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Natural Performance: Propane Chillers Prove Their Power in the Field

June 30, 2025

Earlier this month at the ATMO Summit (June 11, 2025), our COO, Scott Timms, hit the stage to share a real-world case study featuring our Elite 290 propane chiller in action at New Belgium Brewing. It was a great chance to show how natural refrigerants—especially R290 (aka propane)—aren’t just better for the environment, but also a smart, real-world solution for a wide range of industries.

From breweries and food processors to industrial facilities and beyond, propane is proving it can deliver serious cooling power—without the climate cost.

💡 Why Are People Switching to Natural Refrigerants?

Let’s face it—HFCs are on the way out. With new rules rolling in and environmental pressure mounting, more businesses are looking for refrigerants that are low-impact, energy-efficient, and future-proof.

That’s where propane (R290) comes in:

  • Ultra-low GWP (Global Warming Potential)
  • High efficiency = lower energy bills
  • It’s been used safely in systems around the world for years
  • And yes—it’s totally doable in the U.S. with the right design and support

🔧 Meet the Elite 290: Built for Today’s Cooling Needs

Our Elite 290 line is built from the ground up for R290. Whether you’re chilling wort, milk, or industrial process water, this system was designed to deliver high performance with a light environmental footprint.

Highlights include:

  • Super-efficient performance = reduced operating costs
  • Compact refrigerant charge + integrated safety features
  • UL-compliant and ready to roll in even the most regulation-heavy states
  • Air-cooled, semi-hermetic compressors, and flexible design options to fit your facility

🍺 Case Study Spotlight: New Belgium Brewing

At the summit, Scott shared New Belgium Brewing’s results with their Elite 290 propane chiller – according to Andy Collins, Carbon Neutral Engineer at New Belgium Brewing. Together, they presented how the brewery is using the Elite 290 to hit their climate goals—without sacrificing performance.

“We’re really happy to work with a partner like G&D Chillers…to help us significantly reduce the amount of HFCs…excited to implement G&D’s new Elite 290 chilling technology.”

This isn’t just a cool idea—it’s happening right now, in real facilities, with real results.

✅ Why It Matters to You

Here’s why propane chillers are worth a look:

  • No HFC phaseout headaches – propane is already compliant
  • Lower energy costs – R290 is efficient and powerful
  • Safety and support – we’ve been through the permitting process and provide training and guidance every step of the way

🎥 Check-out our Full Presentation

Want to hear it straight from Scott? Check out the full case study presentation from the ATMO Summit here:

👉 Watch it now →

🚀 Let’s Talk About Your Next Chiller

If you’re ready to cut emissions, save on energy, and get ahead of the curve, the Elite 290 is ready to deliver. Whether you’re upgrading or starting from scratch, we’re here to help you make the switch to natural refrigerants, stress-free.