U.S. Industrial Air Cooler Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Evaporative, Thermal Coolers), By Type (Portable, Stationary), By Cooling Capacity, By Distribution Channel, By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

U.S. Industrial Air Cooler Market Trends

The U.S. industrial air cooler market size was valued at USD 285.5 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by the demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions across different sectors. Industrial air coolers are known for their low energy consumption compared to traditional air conditioning systems. They are increasingly being adopted to enhance operational efficiency and reduce energy costs. Companies in the U.S. industrial air cooler industry are increasingly adopting innovative cooling technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals and regulatory standards.

Industrial air coolers are crucial in maintaining temperature-sensitive environments across diverse industries. In manufacturing and power generation, they ensure equipment operates within safe thermal limits to maintain performance and reduce downtime. The food and beverage sector relies on air coolers for cold storage and processing environments to maintain hygiene and product integrity. In pharmaceuticals, precise climate control is essential for preserving active ingredients and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These cooling capacities underline the essential role of industrial air coolers in supporting critical infrastructure and operational continuity.

For instance, in February 2025, Modine Manufacturing announced securing USD 180 million in orders for its Airedale by Modine data center cooling systems from a leading AI infrastructure developer. These systems are designed for high-capacity cooling and are scheduled for delivery throughout 2025 and the first half of 2026. These strategic moves highlight Modine's commitment to meeting the growing cooling demands of the AI and data center sectors.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The industry growth stage is high, and the pace of growth is accelerating. The U.S. industrial air cooler market is influenced by three pivotal factors: the degree of innovation, regulatory impact, and end-use concentration. Innovation drives the development of advanced cooling solutions, enabling companies to meet the evolving demands of various industries. Regulatory frameworks ensure environmental compliance and promote the adoption of sustainable technologies in the U.S. industrial air cooler industry. End-use concentration highlights the reliance of specific sectors on industrial air coolers, emphasizing the market's responsiveness to sector-specific needs.

Innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of industrial air coolers. Companies are investing in cutting-edge technologies to develop solutions catering to the high-performance requirements of modern cooling capacities. Carrier Global Corporation introduced QuantumLeap, a comprehensive suite of energy-efficient data center thermal management solutions. This suite integrates advanced cooling technologies and intelligent controls to optimize the thermal lifecycle of data centers.

Regulations significantly impact the industrial air cooler market by enforcing standards that promote environmental sustainability. Compliance with these regulations drives companies to innovate and adopt eco-friendly practices. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations on refrigerants have led companies to develop cooling systems that minimize environmental impact. As per Cooling Post in February 2025, Carrier Global Corporation, through its venture arm Carrier Ventures, announced a strategic investment and technology partnership with ZutaCore, a provider of waterless, direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology, highlighting its commitment to providing sustainable, energy-efficient solutions for data centers  End-use concentration underscores the importance of industrial air coolers in specific sectors such as data centers, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. The growing demand for these products encourages companies to expand their production capacities. As per an article in Thermal Control, in May 2025, Modine Manufacturing is investing over USD 38 million to expand its chiller production capacity in Grenada, Mississippi, to meet the increasing needs of data center customers. This expansion reflects the U.S. industrial air cooler industry's responsiveness to the concentrated demand from key industries.

Product Insights

The evaporative segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 67.8% in 2024, driven by its energy efficiency and adaptability. Portacool's launch of the Apex Series, featuring models such as the APEX 1200, 2000, 4000, and 6500, among others, is a significant development. These units are equipped with CoolSync Technology, allowing users to control settings via smartphone. The series offers airflow capacities catering to large spaces, while operating at very low noise levels. Such innovations enhance user convenience and operational efficiency in industrial settings.

Thermal coolers are projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.5%, propelled by the escalating demand for efficient cooling solutions in high-performance computing environments. In February 2025, Daikin expanded its data center cooling portfolio with the launch of the Pro-C Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH). Designed to meet diverse configurations, the Pro-C features optimized chilled water heat exchangers and advanced control strategies, catering to the industry's shift toward more sophisticated thermal management solutions.

Type Insights

Stationary type accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 due to its capacity to deliver consistent and large-scale cooling in fixed installations. These systems are integral to facilities such as manufacturing plants and data centers, where maintaining optimal temperatures is critical for operational efficiency. SPX Cooling Technologies introduced its OlympusV Adiabatic Systems. The OlympusV series is designed to provide reliable performance while reducing water consumption, making it suitable for various industrial applications, including industrial refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, and HVAC or industrial process systems.

