiller for Your Application
Selecting between an air-cooled chiller and a water-cooled chiller is about finding the right fit for your building’s unique requirements and long-term goals. Several factors should be considered before deciding:
- Building size and cooling load: smaller buildings with lighter cooling needs typically benefit from air-cooled chillers, while large facilities with constant, heavy loads often require water-cooled systems.
- Local water availability and cost: in regions where water is scarce or expensive, air-cooled chillers are more practical. Where water is abundant, water-cooled chillers can deliver superior efficiency.
- Budget (CapEx vs OpEx): air-cooled chillers usually have a lower upfront cost but may be less efficient over time. Water-cooled chillers require more investment initially but can reduce operating expenses in high-demand applications.
- Maintenance resources: air-cooled systems are simpler to service, making them ideal if in-house maintenance capabilities are limited. Water-cooled systems demand skilled maintenance and regular water treatment.
- Environmental goals: if water conservation is a priority, air-cooled systems are better. If reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint is the goal, water-cooled chillers may be the smarter choice.
When weighing up the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, the key point is that each has its place. There is no universal ‘better option’. The right choice depends on your priorities.
At Aggreko, we specialise in providing high-performance, flexible, ready-to-hire cooling solutions for unique industry needs. Whether you need temporary cooling for peak demand periods or a long-term, scalable chiller system, our expertise ensures your operations run smoothly and efficiently. We help businesses make informed decisions, ensuring they invest in the right hire solution to meet their cooling challenges today and in the future.