Chilled water produced by a chiller is typically within which temperature range?

Question

Options

• A34 - 38 F (1 - 3 C)
• B44 - 48 F (6 - 9 C)
• C56 - 60 F (13 - 16 C)
• D70 - 74 F (21 - 23 C)

• A
  8% (3)
• B
  70% (26)
• C
  16% (6)
• D
  5% (2)

Explanation

Chilled water systems in HVAC applications are designed to produce supply water in the 44-48°F (6-9°C) range because this temperature is cold enough to effectively absorb heat from air handlers and fan coil units while remaining safely above the freezing point of water. Option A (34-38°F) is too close to freezing and would risk ice formation in the system, making it impractical for standard chilled water loops without antifreeze additives. Option C (56-60°F) is actually closer to the typical chilled water return temperature after it has absorbed heat from the building, not the supply temperature leaving the chiller. Option D (70-74°F) is near room temperature and would provide little to no cooling effect, making it useless as a chilled water supply.

Memory tip: Think of 44-48°F as the "sweet spot" - cold enough to cool a building, warm enough not to freeze the pipes. The number 44 is easy to anchor since it sits just above the 40°F mark, a comfortable mental landmark for "cold but not freezing."

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