Question for those with chillers outside

[lilrobb]

<span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you do in the wintertime with your chillers?</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leave them outside, just drain and disconnect?</span></span>
<span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leave them outside and pray the water temperature and insulation keeps it from cracking?</span></span>
<span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drain and move inside?</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just getting ready to install my new 2HP baby…</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robb</span></span>

 

[mojo]

I don't do anything with my 2HP, although the temperatures usually don't get this cold for this long. I had turned off the supply line to mine this winter to save on energy costs to reheat the water, but ran back down to the basement when I saw the temps dropping below 28 degrees (saltwater freezes around there). As long as water's flowing through it, you're fine. We don't live in Nome, Alaska...

As soon as the weather warms back up a little, I'm going to add a couple valves so that I can stop flow and drain the water out of the chiller during the winter months.

 

[oz]

I left mine running business as usual. My theory was that running 80 degree water through it would allow it to stay relatively warm as well through the winter - reduce cracks or connections getting brittle. This way when I need it in the Spring/Summer I shouldn't have any surprises.

 

[mockery]

LilRobb;603732 wrote: Just getting ready to install my new 2HP baby&#8230;

Are you planning a cold water reef or something?

 

[lilrobb]

Yup, captive krill breeding...

 

[enderg60]

The one on my old system was outside. I had it plumbed inline with the return so water was always going through it. Never had any issues with it being out there, aside from performance dropped a bit when the temp got over 95 outside.

If you dont plan to have water running through it in the winter then I would put a small drain on it. And maybe a small cover so its in the shade. Other then that dont worry about it.

 

[skriz]

With water flowing through it, it won't freeze and crack.

 

[geno]

Run mine year-round. Only shut it down in the spring for a back flush.

 

[schwaggs]

I disconnect mine and bring it indoors for the winter. It is only a 1HP so it is a bit more manuverable.