If you’ve been searching how much does an air-cooled chiller cost, you’re likely comparing options and feeling unsure where to start. Prices online vary wildly from $5,000 lab units to $200,000 industrial systems, and every supplier claims theirs is “the most efficient.”
 
The truth is, the air-cooled chiller price depends on more than just cooling capacity. Compressor type, controls, and brand all affect the real cost.
 
In this guide, you’ll learn what truly drives price differences, and price range of typical air-cooled chillers.

What factors influence the price of air-cooled chillers?

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Air-cooled chiller price depends on multiple factors, including capacity, compressor type, materials, control system, and customization. Understanding each factor helps you compare offers and avoid overpaying for features you do not need.

1. Cooling Capacity

A larger cooling capacity increases the air-cooled chiller price because it requires bigger compressors and heat exchangers. For example, a 10-ton unit for a small factory may cost around $5,000 to $8,000, while a 100-ton industrial model can reach $30,000 or more.

2. Compressor Type

Compressor design strongly affects chiller cost and energy use. Scroll compressors suit small systems and are cheaper, while screw compressors serve medium plants and cost more. For example, an air-cooled chiller with a scroll compressor may cost $7,000, while a similar screw unit could exceed $15,000.

3. Condenser and Fan Design

The condenser and fan system directly shape both cooling performance and price. Units with microchannel condensers and EC fans are more efficient but usually 10–20% more expensive than standard fin models.

4. Control System and Sensors

Advanced controls add cost but improve accuracy and reliability. A basic digital controller costs less, while PLC or touchscreen control with IoT remote monitoring can raise the price by $1,000–$3,000.

5. Materials and Protection Level

The quality of materials influences both durability and chiller price. Outdoor air-cooled chillers with corrosion-resistant coatings, stainless steel water circuits, or reinforced frames cost more but last longer in harsh environments. If you operate near the coast or use chemical cooling, corrosion resistance is worth the investment.

6. Customization and Optional Features

Optional features like dual circuits, hot gas bypass, or low-noise fans raise the cost but can improve performance. Custom air-cooled chillers built for special environments or extreme ambient temperatures often add 15–30% to standard prices.

7. Brand and After-Sales Service

Brand reputation and service coverage also affect price. Global brands often charge 10–25% more than local suppliers because of their warranty terms and technical support.

8. Market Region and Supply Chain

Location impacts pricing due to shipping costs and local taxes. For example, chillers made in China are often 20–40% cheaper than those assembled in the US or Europe.

Typical Air-Cooled Chiller Price Ranges by Capacity

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Air-cooled chiller price rises with capacity and configuration. Small benchtop units cost a few thousand USD. Mid-range chillers sit in the low five figures. Large central units commonly exceed six figures.

1.1–5 Ton (Benchtop / Small Lab Units)

Benchtop and small lab air-cooled chillers are the cheapest category. They suit laser heads, small test rigs, and laboratory instruments.
 
Typical air-cooled price examples:

2.5–10 Ton (Small Workshop / Laser Cooling)

5–10 ton air-cooled chillers handle small production clusters and laser systems. They balance upfront cost and usable capacity for many shops.
 
Typical air-cooled price examples:

3.10–25 Ton (Small Industrial Lines)

10–25 ton chillers serve small industrial lines and machine groups. Their air-cooled price reflects better compressors and larger heat exchangers.
 
Typical air-cooled price examples:

4.25–100 Ton (Medium to Large Plants)

In the 25–100 ton range the air-cooled chiller price rises into high tens to low hundreds of thousands USD. Per-ton cost usually declines with scale.
 
Typical air-cooled price examples:

5.100+ Ton (Heavy Industrial / Central Plant)

For 100 tons and larger, air-cooled chiller price commonly exceeds US$100,000 and may reach several hundred thousand USD depending on configuration and brand.
 
Typical air-cooled price examples:

Price Differences by Compressor Type and Configuration

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Compressor type and system configuration have a major effect on air-cooled chiller price. Scroll models cost the least, screw chillers serve mid-size plants at moderate cost, and centrifugal systems sit at the high end. Options like variable-speed drives or modular layouts further shift both cost and performance.

1.Scroll Compressors (Small Units)

Scroll compressors keep air-cooled chiller price low for small capacities under 30 tons. They suit labs, workshops, and light process cooling.
 
Scroll units are compact, quiet, and efficient at partial load. They cost roughly US $400 to $700 per ton for systems below 25 tons.
 
A 10-ton air-cooled chiller with twin scrolls may range US $8,000–$12,000. They offer solid reliability but limited scalability.

2.Screw Compressors (Medium/Large)

Screw compressors raise air-cooled chiller price but deliver steady capacity and durability for 30–300 ton systems.
 
A 50-ton screw chiller usually costs US $35,000–$55,000. Larger 100-ton units range US $80,000–$120,000.

3.Centrifugal Compressors (Very Large)

Centrifugal compressors dominate very large systems and push air-cooled chiller price above US $150,000 for 300+ tons.
 
They use high-speed impellers and magnetic bearings for quiet, efficient operation. A 500-ton unit can reach US $250,000–$350,000, depending on brand and controls.

4.Variable-Speed Drives (VFD) and Staging

Adding VFDs or staged compressors increases upfront air-cooled chiller price but improves long-term efficiency.
 
Expect 10–25 % higher initial cost. For example, a 100-ton screw chiller with VFD may cost US $10,000–$20,000 more.

5.Modular and Redundant Configurations

Modular or redundant setups raise air-cooled chiller price but enhance uptime and scalability for critical operations.
 
Two 50-ton modules may cost 20–30 % more than a single 100-ton unit but allow load sharing and easier maintenance.

Choose LNEYA for Your Air-Cooled Chiller Purchase

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We provide detailed chiller price quotations within hours, clearly listing equipment costs, optional accessories, and estimated shipping. If you’re comparing suppliers, our engineers can help you evaluate specifications and pricing side by side, ensuring you invest in the most cost-effective solution for your application.
 
With LNEYA, you don’t just get a chiller. You get expert support from selection to installation. Contact us today for a customized quote and see how we can help you reduce costs while improving cooling performance.