How does a water dispenser make water cold?

A cold, refreshing gulp of water can be just the thing on a sweat-inducing day or when you’re feeling particularly parched. In modern homes, schools and workplaces, cool water is often a button-press away thanks to cold water dispensers. But how do these coolers dispense cold water on-demand consistently?

This blog post explores the technology behind those refreshing sips. It covers key components of cold water dispensers and how they keep water cool and ready for drinking. 

Water dispenser refrigerator technology and how it works

The first step in learning how a water dispenser works is understanding how it keeps drinking water cool. Most dispensers use either a compressor-based or thermoelectric cooling system, depending on the model.

A compressor cooling system works much like a household refrigerator. Refrigerant gas is compressed and then expands, traveling through coils that surround the water reservoir. As the refrigerant flows through the coils, it absorbs heat from the water, cooling it down efficiently. This method is ideal for maintaining consistently cold water, especially in high-demand environments like schools or offices.

A thermoelectric cooling system, on the other hand, uses what’s called the Peltier effect. An electric current passes through two different conductors, creating a temperature difference—one side becomes cold and absorbs heat from the water, while the other side expels that heat. These systems are typically quieter and are often used in smaller bottled water coolers for home or limited-use settings.

Bottled vs. bottleless water coolers: What’s the difference?

While the cooling processes in bottled and bottleless water coolers are similar, there are important differences in how they operate—and what technologies they use.

• Bottled water coolers: These units use large water jugs mounted on top of the dispenser. They often rely on thermoelectric cooling systems, especially in compact or residential models. These systems are quieter but may not offer the same cooling efficiency as compressor-based systems.
• Bottleless water coolers: These connect directly to a water line and include advanced filtration and compressor-based cooling systems. Instead, they are equipped with powerful, energy-efficient compressor systems that deliver consistently cold water—ideal for business environments with higher daily usage.

Key components of a water dispenser

While the cooling technology can differ, many of the parts in a cold drink dispenser are similar across models. Key components in a compressor-based cool water dispenser include:

• The cooling tank. Water is held in the tank, where it’s kept cool and ready for dispensing. Depending on the model, new water may be fed into the tank as some is dispensed for drinking, ensuring a ready supply.
• Refrigerant. This gas flows through coils around the cooling tank and is what helps keep the water cold by absorbing heat from the water.
• A compressor. This component compresses the refrigerant, causing it to flow into the condenser.
• A condenser. Within the condenser, the refrigerant cools after releasing the heat it took from the water. The warm refrigerant gas becomes a liquid again as it cools. It can then flow back through the coils and compressor, pulling heat from the water and repeating the cycle to cool the water.
• A thermostat. This element monitors the temperature of the water and causes the compressor to operate as needed to kick off cooling cycles. Thermostats ensure the cooling cycles only run when necessary to keep water cool, supporting energy efficiency. 

It’s important to note that this process specifically applies to cold water-only dispensers. Machines that also produce sparkling water, ice, or a combination of ice and water use different cooling systems and components tailored to their added functionalities. The systems in those machines are more complex and operate differently than the standard water cooling process described above.

How long does a water cooler take to get cold?

A cold water cooler needs some time to cool water in the reservoir when you first turn it on. Depending on the size of the reservoir, the type of cooling system and the ambient temperature in the room, it may take 1 to 3 hours to fully cool the water.

After that, the water remains cool as long as the system is running correctly. If someone dispenses a cup or two of cold water and warmer water replaces it, there’s enough cold water in the unit to substantially reduce the cooling time. 

Benefits of using a cold water dispenser

Some benefits of a cold water dispenser include:

• Convenience and accessibility. You can make refreshing, cool water available without waiting for a bottle of water to chill in the fridge.
• Easier hydration. Many people prefer to drink cool water over room-temperature water, so providing a water cooler can help ensure employees, family members or others engage in good hydration habits.
• Added refreshment. Cool water may be especially enjoyable when the weather is warm. You could even consider a water cooler with an ice maker so people can choose between cool and ice-cold water.
• Sustainability. Modern water coolers often leverage advanced cooling technology that minimizes energy consumption, reducing electricity costs and ensuring your cold-water supply is more eco-friendly. 

Maintenance tips for water dispenser refrigerator systems

Knowing how a cold water dispenser works helps you better maintain it. For example, you don’t need to wonder why your water dispenser isn’t cold if you know the compressor and other parts need to work to keep water cool. Here are some tips for ensuring your water is as cold as possible:

• Clean and descale the unit regularly. You can wash external parts with a mild soap solution. To descale the interior of the tank, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your unit.
• Troubleshoot cooling issues. Check that the cooler is getting power. Then look for blockages in the water reservoir and ensure thermostat temperatures are set correctly.
• Get professional help. If you notice basic maintenance doesn’t resolve the issue, call in more experienced help like a professional technician at Culligan Quench.

Choosing the right water cooler dispenser

Choosing the right water cooler helps ensure long-term satisfaction and regular use. Consider the type of cooling mechanism and whether it works for the amount of cold water dispensed in your location each day.

Next, think about where you will place the dispenser. For most businesses, a bottleless water cooler provides the best combination of convenience, cost savings, and sustainability. If space is limited, a countertop or freestanding model can still deliver high-quality hydration with the same advanced cooling and filtration benefits. Look at features like built-in filtration and adjustable temperature settings, and choose an option that best meets your needs. Finally, consider the scale of our hydration needs so you can choose a water cooler that’s the right size.

Connect with Culligan Quench for help choosing the right cold water dispenser for your location.