Whether you’re upgrading an existing cooling system or designing a new build, there are many factors to consider, including water usage, energy usage, maintenance costs, and your facility’s uptime. Yet, with so many technologies and manufacturers claiming efficiency and reliability, how can you tell which one actually fits your needs?

As a facility manager choosing cooling systems, here’s a practical checklist of questions to ask before you invest in a new solution. Read on to see how a consultative, engineer-led partner like NIMBUS helps you answer each one with confidence.

1. “How Much Maintenance Will This System Really Need?”

Many manufacturers promise “low maintenance,” but few explain what that means day to day. You’ll want to know:

• Are there media pads or open basins that need frequent cleaning?
• Does the system require costly water treatment or chemical management?
• What does maintenance look like with a limited in-house team?

NIMBUS designs systems with no standing water, no pads to replace, and no tower basins to scrub, reducing the workload for small maintenance staff. You can review practical maintenance guidance in our maintenance resource section.

2. “What’s the Total Cost of Ownership, Not Just the Sticker Price?”

A system that costs less upfront can become more expensive over time through water use, energy inefficiency, or recurring service needs. Ask your manufacturer to break down:

• Energy consumption under real-world load conditions
• Water usage across seasonal operation
• Service intervals 
• Chemical water treatment costs
• Replacement part costs

With NIMBUS, you can calculate water savings using the Be Blue Calculator, which models water efficiency against conventional cooling towers. It’s a clear, data-driven way to show how premium engineering pays off in ROI.

3. “How Will This System Perform Under My Region’s Climate Conditions?”

Cooling efficiency varies greatly by location. A system designed for a moderate Midwestern climate may need to be configured differently for high-heat, arid regions like Texas or Arizona.

We engineer systems to adapt to diverse environments, combining dry and hybrid adiabatic technologies that activate water spray only when needed. Every design starts with your site’s conditions in mind—from ambient temperature to humidity levels and water availability.

4. “Is the System Built for Reliability and Longevity?”

When evaluating materials, don’t just ask what a unit is made of. You also need to ask why.

Many systems rely on galvanized or coated metals that corrode over time, which means they will need to be replaced sooner. With this in mind, it’s ideal to select coolers made from stainless steel. Stainless steel construction ensures maximum durability that endures for decades and not just years.

You’ll also want to confirm warranty coverage. Luckily, we offer an industry-leading 2-year warranty.

This warranty reinforces that our systems are designed to last, not to be replaced quickly.

5. “How Easy Is Installation and Integration?”

Your team’s time is valuable. Ask if the cooling system:

• Arrives factory-tested and prewired
• Includes flexible connection options
• Supports your existing PLC controls or automation platform

Our engineer-led approach ensures each system is installation-ready, with streamlined hookups and clear documentation. Whether you’re replacing a legacy tower or designing a new facility, integration stays simple, and downtime stays minimal.

6. “What Kind of Service and Technical Support Will I Get After Installation?”

Even the best equipment can underperform without responsive service. Before signing off, make sure your partner provides:

• Start-up guidance and commissioning support
• Direct technical contact (not just a generic help line)
• Local or regional reps who can visit your site when needed

NIMBUS’s reputation is built on service. Customers regularly cite our responsiveness and hands-on engineering expertise as industry-leading. From initial planning to upgrades, you can explore the full range of services available to support you throughout your system’s life cycle.

7. “Can It Help Me Meet Sustainability or Regulatory Goals?”

More organizations are under pressure to conserve resources and document results. Ask manufacturers how their systems:

• Reduce water and energy consumption
• Lower chemical usage
• Support LEED, ESG, or carbon-reduction initiatives

Our Be Blue philosophy emphasizes measurable sustainability, minimizing environmental impact without compromising performance. By operating dry most of the time and engaging water only when absolutely necessary, our systems can cut water consumption by up to 95% compared to traditional towers.

Choose a Facility Cooling System Partner That Thinks Beyond the Box

If you’re a facility manager choosing a cooling system, you need to make your choice count. And the best way to do just that is to partner with a cooling system provider that ticks all the boxes.

We at NIMBUS commit to the longevity of your investment. Partner with us to engineer a cooling solution aligned with your facility’s performance goals. You can count on solutions that save water, simplify maintenance, and support your operational goals for years to come.

Do you need an engineer who understands your facility’s needs?

Find a representative today and start designing a smarter, simpler cooling solution for your facility.