Free cooling is an energy-saving HVAC strategy that uses cool outdoor air or cool outdoor temperatures to reduce or replace mechanical refrigeration. Air-side economizers bring in outside air when conditions are right, while water-side economizers use cool ambient air to chill water without running compressors. It is most effective in climates with cooler nights or seasons.
/friː ˈkuːlɪŋ/
Free cooling is an energy-saving HVAC strategy that uses cool outdoor air or cool outdoor temperatures to reduce or replace mechanical refrigeration. Air-side economizers bring in outside air when conditions are right, while water-side economizers use cool ambient air to chill water without running compressors. It is most effective in climates with cooler nights or seasons.
What is free cooling in HVAC?
It uses cool outdoor conditions to provide cooling with little or no compressor use, reducing energy costs.
Source: The Cooling Company
Free cooling reduces compressor runtime and energy use.
A commercial building uses an air-side economizer to pull in cool outdoor air during evenings, lowering indoor temperature without running the AC.
Calibrate economizer controls so the system switches between free cooling and mechanical cooling based on outdoor temperature and humidity.
“Calibrate economizer controls so the system switches between free cooling and mechanical cooling based on outdoor temperature and humidity.”
Building automation systems made free cooling far more reliable by optimizing when and how it runs.
Does free cooling work in hot climates?
It can still help during cooler nights or shoulder seasons, but savings are greater in cooler climates.
Is an economizer required for free cooling?
Yes. Air-side or water-side economizers provide the controls and hardware needed.
Can free cooling impact indoor air quality?
It can if outdoor air is polluted or too humid, so controls and filtration are important.
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