Chillers, are they high maintenance?

[Reef Pilot]

I used to run an Artica 1/3 hp (very good chiller, high end). Nothing to maintain, but expensive to buy and run, and generates lots of heat and noise. Plus takes a bunch of room. Now I have my own DIY chiller,... cheap, silent, and only uses 4.8 watts for about 3 hours a day (during our recent warm spell). And doesn't take any extra room outside my sump.