The Future of Chillers: Innovations in Cooling Tech October 12, 2025 How Smart Controls and New Refrigerants Are Changing the Game Cooling technology is evolving fast — and if your operation depends on consistent, reliable chillers, it pays to stay ahead. At G&D Chillers, we’re right in the middle of this change, building smarter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly chillers that meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s regulations. Here’s a quick look at where chilling tech is headed — and what it means for you. 1. Smarter Chill(er)s: Automation & IoT Integration Chillers today are way more than cold boxes. They’re smart machines packed with sensors, remote monitoring, and automation. What this means for you: Remote Monitoring & Alerts — Track temps, pressures, and performance from anywhere. Spot problems before they shut you down. Predictive Maintenance — Get notified when parts start to wear, so you fix issues before they become emergencies. Adaptive Cooling — Systems adjust output on the fly to match process demand, cutting energy waste and keeping temps rock steady. At G&D, we make these features user-friendly — no complicated setups or extra headaches. 2. The Big Refrigerant Shift: R-290 (Propane), A2Ls, and What’s Next Refrigerant regulations are pushing the industry toward cleaner, more environmentally friendly options. Natural refrigerants like R-290 propane and A2L refrigerants (mildly flammable, next-gen refrigerants) are now front and center. Here’s what you need to know: R-290 (Propane) Our Elite 290 Series uses propane (R-290), a natural refrigerant with near-zero Global Warming Potential (GWP). That means it’s super clean and helps you stay ahead of environmental regulations. It’s efficient and lowers your energy costs. Designed with safety in mind — minimized refrigerant charge, semi-hermetic compressors, and smart venting systems keep it safe and reliable. Available in compact Microseries and full-capacity models to fit your needs. A2L Refrigerants These next-generation refrigerants offer lower GWP than traditional HFCs and come with mildly flammable properties. G&D offers chillers designed to safely use A2Ls, giving you more options to meet your specific cooling and regulatory requirements. R-513A A lower-GWP refrigerant we use on many systems today, balancing performance and compliance as a transition option. At G&D, the Elite 290 Series and A2L-compatible chillers give you clean, efficient, and future-ready options for industrial and commercial applications. 3. Modular & Custom Designs for Every Operation No two operations are the same. That’s why modular chillers that scale with you — plus custom designs tailored to your process — are becoming the norm. We build systems that can grow with your business, fit in tight spaces, and offer multi-zone control for complex setups. 4. Energy Efficiency Isn’t Optional — It’s a Must With energy costs rising and sustainability goals tightening, your chiller has to work smarter: Variable speed pumps and fans High-efficiency heat exchangers Smart controls that avoid overcooling and waste Designed for easy maintenance to keep uptime high What This Means for You Chillers are no longer “set it and forget it.” They’re smarter, cleaner, and designed to keep your operation running longer, cooler, and greener. Whether you’re upgrading or building new, G&D is here to help you choose the right tech — from automation and IoT-ready controls to low-GWP refrigerants like R-290 and A2Ls. Ready to future-proof your chilling system? Let’s talk about how we can build a solution that’s reliable, efficient, and compliant — for today and tomorrow. — Paul Johnson, R&D and Technology, G&D Chillers