Commercial glycol power packs come in three cooling configurations: air-cooled, water-cooled, and remote condensing. They cool the glycol bath the same way; the difference is how the compressor sheds its heat. Here is how to choose.
Air-cooled
The default and most common. The condenser sheds heat into the surrounding air, so the unit is fully self-contained and the cheapest to buy and run. The trade-off: it dumps heat into the room and needs clearance around the condenser for airflow. Great for most installs with a reasonably cool, ventilated equipment area. The UBC ChillPro and BVL lines are self-contained air-cooled.
Water-cooled
Uses a water loop to shed heat instead of room air. It holds full output in hot or tight mechanical rooms where an air-cooled unit would struggle, and it is sometimes required by local code. The trade-off is water usage and a water hookup.
Remote condensing
Splits the system: the glycol pump and bath stay inside while the condenser moves outside or onto the roof. You get a quiet room, no heat dumped into the space, and full output on the hottest day. The trade-off is higher install cost, since refrigerant lines run to the remote condenser. Best for premium rooms, tight spaces, or hot climates.
Which brands offer which
Micro Matic Pro-Line and Perlick Quick Chill offer air, water, and remote configurations across their range; UBC ChillPro and BVL are self-contained air-cooled. Match the cooling type to your room, then size by run length using our glycol chiller sizing guide. Questions? Talk to a specialist.