Have you ever wondered how a water cooler actually works? If so, you’re not alone. The process may seem simple, but there’s actually a lot happening behind the scenes to deliver you fresh, clean drinking water.
Today, Drop Water Coolers will dive right into how water coolers work, answering all of your questions. Understanding how they operate can help you choose the right one for your needs.
Are you tired of manually filtering your water? Do you waste a lot of time and electricity on preparing hot drinks? You no longer have to deal with it. At Drop Water Coolers, we offer a wide selection of coolers and dispensers to suit every customer’s needs.
What is a water cooler?
A water cooler, also known as a dispenser, is a device that provides chilled, fresh, and filtered drinking water whenever you need it.
These smart devices feature taps for easy dispensing; simply grab a cup, place it under the tap, and fill it up. Water coolers come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, making them a perfect fit for offices, schools, gyms, and more.
The two main types of water dispensers include bottled and non-bottled coolers. While both provide convenience and offer their own benefits, they serve as a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Bottled vs. mains-fed water coolers
Have you ever wondered which cooler is best for your home or office? Here’s what to expect from each one.
Bottled water coolers
Bottled water coolers are the most popular type of coolers you’ll find in an office or commercial setting.
These typically hold 11-19 litres of water in a large bottle that is placed upside down on the cooler. Once installed, bottled coolers provide filtered water that flows into the internal tank, where it’s cooled or heated.
Many people choose bottled coolers for their quick setup, flexibility in placement, and cost-effective solution to healthy drinking water.
Mains-fed water coolers
Also known as plumbed-in dispensers, mains-fed water coolers connect directly to the building’s mains water supply.
This way, the water passes straight from your mains supply to the cooler, where it undergoes a filtration system that removes impurities, odours, and chlorine.
Mains-fed coolers offer the most convenience, as you don’t have to restock and change bottles of water; they provide a continuous supply of fresh water with little maintenance.
The basic science: How water coolers actually work
Water coolers may seem simple; you press the button, and clean, cold or hot water is dispensed into your cup.
However, there are actually several steps involved in purifying, cooling, and heating your water, preparing it for consumption.
1. Filtration
While bottled water has already undergone a filtration process, mains-fed water coolers utilise sediment filtration to remove dust and particles from the pipes.
Then, activated carbon filtration absorbs chlorine and organic compounds to remove any odour or bad taste.
2. Cooling
Once filtered, the water enters a cooling tank, functioning like a refrigeration system. During this step, a refrigerant gas circulates through coils within the cooler, absorbing heat from the water.
The refrigerant gas changes from a liquid to a gas, which moves to a compressor. It’s then pressurised and releases the absorbed heat through the condenser coils.
In smaller water coolers, thermoelectric cooling draws heat from the water by passing a small electric current through a cold metal plate, a process called the Peltier effect. The chilled water is stored in a small insulated reservoir to keep it cold.
3. The heating process
Some water coolers offer options for both instant cold and hot water. In this case, water flows from the cooler’s reservoir into a separate, insulated hot tank, where it is boiled.
An internal heating element warms the water to 85°C and 95°C (typically), allowing you to prepare hot drinks in seconds.
Extra features you’ll find on today’s water coolers
With modern water coolers, you’ll find a range of advanced features that make your life much easier, improving hygiene and efficiency.
At Drop Water Coolers, our water coolers and dispensers include extra features such as:
- Self-diagnostics systems
- Hot water safety lock
- No spill system
- Hot water on and off switch
- Hermetically sealed reciprocating compressor
- Adjustable cold water thermostat
Enjoy clean, chilled water every day
Uplift the productivity and efficiency of your office and employees today, or provide easy hydration solutions for students or gym members with our range of highly modern coolers and dispensers.
At Drop Water Coolers, we deliver excellent customer service, 24/7 support, and rental options, so you get the most out of your purchase. Ditch unfiltered tap water for fresh, safe drinking water whenever you need it.
We also provide hot water boilers for instant and unlimited tea and coffee. Your employees will appreciate it later.