How long is a chiller's lifespan?
On average, a chiller lasts about 25 years. This depends on factors like use, load, and location. Of course, they can last longer but you have some options when the time comes to replace your chiller.
The key to success here is to be proactive. Understand your chiller’s status, leak rate, and efficiencies to weigh out your options. This is inclusive of general costs and time constraints. Refrigerant Finders is here to help you look at your options for your chiller and its health. We offer several services to make it easier to maintain your equipment.
Chiller Replacement Options
When considering when to replace your chiller one option is to do a full ‘change out’. This is your best bet when your chiller is failing.
This option is expensive and takes a lot of time. However, it is the most efficient choice, especially if your new chiller has warranties from the manufacturer. This process needs the refrigerant to be removed (recovered) from the chiller first. Then, the unit is often taken apart into several pieces for disposal.
Your second option is to opt for a ‘retrofit’ and is arguably the best choice if circumstances allow.
Retrofitting can only happen if your current system’s refrigerant has a ‘drop-in replacement.’ This usually means swapping R-12 for R-134a or R-11 for R-123a. You can complete this task in just a couple of days by removing the old refrigerant and oil and replacing some bearings.
Retrofitting lets you sell your old refrigerant. This can help cover the cost of new bearings, oil, and refrigerant. Refrigerant Finders offers great buyback prices. We will also handle the recovery as part of the buyback. It’s a win-win!
Another option is a ‘tear down’.
Tear down is often time-consuming and doesn’t necessarily elongate the life of your chiller. The process is simple. First, test the chilling efficiencies. Next, find out which parts need replacement. Then, order the parts. Finally, recover the refrigerant from the chiller.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no “Chillers R Us” store, and many, if not all parts must be ordered with a lead time of three or more weeks. Similar to a full “change out,” this option is time-consuming; however, it can be cost-effective. This in-depth procedure could be a comprehensive way to understand how much longer your chiller will be cool.
Your last option is to do nothing at all.
With regard to budget, chiller projects can be massive. These capital projects demand preparation and planning, without which – the costs can quickly swell.
It is best to do chiller work during the cooler months. This helps avoid issues like your AC breaking down in summer. If your AC fails in summer, emergency cooling costs can increase before you fix your chiller. In the end, you may come to appreciate the value of being proactive and not leaving everything to chance!
Refrigerant Buyback
In 1987, all United Nations members signed a treaty called the Montreal Protocol. This treaty aimed to stop the global production of CFCs by 1990.
Even though production was banned, there are no laws about buying, selling, trading, or using CFC refrigerants. The most common types are R11 and R12.
Since these have not been made for over thirty years, they can be very valuable. This is especially true for people using older chillers. A ‘refrigerant buyback’ market exists for those who want to obtain this material.
When you overhaul your chiller, whether you are retrofitting or decommissioning, you can save money. This helps offset the cost of new equipment and labor.
Typically valued on a per pound basis, those who have older chillers running on CFCs should be sure to seek a buyer of their old refrigerant in the buyback market. If a buyback price is not included in any upgrade or replacement contract, consider seeking other bids.
Don’t have CFCs? Some other types of refrigerants, like R22, R123a, and R134a, also have buy-back value. However, their value is not as high as CFCs.
If you are unsure about what is in your chiller, contact us. We can help you assess its value and give you a quote. We will guide you in the right direction!
