Do you know how to find the right walk-in cooler for business? Not every walk-in cooler is going to be created equal. There are different types on the market so it helps to know the differences to choose the right one.
Walk-in Cooler for Business
Refrigeration System
This system is the most important component of any walk-in cooler. Some of the main differences available are in the refrigeration system. You can get a self-contained refrigeration system, a remote refrigeration system, or a top-mounted refrigeration system. With a self-contained system, it’s closed so you just plug in and go. All the parts; the motor, fan, and compressor are contained in one main structure. The system sits on the roof of the cooler. If the unit is located inside then it is going to blow hot air into the room, which may not be ideal in some spaces. The unit can be noisy since the fans and motors are inside. With a remote system, the parts have one location and the cooler is in another. With top-mounted refrigeration, the unit is a pre-charged and all-in-one package. It’s ready to be set in the top-mount refrigeration. All three of the systems will give you cooling if you have a level floor and a well-insulated room. There are many other differences when it comes to energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and installation. There will be a price difference, depending on which system you choose.
The Cooler Construction
Most coolers are going to be built the same way. The standard insulation is four inches, using either polyurethane or extruded polystyrene. Extruded polystyrene is typically the better choice since it’s very dense and repels water. It does a good job of holding the R-value. Polyurethane isn’t as dense but it will still give you good results. Steel panels are made using a Camlock system of pins and hooks. Gaskets around the perimeter will make sure you have a perfect seal with no air condensation. You may have options for upgrades when it comes to the cooler box. For example, you may be able to get different metal surfaces to have easier cleaning and no corrosion.
The door is another structural component. It’s important that you have a high-quality door, especially in certain environments where the door is going to be closed and opened many times a day. If you don’t have a solid door, then it means air gaps and wasted energy. When looking for a door, make sure it has a self-closing mechanism, a temperature readout on the outside, and industrial-grade hinges. You will have to choose whether or not you need an insulated floor.
An insulated floor is going to be better and necessary if you want the cooler to go below 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of the cooling system, having an insulated floor will mean higher energy savings. The savings make up for the bigger investment upfront. There are some other things when it comes to flooring, including that the cooler needs to be on a flat surface. Concrete won’t be a great insulator. If you have your cooler outside then you want to choose the insulated floor to keep water from getting in. If there is space under the cooler, you should insulate the floor to protect against heat.
Other Factors
There are some questions to ask when choosing which walk-in cooler is the best. How big do you need it to be? An expensive mistake can be buying a bigger one than you need. How much cooling do you need? Where will you put the cooler? It’s best to put it inside to protect it from the environment.
