Should You Buy a Used Chiller?
Buying used industrial equipment is common, and chillers are no exception. With potentially lower costs and faster availability, it can seem like a great deal. But is it the right move for your operation? Let’s walk through it together.
The Refurbishment Process for Chillers
Not all used industrial chillers are the same. Some are sold “as-is,” while others go through a refurbishment process. A properly refurbished chiller typically includes:
- A full inspection of key components (compressor, evaporator, condenser, controls)
- Replacement of worn parts (seals, gaskets, fans, etc.)
- Refrigerant recharge and leak testing
- Updated wiring and controls if needed
- Full performance test before shipping
Here’s the difference: a used water chiller might have been sitting in a warehouse for years. A refurbished one has been cleaned, tested, and often upgraded by professionals – either from the original manufacturer or a qualified third party.
Refurbishment isn’t a guarantee of perfection, but it greatly reduces the unknowns.
What You Should Know Before Buying a Used Chiller
There are a few key areas you’ll want to look at before signing off on a used unit.
1. What’s Your Application?
- Mission-critical process like MRI cooling or high-precision manufacturing? You’ll want maximum reliability.
- Less critical jobs like comfort HVAC or seasonal use? A used unit could be just fine.
Think about your tolerance for downtime. If a chiller failure means lost product or compliance issues, used may not be the best path.
2. How Old is the Unit & What’s its History?
Chillers typically last 15 to 25 years with good care. But that’s not a promise. Ask these questions:
- How many operating hours does it have?
- Was it used indoors or outdoors?
- Was it part of a high-stress application (24/7 process cooling)?
Chiller maintenance logs can be gold here. A five-year-old chiller with clean records is usually a better bet than a 12-year-old unit that’s been idle.
3. Can You Still Get Parts?
This is a big one. If the manufacturer no longer supports the model, servicing it can be a challenge. Some parts (especially older compressors and control boards) can be hard or expensive to find.
Make sure the unit is still supported, or that your service provider can work on it using third-party or compatible components.
4. How Efficient is it?
This part can hit your budget long-term. Older chiller systems often have:
- Lower EER/SEER ratings
- Outdated refrigerants (like R-22, which is being phased out)
- Less efficient compressors
If energy usage matters to you (or if local codes are tightening) you’ll want to do the math on total cost of ownership. A cheap chiller that doubles your power bill isn’t such a deal.
5. Any Warranty?
Used = typically no warranty.
Refurbished = maybe a short-term or limited one.
That matters if anything goes wrong post-install. If you’re on your own for parts and labor, make sure the price reflects the risk.
Q&A: Used vs. Refurbished vs. New
Q: Is a used chiller always cheaper in the long run?
A: Not necessarily. Upfront, yes. But higher energy costs or repair bills can add up fast.
Q: Are refurbished chillers reliable?
A: They can be. It depends who did the refurb and how thorough the process was.
Q: When is new the better choice?
A: If your application is critical, or if you want the latest in energy efficiency and tech, new is often worth the investment.
When a Used Chiller Makes Sense
- You’re on a tight budget
- It’s for temporary use or backup
- Your process isn’t high-risk
Let’s say you’re expanding your warehouse and just need seasonal cooling. A reliable used unit could be a great fit.
When You Should Stick With New
- Your application is critical to health, safety, or production
- You need guaranteed uptime
- Your team can’t afford unexpected repairs
For example, if a chiller failure means halted production or equipment damage, new is almost always safer.
Used chillers aren’t ideal for every situation. The right move depends on your process, budget, and tolerance for risk. If you’re considering a used or refurbished unit, make sure it’s been inspected, tested, and priced according to its condition and supportability.
Contact Cold Shot Chillers Today to Learn More
Looking for a reliable air-cooled and water-cooled chillers? If you’re exploring pre-owned units or need a custom new build for your application, Cold Shot Chillers can help.
We offer:
✓ Expert-inspected used water chillers
✓ Fully refurbished units with limited warranties
✓ Custom new chillers designed to spec
Contact us today to discuss your industrial cooling needs and get matched with the right system.
