What is Chilled Water Piping?
Chilled water piping refers to a hydronic air conditioning system that uses circulating water as the medium to transfer thermal energy from indoor spaces to outdoor cooling equipment. It works on the same basic refrigeration principles as a conventional air conditioner but uses water loops instead of air ducts.
In a chilled water system, a central chilling unit or boiler chills water down to around 40°F. This cold water is then pumped through insulated piping distributed throughout the building. Indoor cooling units called fan coils are installed and connected to the piping network. As chilled water passes through these units, heat is absorbed and the air blown over the coils is cooled before circulating the living areas.
Applications for Residential Chilled Water Systems
While more commonly used for larger commercial buildings, Chilled Water Piping conditioning can also effectively serve residential homes and multi-family complexes. Some scenarios where it may provide advantages over conventional ducted systems include:
- Large or custom homes: Easier to route pipes than ductwork in homes with tall ceilings, open floor plans or unusual architectural features.
- Renovations: Can more seamlessly integrate into existing homes without extensive ductwork modifications needed.
- Zoned systems: Allows for truly independent temperature control in multiple zones without airflow issues.
- Basements/attics: Fan coils can be discreetly installed away from living spaces, unlike bulky air handlers.
- Historic homes: Maintains structure and aesthetics better than modifying ductwork in older buildings.
- Multi-family buildings: Centralizes equipment for simpler shared systems servicing multiple units.
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