Winter-Proof Your Chiller
Best practices for protecting your chiller from freezing temperatures, preventing heat exchanger damage, and keeping your system ready for the next season.
Protect Your Chiller from Freezing
As winter approaches, it’s time for a quick reminder to winter-proof your chiller against freezing temperatures. While our cold therapy chiller is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday outdoor use, freezing temperatures can damage it. So, your chiller needs attention to make sure it stays in top condition.
Important: Freezing damage can happen when water remains inside the chiller and expands as temperatures drop. This can burst internal components and may not be covered under warranty.
Why Freezing Is a Problem
Your chiller has an internal heat exchanger, which has the coils for cooling the water. If there’s still water inside and temperatures drop below freezing, that water can expand, causing the heat exchanger to burst. Unfortunately, our warranty doesn’t cover this type of damage, so it’s important to stay ahead of any freezing temps.
How to Protect Your Chiller
Before those frosty nights arrive, here’s how to keep your chiller in prime shape:
Empty It Out
Tilt your chiller to drain as much water as possible from the internal system.
Get Extra Cautious
Use a wet/dry shop vac to suck out any remaining water from the lines and chiller.
Bring It Indoors
Move your chiller to a warm, climate-controlled space, like a cozy corner of your home.
When to Bring It Inside
It’s best to bring in your chiller well before temps drop to freezing. Aim to move it indoors when the ambient temperature dips to around 40°F. At that point, the outside temperature will likely keep your cold plunge water icy enough without the chiller’s help.
Act early: Don’t wait until the first freeze to protect your chiller. Bringing it in around the 40°F range helps avoid the risk of forgetting about it when freezing temperatures arrive unexpectedly.
What About Standard Water Chillers?
Standard Penguin water chillers are not intended for outdoor use and should not be exposed to rain, direct weather, freezing temperatures, or standing water. If a standard water chiller is used in a covered, protected, and well-ventilated area, it should still be protected from moisture, weather exposure, and freezing conditions. Once temperatures approach freezing, it’s time to move it indoors.
When Can You Bring It Back Outside?
Once winter has passed and freezing temps are no longer a threat, you can set your chiller back up outside. Just keep an eye on the forecast, and be sure freezing weather is behind you!
Acting Early Matters
Don’t wait until the first freeze to protect your chiller, it’s better to act sooner. Bring it in at the 40°F range, you avoid the risk of forgetting about it when freezing temperatures arrive unexpectedly.
Not Sure If Your Chiller Is Safe?
If freezing temperatures are in the forecast and you are not sure whether your chiller has been fully drained or protected, contact Penguin Chillers support before the weather hits.