A common question in heating and cooling systems for homes and commercial spaces is the difference between an air conditioner and an air chiller system. While they both have the same goals in terms of regulating air temperature, each system works in a very different manner and produces very different results. Here are the key differences you need to know as you look at AC installation in Loganville, GA.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners have a few basic purposes:
- Regulate the temperature of the room
- Convert air to hot or cold
- Dehumidify the air in a given area
When an air conditioner is set on cooling, it uses this basic refrigeration principle: A condenser on the “hot” side of the unit removes heat. Condensers transfer heat to the air or a water/glycol fluid in the unit and remove it from the air that will be circulated.
In most air conditioning systems, chilled water is the principal refrigerant. Air passes through a coil of chilled liquid and the heat is transferred from the air to the chilled water. The chilled water is cycled through so it can always cool incoming air.
Use Cases
Air conditioners allow for a precise regulation of air temperature and humidity level in more confined spaces. Units vary in size and practical application.
If you’re looking for heating and air installation in Loganville GA, AC units are the most common in offices, homes, and retail outlets.
Chillers
Chillers remove heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. Cooled liquid passes through pipes in a building and coils in air handlers or through fan-coil units, which help chill the air.
There are two general types of chillers:
- Air cooled chillers are located externally to a facility and have condenser coils cooled by fan-driven air.
- Water cooled chillers are usually located internally and recycle water to a heat sink or external cooling method. The external cooling method can include a cooling tower or in some cases, a water fed cooling system, which is more efficient at heat rejection.
Chillers are powered by different means as well. There are four types: Reciprocating, centrifugal, screw-driven, and absorption. The first three are powered by electrical motors, steam, or gas turbines. Absorption is powered by a heat source, such as steam or hot water.
Use Cases
Chiller-driven refrigerant has applications in cooling equipment and other manufacturing processes, such as MRI machines, assembly processes, and tooling equipment. Air cooled chillers are used commercially and in industrial facilities to cool fluids and dehumidify air in larger venues, such as factory floors, arenas, and larger facilities like hotels.
Chillers are commonly used as the cooling system for large buildings, housing, or manufacturing equipment, especially for heating and air in Loganville, GA.
How to Decide Between an AC and a Chiller System
The differences between air conditioning and chillers can be subtle at the process level, but very different in usage. If you’re looking for a system installation or heating and air conditioning repair in Lawrenceville, GA, it pays to understand the differences.
If you’re deciding between an air conditioning unit and a chiller system, understanding what your goal is can help. Ask yourself these questions:
- What is your budget? Air conditioning units are usually more affordable, but chiller systems are more expensive upfront. However, if your system is running constantly to cool a large space, chiller systems can save you money in the long run.
- What is your climate like? Your environment matters, because your cooling system is going to be battling the elements. If your climate is hot and humid, it’ll take more work to cool your space than a more temperate climate.
- How big is the space you’re trying to cool? Chillers are not only physically larger than AC units, but they are built to cool large facilities, like warehouses, industrial plants, or hospitals.
- How important is dehumidifying? Air conditioners are built to remove moisture from the air as it is cooled. Chillers lower the air temperature, but do not intentionally remove moisture.
- How intensive will your maintenance be? AC units are generally easier to maintain and less expensive. Chiller units are more complex, and therefore more costly and time-consuming to repair.
Expert AC Installation with Triad Mechanical
With locations in Lawrenceville, GA and Loganville, GA, Triad Mechanical is your local expert on AC installation and repair. If you need a new AC unit installed, put our 33 years of experience to work and contact our team today!