Chiller rentals are an excellent option if you see your cooling requirements changing in the foreseeable future. If you are on the fence whether you should invest in a brand-new unit, then renting a chiller will help make your decision easier.
Another advantage is that the rental company will provide you with a maintenance plan. Understandably, they have to take care of their investment while it is under your care. They are as much stake as the client in making sure the chiller operations optimally.
A brand-new chiller in Australia will cost at least $8,000. But the cost will depend on the number of factors. For instance, a water-cooled chiller tends to be more affordable compared to the air-cooled chiller, but remember that you also need to purchase a cooling tower, as well as an extra motor, so you will eventually have a higher capital outlay.
For chillers below 150 tons, the unit will cost about $600-700 per ton, but it gets cheaper as the size grows. For units above 150 tons, the price average goes down to around $400-$500 per ton. Below are some considerations if you are looking for chiller rentals:
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Water-cooled or air-cooled chiller: that is the question
Water-cooled chillers are more energy-efficient because of the cooling water, so it would be more cost-efficient if you are only renting the unit. Also, it is more durable compared to air-cooled chillers because the machine is not exposed to the elements such as rain, sun, and dust.
Air-cooled chillers use ambient air to bring artificial coolness. It also has less carbon footprint and requires less maintenance. But if your business has no location to a stable water supply, then there is no choice but to rent an air-cooled unit.
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Cooling capacity
The cooling capacity is essential to make sure you have an even distribution of coolness in the space. Decentralized chillers are typically small, but you will have a hard time renting one, and it is more cost-efficient to purchase a brand new one, anyway.
Centralized chillers, meanwhile, go from 60 kilowatts to as high as 800 kilowatts. The latter equipment is ideal for low-temperature requirements in a large footprint of space, such as airports, resorts, convention centers, and hotels.
There is a formula to determine the size of the chiller and the right cooling capacity needed for your business. The crucial element is the BTU or the British Thermal Unit. In the standard room, the recommended number is 20 BTU for every square foot of space.
However, when you are trying to cool down high-temperature areas, such as your kitchen, then you need to boost the capacity by about 4,000 BTU. The company offering chiller rentals should be able to help you find the right unit for your needs. Air conditioning industries better understands your requirements, so it is better to consult them.
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Noise Level
Generally, water-cooled chillers are louder compared to their air-cooled counterparts. Both machines, however, generate enough noise that could range from minor disturbance, annoying, to downright deafening.
Portable chillers also tend to be louder. Air-cooled chillers can be installed outdoors, which would help keep down the decibel levels. With that said, there is noise-canceling technology available in the market.
Finally, you also have to look at the Energy Star Rating of the chiller. The rule of thumb is, the higher the rating, the more you save in utility bills.