Whether you need to make a place warmer or cooler and the present heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) won’t suffice, you can supplement it with rented equipment. Many facilities don’t have HVAC systems built-in, especially older buildings or venues that are infrequently used. There are ready-to-use climate solutions like temporary boilers and mobile chillers that allow you to increase or decrease the indoor temperature without involving significant construction work.  

Rental equipment can help you address the temperature control in the short-term. It can improve the cooling for hospitals, schools, offices, events venues, or business establishments in case the present system breaks down, needs maintenance work, or is undersized. During the summer months when temperatures rise significantly, it can help to augment your cooling system to keep the indoor temperature at a comfortable level. 

If you need to rent a temporary or mobile chiller, here are the top three questions you need to ask so you can identify the right type of air-conditioning solution for you:

What is the right cooling capacity for my space?

You can ask for the help of your rental service to determine the right size of equipment to rent. Chillers and air-conditioners are typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). Depending on the size of the area you need to cool, you will need equipment that has a higher capacity. As a general rule of thumb, you will need 30 BTUs for every square foot of space. The smallest air-conditioning unit has a capacity of 12,000 BTUs, so depending on how large your area is, you can request for machinery that can meet your specific need. If you have a 4,000 square foot events hall, for example, you will need equipment with an energy output of about 120,000 BTUs. 


Besides the size of your space, it is important to provide your mobile chiller supplier with details about the space, such as if it has vaulted ceilings, if there are large windows, or if your place is on the receiving end of morning or afternoon sun. These factors can affect how efficiently the cooling equipment will work. Keep in mind that you may not only need one chiller but several units placed in strategic positions around your venue instead. 

How much electricity will it consume?

When you are going to introduce new equipment to a site, you need to know if your property can handle the additional load. The greater your cooling requirements, the more electricity it will consume. Residential homes and apartments usually have standard electrical outlets that have limited capacity. You may have to ask an electrician to install a temporary breaker before you attempt to plug in industrial-sized equipment. Commercial facilities may be better equipped to handle large chillers. Still, you will need to consult your rental company to help you decide between one three-ton unit, or three separate one-ton units given your venue’s electrical capacity.

Is there any maintenance or preparation work involved?

While mobile chillers provide a lot of conveniences when it comes to augmenting your cooling capacity, some of them need to be monitored closely and drained regularly. There are two main types of chillers, water-cooled and air-cooled. If you select the former, you will need to connect them to a water source. They typically have smaller capacities and are better suited for small marquees, personal offices, or bedrooms. 

If you choose equipment that uses the air-cooling method, you won’t need to remove water. However, the machines will generate more heat, so you may need to install temporary exhaust ducting to draw heat away from the space. Most large-capacity chillers are air-cooled.

Whichever type you select, you may need periodic maintenance if you intend to use the equipment for an extended period. Inquire if these services are incorporated into your rental contracts, and what options are available to you in case the equipment breaks down.

Your HVAC system needs may change along with the seasons. You can inquire about long-term contracts with boiler rental companies that allow you to borrow chillers and heaters depending on the time of year. Some mobile coolers are capable of providing heat as well, so you won’t need to switch out equipment when the seasons shift. Consult your local rental company for the right-sized machinery so you can achieve the ideal temperature that you need.

We are heating and cooling specialists, available for hire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer temporary boiler, chiller, and portable air-conditioner rentals ready for quick and easy installation for all your temperature control needs. Call us and speak to an expert today!