Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Applied Thermal Control FAQ page. Here, we aim to provide detailed answers to frequently asked questions by our customers, including guidance on selecting the appropriate chiller unit for specific needs, tips for optimal operation, and service enquiries.

If the information you seek is not covered here, please use our site search feature, or contact us directly for further assistance.

Choosing the Right Cooling Solution

How do I work out the cooling capacity that I need? How can I specify a chiller? Which power supply option should I choose for my unit? How does ambient temperature affect chiller performance? What is the expected lifespan of a chiller? What are the benefits of using a closed-loop system? What factors affect chiller efficiency and operating costs? How quickly can I get a chiller? What information do I need to provide when requesting a chiller quotation? What if my cooling requirements fall outside ATC’s standard range? Can ATC help me to replace an older or obsolete chiller?

Installation & Setup

Do I need an engineer to install an ATC chiller? Where can I find my serial number? What do I need to consider when siting an ATC chiller indoors? Can I install an ATC chiller outdoors? What should I check before installing my ATC chiller? How much ventilation or clearance does my chiller need?

Cooling Technology & Operation

How does the refrigeration circuit in a recirculating chiller work? How does a water-cooled chiller work? How can a recirculating chiller provide heat to an application? What is PID control? Which pump type is right for my application? What is a Volt Free Contact? What is RS485 communications? Why isn’t my chiller reaching its set temperature? Why does cooling capacity change with temperature?

Heat Transfer Fluids

How do I choose a heat transfer fluid? Can I use glycol as a heat transfer fluid? Can I use water as a heat transfer fluid? Can I use oil as a heat transfer fluid? Why does heat transfer fluid quality matter?

Service & Maintenance

How often should I service my chiller? How do I clean the condenser on my ATC chiller? How can I protect my chiller during a shutdown? What information do I need when requesting technical support? Can ATC service older chillers? Can ATC service equipment from other manufacturers? What is included in preventative maintenance? What should I do if my chiller displays an alarm or fault? How can I reduce the risk of chiller breakdowns?

Refrigerants & Compliance

What is the refrigerant used in the chiller and how much is used? What is GWP, and what does it mean to me? What is the F-Gas regulation? How do I know if my chiller is compliant with new refrigerant regulations? How Do I Know if My Current Chiller Is Compliant with New Refrigerant Regulations? Why does refrigerant charge size matter when buying a chiller? Are flammable refrigerants safe? What do I need to know about R290 (propane)? What do I need to know about R454C? Why are ATC’s newer chillers using low-GWP refrigerants?

Purchasing, Documentation & Support

Where can I buy an ATC chiller? Do you have a local distributor in my country? Where can I get an instruction manual? Where can I find the technical information for my ATC chiller?