The Compressed Air Blog | Compressed Air and Gas Tips from Atlas Copco

Why air-cooled industrial chillers are a smart investment

Written by Atlas Copco Compressors | Dec 4, 2025

The growing need for efficient cooling

In manufacturing, precision, productivity, and uptime are non-negotiable. Whether you’re molding plastics, processing chemicals, cutting metals, or powering large industrial equipment, heat is a major challenge.

Air-cooled industrial chillers provide a reliable, low-maintenance solution to keep operations running smoothly.

With energy costs rising and production demands increasing, more facilities are choosing air-cooled systems for their simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility.

What are air-cooled industrial chillers?

Air-cooled chillers remove heat from equipment and processes using ambient air. Fans blow air over the condenser coils to dissipate heat, eliminating the need for a separate water supply or cooling tower.

Compared to water-cooled systems, air-cooled chillers are simpler to install, require less infrastructure, and are ideal for facilities without access to large water supplies or cooling towers.

Atlas Copco’s air-cooled chillers are engineered for industrial applications, providing energy-efficient, reliable, and easy-to-maintain cooling solutions.

Key advantages of air-cooled chillers for manufacturers

  1. Simplified installation & maintenance

Air-cooled chillers don’t require a cooling tower or complex water loop.

  • Easy to install and relocate
  • Lower infrastructure costs
  • Reduced maintenance compared to water-cooled systems

This makes them a smart choice for manufacturers looking for fast, low-hassle deployment.

  1. Reliable performance across environments

Air-cooled chillers are designed to handle industrial loads efficiently, even in challenging ambient conditions.

Benefits include:

  • Stable process temperatures
  • Reduced production interruptions
  • Lower risk of corrosion or water-related issues
  1. Energy efficiency

Modern air-cooled chillers are engineered to be highly energy-efficient, using optimized fans, compressors, and control systems to reduce operating costs.

  • Advanced controls allow for variable-speed operation based on load
  • Energy savings over traditional, older systems
  • Helps meet sustainability and efficiency targets
  1. Flexible installation & compact design

Without the need for water infrastructure, air-cooled chillers can be placed almost anywhere; rooftops, outdoor yards, or tight industrial spaces.

  • Smaller footprint than water-cooled systems (no towers or extensive piping)
  • Ideal for facilities with limited space
  1. Lower risk & noise considerations

Air-cooled systems eliminate water-related risks such as leaks or scaling.
Noise levels are manageable with modern design, making them suitable for indoor or semi-indoor facilities.

When air-cooled chillers make the most sense

Air-cooled chillers are perfect for:

  • Facilities without access to a reliable water source or cooling towers
  • Medium-duty manufacturing processes
  • Environments where installation speed and simplicity are priorities
  • Applications with moderate precision cooling needs
  • Temporary or mobile installations

Cost savings: breaking down the ROI

Investing in an air-cooled chiller provides:

  • Lower installation costs (no cooling tower needed)
  • Reduced infrastructure maintenance
  • Energy savings with modern, high-efficiency designs
  • Reliable performance without the complexity of water loops
  • Strong total cost of ownership over the lifecycle of the equipment

Atlas Copco’s approach to air-cooled chillers

Atlas Copco offers industrial air-cooled chillers designed for durability, reliability, and ease of use:

  • Plug-and-play designs for fast deployment
  • Optimized heat exchangers and fan systems for efficiency
  • Robust construction for industrial environments
  • Global support network to ensure uptime and service

Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or deploying a new solution, Atlas Copco makes it easy to get reliable, energy-efficient cooling.

A smart, flexible cooling solution

Air-cooled chillers provide manufacturers with a reliable, energy-efficient, and flexible cooling solution, ideal for facilities without water infrastructure or for those seeking low-maintenance, high-performance systems.

By choosing Atlas Copco, manufacturers gain efficient cooling, operational reliability, and long-term savings all backed by proven technology and expert support.

FAQ: air -cooled industrial chillers