Factors to Consider When Shopping for a New Cool Room
A cool room -- or walk-in refrigerated area -- is often required in any commercial restaurant or supermarket, and it can also be needed for florists and those who sell other such delicate products. If you choose to have a cool room installed in your facility, you'll want to make sure that you choose the most energy- and cost-efficient option. Note a few factors to consider about a cool room installation and then discuss your needs with a contractor.
1. Insulated floors
Many prefabricated cool rooms will come with an insulated floor, although these rooms can also be built right over a concrete slab without an insulated floor panel. Typically a walk-in freezer will need an insulated floor in order to maintain its overall temperature, but for standard refrigerators and cool rooms, analyze whether the added expense of an insulated floor is the right option. If the area where you will have the cool room installed isn't likely to bring in heat from the floor, that extra panel of insulation may be more than what you need.
2. Modular systems
A good choice for a cool room is a modular system, or one made of prefabricated panels that are then put together onsite. The modular system is a fast and easy installation option that can offer a variety of features, including a dehumidifier, separate compartments and shelving. However, a modular system means you will have a limited number of design and size options; you'll need to consider if the prefabricated option would fit in your space with enough room for a door and for any clearance needed behind it for heat to escape.
3. Added features
Consider some added features that may not always be available on a standard cool room but which can be a good investment for your business. This might include alarms that sound if the temperature were to go beyond a safe range for whatever reason. A defrosting feature can mean not having to manually defrost the space if it should ever become too cool and frost were to build up. On-off cycles can help you to conserve power while still keeping the internal temperature cool; the unit may turn off the condenser but allow a fan to run, blowing residual cool air into the space. Anti-bacterial wall coatings can keep your produce and other such items safer and also make for easier cleaning of the cool room.
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