How Long Do Cooling Towers Last in Michigan?
Cooling towers are critical assets for industrial, commercial, and manufacturing facilities across Michigan. With the state’s cold winters, humid summers, and wide temperature swings, many facility managers ask an important question: How long do cooling towers actually last in Michigan? The short answer is typically 15 to 25 years, but the real lifespan depends heavily on design, materials, operating conditions, and most importantly water treatment practices. Michigan’s climate puts cooling towers under constant stress. Freezing temperatures can cause structural cracking, while summer heat accelerates scaling, corrosion and biological growth. Towers made from galvanized steel may be more vulnerable to corrosion, whereas stainless steel or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) systems often last longer when properly maintained. Still, even the most durable materials can fail early without proper chemical control and maintenance. One of the biggest factors influencing lifespan i...