Living in a tropical locale requires a way to cool and dehumidify your home to improve your comfort level. Most homes feature air conditioning or a chiller to perform these two duties. Here are three main distinctions between the two to help you decide which to install in your home.

3 Key Differences Between Chilled Air & Air Conditioning

1. Power

Chillers can use four types of power. Steam, electricity or gas turbines power those that are reciprocating, centrifugal, or screw-driven. The fourth, absorption, uses steam or hot water. Air conditioners typically run on electricity, but they can also use solar power, gas, or hot water as well.  

2. Cooling Process

Air conditioners feature condensers that remove heat from the air and transfer it to a liquid (often water) to move it out of the building in a constantly flowing motion. These units lower the air temperature while also mitigating humidity by pulling moisture out of the air.

Chillers feature pipes that run through a building that are full of a cooled liquid before going through air handler coils and fans to remove humidity and chill the air. Many models use water and carry heat to the exterior of a building where a cooling tower recirculates the water back into the building. This model uses less water than air conditioning systems because it reuses the liquid instead of pulling it from a new source. 

3. Uses

Most residences, from apartments to homes, feature air conditioners because they work well on a smaller scale. Chillers are often featured in manufacturing locations and in medical clinics because they can prevent large equipment, like MRI machines, from overheating. They are also more powerful and better suited to cooling huge spaces.

If you’re in need of air conditioning repairs or maintenance contact Purair Hawaii in Honolulu. Their team has over 20 years of experience helping homeowners cool their residences thanks to their knowledge of energy efficient, top-notch AC units. To learn about their air duct and dryer cleaning and how they can help you gain better air quality, call (808) 589-2712 or visit the website for information on their competitive pricing and top-notch customer service.