Portable type is projected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to their flexibility and cost-effective deployment across multiple industrial sectors. Beyond warehousing, they are extensively used in food processing plants, where localized cooling is essential to maintain hygiene standards and prevent spoilage in heat-sensitive environments. This equipment is also employed in automotive manufacturing for spot cooling of assembly lines and pharmaceutical production, where temporary cooling is often needed during peak operational loads or equipment maintenance. In addition, event production and temporary structures used in field hospitals or outdoor industrial expos rely heavily on portable cooling solutions for climate control and worker comfort without the need for permanent infrastructure. Their ease of mobility and plug-and-play functionality make them an increasingly strategic option across these varied cooling requirements.

Cooling Capacity Insights

The 10,000 - 30,000 CFM segment held the largest market share in 2024 due to its optimal balance between airflow capacity and energy efficiency. SPX Cooling Technologies Inc. expanded its MH Fluid Cooler line to increase its applications. It is now available with three coil materials, each with its advantages. These units are designed for medium- to large-sized industrial cooling capacities, providing enhanced heat transfer and lower environmental impact. The expansion focused on improving cooling performance while maintaining a compact footprint, catering to HVAC, food processing, and light manufacturing industries that require consistent airflow in this CFM range.

Above 30,000 CFM is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for high-capacity cooling solutions in large-scale industrial operations. Industries such as automotive manufacturing and food processing are adopting these powerful systems to maintain optimal temperatures and ensure product quality. Advancements in technology that facilitate customization and enhance static pressure fans have broadened the use of large-capacity coolers. The rise of large industrial projects and the development of infrastructure in developing countries further boost adoption in this area.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline held the largest market share in 2024, primarily due to the preference for in-person product evaluations and consultations. This dominance is driven by several key factors, including the need for on-site technical guidance, immediate product availability, and the ability to assess equipment compatibility with existing infrastructure. For industrial buyers, offline channels also facilitate better negotiation on bulk orders, installation support, and after-sales service arrangements. The tactile experience and direct interaction with technical teams continue to make offline channels a preferred route for purchasing industrial air coolers.

Online is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The convenience of e-commerce platforms, coupled with the increasing digitalization of procurement processes, has led to a surge in online sales of industrial cooling equipment. Manufacturers and distributors are expanding their online presence to cater to a broader customer base, offering detailed product information, virtual consultations, and streamlined purchasing processes. This shift of the U.S. industrial air cooler industry toward digital channels reflects the evolving trend of industrial buyers seeking efficiency and accessibility in their procurement activities.

End Use Insights

The manufacturing segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by the sector's extensive use of air coolers to maintain optimal operating temperatures, ensuring equipment efficiency and worker comfort. This sector includes heat-dependent industries like automotive, textiles, and heavy machinery, which depend significantly on air coolers to avoid overheating and minimize downtime. The broad industrial growth and development of manufacturing centers further strengthen this segment's dominant market position.

The pharmaceutical sector is projected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the industry's critical need for precise temperature control to maintain the stability and efficacy of sensitive drugs and vaccines. Industrial air coolers are widely used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage facilities to ensure consistent cooling, prevent contamination, and comply with strict regulatory standards for cleanroom environments. In addition, the adoption of advanced cooling technologies supports energy efficiency and sustainability goals within pharmaceutical plants. The stringent environmental conditions required during drug production and storage make industrial air coolers indispensable for minimizing risks of product degradation and ensuring uninterrupted manufacturing processes.

Key U.S. Industrial Air Cooler Company Insights

The U.S. industrial air cooler industry is intensely competitive. Some of the major companies in the market are Thermal Care, SPX Cooling Tech, LLC, and Carrier. Companies have increasingly focused on continuous R&D activities and product development through strategic collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and more.

Recent Developments

• In November 2022, Ziehl-Abegg, a German manufacturer specializing in ventilation systems, completed the relocation and expansion of its North American headquarters to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with an investment of USD 114 million. The new facility represents the company's largest single-site investment, aimed at increasing production capacity and supporting the growing demand for energy-efficient fans in sectors such as data centers, agriculture, and healthcare. 

Industrial Air Cooler Market Report Scope

U.S. Industrial Air Cooler Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Industrial air cooler market report based on product, type, cooling capacity, distribution channel, end use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Evaporative

  • Thermal Coolers

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Portable

  • Stationary

• Cooling capacity Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Up to 10,000 CFM

  • 10,000 - 30,000 CFM

  • Above 30,000 CFM

• Distribution channel Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Offline

  • Online  

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Manufacturing

  • Food & Beverage

  • Pharmaceutical

  • Chemical & Petrochemical

  • Power Generation

  • Warehouse

  • Others