Penguin Chillers 1/2 HP High Efficiency (HE) Water Chiller

The Penguin Chillers 1/2 HP High Efficiency (HE) Water Chiller is designed to deliver exceptional cooling performance with improved efficiency for a wide range of temperature-sensitive applications. Offering a 5,750 BTU/hr cooling capacity, this high-efficiency model provides enhanced cooling over the standard 1/2 HP unit, making it ideal for reef aquariums, hydroponic systems, cold plunge and therapy tubs, aquaculture, laboratories, and industrial process cooling.

Built for dependable, continuous operation, the 1/2 HP HE Water Chiller is available with two heat exchanger configurations to suit different environments. The PVC Shell with Titanium Coil is reef tank safe and highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for marine and saltwater systems, while the 316 Stainless Steel Shell & Coil is designed for higher-pressure freshwater and industrial applications.

With an operating temperature range of 37°F to 100°F, quiet operation at just 56 dBA, and environmentally friendly R-32 refrigerant, this compact chiller provides reliable, energy-efficient cooling for both residential and commercial installations.

Key Features

• High-efficiency 5,750 BTU/hr cooling capacity.
• Improved cooling performance over the standard 1/2 HP model.
• Maintains water temperatures between 37°F–100°F.
• Available with two heat exchanger options:
  • PVC Shell & Titanium Coil – Reef tank safe, corrosion resistant, ideal for marine and saltwater systems.
  • 316 Stainless Steel Shell & Coil – Designed for higher pressure freshwater and industrial applications.
• Uses environmentally friendly R-32 refrigerant.
• Quiet operation with a sound rating of only 56 dBA.
• Standard 1" Female NPT inlet and outlet connections.
• Compact cabinet design for easy installation.
• Ideal for reef aquariums, hydroponics, cold plunge systems, aquaculture, laboratories, and industrial process cooling.
• Designed for reliable, continuous indoor operation.

Specifications

Cooling Performance

• Cooling Capacity: 5,750 BTU/hr
• Compressor: 1/2 HP High Efficiency
• Operating Temperature: 37°F–100°F (water)
• Lower temperatures are possible when using fluids with a lower freezing point than water.

Heat Exchanger Options

PVC Shell / Titanium Coil

• Reef tank safe
• Highly corrosion resistant
• Ideal for marine and saltwater systems
• Maximum working pressure: 10 PSI

316 Stainless Steel Shell & Coil

• Suitable for higher pressure applications
• Maximum working pressure: 50 PSI
• Compatible with anodizing baths containing up to 15% sulfuric acid
• Not recommended for saltwater use

Electrical

• Voltage: 110–120V
• Phase: Single Phase
• Power Consumption: 450 Watts
• Current Draw: 3.9 Amps
• Power Cord Length: 6 ft

Connections

• Inlet/Outlet: 1" Female NPT

Refrigerant

• Type: R-32

Dimensions

• Width: 14.75 in
• Length: 16.25 in
• Height: 12 in
• Weight: 40 lbs (PVC/Titanium) or 44 lbs (316 Stainless Steel)

Performance

• Sound Rating: 56 dBA
• Outdoor Rated: No

Recommended Pump

• Recommended: Danner Mag Drive 5.0–18
• Pump selection depends on the overall system configuration.
• Alternative pumps may be used provided they do not exceed 10 PSI / 23 ft maximum head.

Manufacturer Guidelines

• Approved for indoor use only.
• Continuous water flow is required for proper temperature monitoring and operation.
• Do not stop water flow without unplugging the chiller first.
• Condensation may occur depending on operating temperature and ambient humidity—plan installation accordingly.

Comparison

Comparison table of other Penguin Chiller Models that we offer.