How to Use a Water Chiller: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re working with equipment that generates heat—like a CO₂ laser engraver, CNC machine, or other precision tools—a water chiller is one of the best investments you can make. It keeps your machine operating at a stable temperature, protects sensitive components from overheating, and helps extend the overall lifespan of your system. Compared to simple water tanks or DIY cooling setups, an industrial water chiller offers consistent temperature control, stronger reliability, and built-in safety features. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use a water chiller step by step so you can set it up correctly and keep your machine running at its best. 

How to Use a Water Chiller (Step-by-Step Instructions)

In this guide, we’ll use the Creworks 15 Ton Air-cooled Industrial Water Chiller as an example to illustrate the basic setup and operating process. If your machine is a different model, please make sure to follow your specific user manual to ensure proper and safe operation.

Before we get into the operation process, please become familiar with the control panel on the machine:

General Instructions

1. Connect the chiller to the power supply with the power cord.
2. Press the pump button to turn on the chiller.
The indicator light should be on and the pump should begin working.
Note:

• There may be some bubbles at first. These should disappear after a minute or two.
• Don’t worry if the fans and other components of the chiller do not activate. They are usually automatically controlled and will not begin working until they are needed by the machine.

3. Press the compressor button to turn on the compressor.
The indicator light should be on and the compressor should begin working.
4. If the water tank lacks water, the alarm indicator should be on and the power indicator should flash. Carefully add more water to refill the water tank through the water fill port.

Displaying the Parameters

To check the current parameters of the chiller, follow the steps below.
1. Press the function button to enter into parameter display menus.
2. Use the up button and the down button to toggle among the following menu items.

3. Press the ok button to enter the target submenu and press the function button to exit the submenu.

Adjusting the Parameters

1. Press the function button to enter into parameter display menus.
2. Use the up button and the down button to toggle among the following menu items and stop when the screen displays User Settings.
3. Press the ok button to enter the user settings submenu.
4. Use the up button and the down button to toggle among the following parameters.
5. Press the ok button to enter the target parameter setting submenu.
6. Use the up button and the down button to adjust the parameter, and press the ok button to save the changes.
7. Press the function button to exit the parameter setting submenu and return to the user settings submenu.
8. Press the function button twice to return to the main menu.

Finishing-up

When the chiller is not in use for prolonged periods of time,
1. Press the pump button to turn off the machine.
2. Disconnect the machine from the power supply.
3. Turn on the drain valve to fully drain the remaining water inside the water tank.

Recommended Water Chiller: Creworks 15 Ton Air-cooled Industrial Chiller

Looking for a reliable way to keep your laser engraver, CNC, welding machine, or other equipment cool during use? The Creworks CWTH-15 15 Ton Air-cooled Industrial Water Chiller is an excellent choice:

• Powerful cooling: 22.1 HP compressor, R407C refrigerant, cooling up to 153,546 BTUs/hour.
• Large capacity: 53-gallon (200 L) water tank with 95 GPM (360 L/min) circulation.
• Precise temperature control: Maintains water within 3°C of set temperature.
• User-friendly monitoring: Smart LCD display, sensors, indicator lights, and alarms for real-time updates.
• Easy setup: Plug-and-play operation with a convenient 4-wire connector for industrial power supply.

Conclusion

Using a water chiller isn’t complicated, but doing it correctly makes a big difference in the long-term health of your equipment. With proper setup, stable temperature control, and basic routine maintenance, your machine can run more efficiently and safely—especially during long engraving or cutting sessions. Follow the recommended steps, keep your chiller well-maintained, and enjoy reliable performance every time you power up your machine.