Penguin Chillers 1/2 HP Water Chiller
The Penguin Chillers 1/2 HP Water Chiller is a compact and reliable cooling solution designed to provide consistent temperature control for a wide variety of water-based applications. With a 5,000 BTU/hr cooling capacity, this chiller is ideal for reef aquariums, hydroponic systems, cold plunge and therapy tubs, aquaculture, laboratory equipment, and industrial process cooling.
Built for dependable, continuous operation, the 1/2 HP Water Chiller features a corrosion-resistant PVC shell with titanium coil, making it an excellent choice for both freshwater and saltwater systems. Operating between 37°F and 100°F, it delivers precise temperature regulation while maintaining quiet performance at just 56 dBA.
Its compact footprint, energy-efficient operation, and environmentally friendly R-32 refrigerant make the Penguin Chillers 1/2 HP Water Chiller an excellent choice for residential and commercial cooling applications where reliable performance is essential.
Key Features
- 5,000 BTU/hr cooling capacity.
- Reliable 1/2 HP compressor for continuous temperature control.
- Maintains operating temperatures from 37°F–100°F.
- Durable PVC shell with titanium coil for superior corrosion resistance.
- Reef tank safe and suitable for marine and freshwater 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, space-saving design for easy installation.
- Ideal for reef aquariums, hydroponics, cold plunge systems, aquaculture, laboratories, and industrial cooling applications.
Specifications
Cooling Performance
- Cooling Capacity: 5,000 BTU/hr
- Compressor: 1/2 HP
- Operating Temperature: 37°F–100°F (water)
- Lower temperatures are possible when using fluids with a lower freezing point than water.
Heat Exchanger
- Shell Material: PVC
- Coil Material: Titanium
- Reef tank safe and highly corrosion resistant.
- Suitable for saltwater, marine, and freshwater applications.
Electrical
- Voltage: 100–120V
- 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: 39 lbs
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.
| Model | Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) | Electrical | Dimensions (W × D × H) | Weight | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 HP Water Chiller | 5,000 | 110–120V / 3.9A / 450W / Single Phase | 16.25" × 14.75" × 12" | 39 lbs | Standard |
| 1/2 HP High Efficiency Water Chiller | 5,750 | 110–120V / 3.9A / 450W / Single Phase | 16.25" × 14.75" × 12" | 40 lbs (44 lbs 316 SS) | High Efficiency |
| 1 HP Water Chiller | 10,000 | 110–120V / 7.2A / 830W / Single Phase | 19.25" × 19.75" × 14.25" | 58 lbs (64 lbs 316 SS) | Standard |
| 1 HP High Efficiency Water Chiller | 11,500 | 110–120V / 7.2A / 830W / Single Phase | 19.25" × 19.75" × 14.25" | 60 lbs (66 lbs 316 SS) | High Efficiency |
| 1.5 HP Water Chiller | 15,000 | 110–120V / 11A / 1,270W / Single Phase | 26.50" × 23.75" × 18" | 96 lbs (100 lbs 316 SS) | Standard |
| 2.5 HP Water Chiller | 25,000 | 208–240V / 14.7A / 3,200W / Single Phase | 26.50" × 25" × 18.50" | 135 lbs | Standard |
| Outdoor 1/2 HP High Efficiency Water Chiller | 5,750 | 110–120V / 3.9A / 450W / Single Phase | 16.25" × 14.75" × 12" | 49 lbs (54 lbs 316 SS) | Outdoor Rated High Efficiency |