Used chillers. All truth.

Let’s start with the fact that there is a lot to talk about, and as we work, I realize that selling old chillers is a great business. Why specifically “old school” and not used, you might ask. The point is, I want to discuss not just previously used chillers that worked for a year and were sold, but machines that were created 15-20 years ago.

We have over 200 chillers in our warehouse, and we have seen almost every brand that exists. We know what a chiller looks like after 1-2 years, after 5-10 years, and even after 20 years. We have restored rusty 5-year-old chillers and kept units from 1996 in excellent condition. We know how chillers look after operating in different parts of Europe, where people with different mentalities live.

Before you say, “Oh, what a disgrace!” remember that all the used chillers we sold in the last 9 years are still working, and we guaranteed their functionality with our reputation. One such chiller, a TRANE ERTAA from 1996, is in Lutsk and has been successfully servicing the ice arena for 8 years.

However, there is concern about the quality of new equipment. Some companies even buy back their old machines. Clients, turning to us, complain that new machines are not the same as before.

This is not a complaint against manufacturers. They have their difficulties with bureaucracy and the economy. In the world, everything is becoming simpler, but often, it comes at the expense of quality, whether it’s service and comfort in airplanes or the durability of cars. And what about chillers? Over the past 2 years, we have replaced about 100 microchannel condensers due to new environmental requirements, leading to a reduction in the equipment’s service life. Microchannel chillers designed for countries with high summer temperatures face difficulties in sales.

Let’s pay attention to the number of compressors in the chiller. For example, a Lennox (Refac) chiller from 1999 with a capacity of 200 kW had 6 Danfoss scroll compressors. Now, manufacturers rarely equip chillers with 6 compressors, even if it was a standard before.

Regarding materials, copper has also undergone changes. The copper pipes of heat exchangers and condensers are getting thinner every year, leading to more frequent leaks. This fact should be taken into account when choosing equipment.

The quality of paint and metal in chillers is one of the most important characteristics we pay attention to. The newer the chiller, the thinner the layers of paint and metal, which can explain the weight reduction by 3 tons in a 1300 kW chiller. There have been cases where the housing and covers of chillers were made of stainless steel, and aluminum profiles with the manufacturer’s logo were used around the perimeter.

Hardware, such as bolts and hinges, has become a subject of savings. This process affects the ease of covers and worsens the disassembly and assembly of the chiller, making it less durable but more energy-efficient.

The technological aspect of chillers is also undergoing changes. Specialists, like our electromechanic Victor Sirota, often make recommendations for improving technical units, but sometimes they are inexpressible due to the lack of appropriate vocabulary. Complex systems with many functions controlled by one system can lead to the failure of the entire chiller due to the failure of one element.

In conclusion, I want to express gratitude to all chiller manufacturers who love their product. Without them, there would be no us! Everyone decides for themselves whether to choose new or used equipment.

The drawbacks of used chillers typically remain invisible until the moment of purchase, as they have been eliminated. However, before buying, it is important to understand why companies decide to sell used chillers that could work for many more years. This may be due to replacement due to new freon requirements, mechanical failures, a lack of maintenance specialists, or a transition to other refrigerants.

And finally, the complexity of buying used equipment, as we never know the true condition of the chiller. From faults in water systems to problems with compressors, it is important to be prepared for various situations. But we continue to do a great job, providing customers with the opportunity to safely purchase used equipment. Imagine how nice it would be to buy a used car with an engine warranty – this way, we try to avoid the negative aspects you won’t know about until you encounter them.