What’s the Difference Between Water & Air-Cooled Condensers?

Condensers are used in various commercial applications, though you’re likely most familiar with the ones that reside in your HVAC cooling system. The component’s primary objective is to exchange heat (more specifically, exchange heat due to refrigerant compression) in the loop of your air conditioning system, rejecting hot air in one of two methods:

• Air-cooled condenser
• Water-cooled condenser

Which one your HVAC system should use depends on a few factors like location, size of the space, and who or what resides in your property.

For air-cooled condenser and water-cooled condenser service in Chicago, IL, trust Murphy & Miller for all of your installation, repair, and maintenance needs! Call 312-427-8900 today!

What Is an Air-Cooled Condenser?

Air-cooled condensers use ambient air in order to cool and cycle refrigerant. These can often be seen outdoors, as they are commonly used in exterior units in residential and rooftop cooling systems.

The advantage of choosing an air-cooled system is that they:

• Are typically lower in initial purchase cost. Though there is a fair debate about this, it is typically true that the initial cost of air-cooled condenser and chiller systems is slightly lower. However, water-cooled systems might win out in longevity.
• Require less overall maintenance. Air-cooled systems generally require maintenance services once, maybe twice, in a year in order to perform optimally. A water-cooled system can need routine care considerably more often.
• Do not require a mechanical room. Since the air-cooled condenser is housed outdoors or in similar spaces, you needn’t find space to store and operate towers and the rest of the assembly.

What Is a Water-Cooled Condenser?

Water-cooling systems have seen considerable use for years, though they are also on the rise in smaller businesses and some residential applications. The system operates through a network of water coils used to transfer the heat from the condenser coils. These systems typically work in tandem with a cooling tower in order to circulate out heat.

Water-cooled systems are often chosen because:

• They operate at better efficiencies. Overall, a water-cooled condenser unit will typically consume far less energy, which can lead to savings on energy costs and consumption.
• Extended life span. Because of the efficiency of the medium and the lack of weather-exposed parts, a water-cooled system will typically last years longer, assuming maintenance is not neglected.
• Can operate better at higher temperatures. Industries such as manufacturing may find that water-chilled systems operate more effectively in high-temp areas.

Call Murphy & Miller for Help Choosing a Condenser for Your Chicago Business

There are numerous factors that can influence whether one system is better than the other. Every property has different needs. What type of commercial business do you manage? How many occupy your space? If you’re still struggling to figure out which system is better for your Chicago-area property, contact the knowledgeable professionals at Murphy & Miller to help you decide. Give us a call at 312-427-8900!

Air- & Water-Cooled Condenser Services in Chicago

When you need assistance choosing the condenser system that suits your requirements best, you can rely on Murphy & Miller to provide for all of your needs! With over 80 years of experience in the industry, our team can help you select or design the ideal option for your Chicago commercial or industrial application. Contact us online or give us a call at 312-427-8900 to learn more about our condenser services or to set a date for your consultation!