How Long do Hobby Grade Chillers Last on Average?

[CMO]

Curious how long have hobby grade chillers have lasted for you all? By hobby grade I mean brands like JBJ, AquaEuro etc. I know this probably largely depends on usage so maybe describe what level of use you've put it through as well.

Thanks

 

[ca1ore]

Impossible to say, really. How often cycled, located inside or outside. I’ve had a few, pushed hard and located outside (though covered and idled during the Winter). Got nominally 7-8 years out of each. My current, a tradewinds seems a bit more robust.

 

[CMO]

Impossible to say, really. How often cycled, located inside or outside. I’ve had a few, pushed hard and located outside (though covered and idled during the Winter). Got nominally 7-8 years out of each. My current, a tradewinds seems a bit more robust.

Wow 7-8 years outside is more than i'd expect. I'm just trying to get some ball park experiences so I can replace mine well before the expected useful life so it doesn't break while I'm away. thanks

 

[theMeat]

Impossible to say, really. How often cycled, located inside or outside. I’ve had a few, pushed hard and located outside (though covered and idled during the Winter). Got nominally 7-8 years out of each. My current, a tradewinds seems a bit more robust.

True, add to that how often cleaned. Not just evaporator core, condenser and any ventilation it needs, but also an overnight vinegar bath running through chiller lines once in a while will greatly improve ability, therefore cut down on time it needs to be running

 

[CMO]

Understand there are a lot of factors impacting life expectancy but just looking for some individual experiences with a description of how the unit was run. The info @ca1ore provide is very helpful and at least gives a ballpark of what I might expect. I didn't know whether to expect 2 or 10 years before his post. Given that mine is indoors and run modestly I'm so far going to extrapolate that 5 years min is a safe bet.

Let's get a few more please...

 

[ca1ore]

True, add to that how often cleaned. Not just evaporator core, condenser and any ventilation it needs

Yes, excellent point. I always clean and vacuum mine after each Summer.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

I've had my Resun for 7 years. About 3 years ago I had to replace the digital temperature controller. No hassel, I found a very reasonably priced replacement that fitted straight in.
While I was at it I did some modifications. Moved the temperature sensor out of the unit & into the aquarium so I didn't need to run the feed pump 24/7.
Also put in a couple of power points, one for a heater, the other for the water pump, so the pump was now powered by the temp controller. When the sensor turns the chiller on it send power to the pump at the same time.

 

[Sherman]

I used to run an artica half horse and it last me almost 10 years before its start to leak
It can still run if I change the piping.
But I decide to get a new chiller with latest new feature

 

[Scrubber_steve]

I'm just trying to get some ball park experiences so I can replace mine well before the expected useful life so it doesn't break while I'm away. thanks

you could take it to a refridgeration mechanic to have a service & inspection if you a worried. Would have to be cheaper than a new one.

 

[Scrubber_steve]

Yes, excellent point. I always clean and vacuum mine after each Summer.

I like to flush mine with a vinegar solution & then detergent after the warm season ends.

 

[theMeat]

I like to flush mine with a vinegar solution & then detergent after the warm season ends.

What kind of detergent ?

 

[Scrubber_steve]

What kind of detergent ?

A little Cloths washing powder with water. Then a good flush with plain water

 

[theMeat]

A little Cloths washing powder with water. Then a good flush with plain water

Have always heard detergent for aquarium stuff is a no no

 

[Scrubber_steve]

Have always heard detergent for aquarium stuff is a no no

How could flushing out a titanium tube with detergent be a no no?
Especially when said detergent is then flushed out with plain water?

 

[theMeat]

How could flushing out a titanium tube with detergent be a no no?
Especially when said detergent is then flushed out with plain water?

Not sure, not a chemist. Just always heard that mixing any detergent with any aquarium equipment is not good. Thought that was common knowledge throughout the hobby. But ya learn something new every day.