Mistakes to avoid when installing a professional cold room in Brussels
In Brussels, a professional cold room is much more than just a piece of technical equipment. It is the beating heart of any business involved in catering, mass distribution or food processing.
From artisan butchers to supermarkets, caterers and local shops, professional cold rooms in Brussels play an essential role in the preservation, quality and safety of products. But a mistake during installation can be very costly: loss of food, excessive energy consumption, premature breakdown or even temporary closure of your establishment.
That is why it is crucial to know the mistakes to avoid when installing a professional cold room in Brussels, in order to ensure optimal operation in compliance with Belgian and European standards.
With the expertise of Frigotec, specialists in professional refrigeration in Brussels and throughout Belgium, let’s discover together the pitfalls to avoid and best practices to adopt to ensure a sustainable and efficient installation.
Neglecting to study the premises beforehand: the first major mistake
Before installing a professional cold room in Brussels, you must first carefully analyse the location.
Too many companies rush into it without assessing the layout of the premises, ventilation or proximity to heat sources.
A. Poor location, a risk to performance
Installing a professional cold room next to an oven, dishwasher or under a glass roof exposed to sunlight is a common mistake.
The ambient temperature directly affects the efficiency of the refrigeration system. An environment that is too warm increases the load on the compressor, leading to excessive electricity consumption and premature wear of components.
B. The importance of proper ventilation
A poorly ventilated room prevents the condenser from dissipating heat properly.
Frigotec always recommends allowing sufficient space around the refrigeration unit and checking the air circulation to prevent overheating.
C. A personalised study: the secret to a successful installation
Every professional cold room in Brussels must be sized according to the specific characteristics of the premises: surface area, ceiling height, frequency of opening, and desired storage volume.
Frigotec carries out a tailor-made study before each installation in order to avoid any loss of energy efficiency or condensation problems.
Choosing unsuitable materials: a risk to hygiene and sustainability
A professional cold room in Brussels must comply with the hygiene and safety standards imposed by the AFSCA and European directives.
However, some facilities use poor-quality insulation panels or coatings that do not meet food requirements.
A. Poorly insulated panels = a hefty bill
Insulation is key to performance. Poorly joined or sealed walls lead to heat loss and constant compressor operation.
Frigotec favours high-density polyurethane panels with airtight joints, ensuring consistent and durable insulation, even in the most demanding conditions.
B. Beware of unsuitable floors
The floor of a professional cold room in Brussels must be non-slip, waterproof and easy to clean.
Many companies neglect this step and end up with problems such as damp, mould or slippery floors.
The Frigotec teams install technical flooring that complies with HACCP standards and is specially designed to withstand cold temperatures and condensation.
C. Comply with health and safety standards
The use of non-compliant materials may result in penalties during inspections.
With Frigotec, every professional cold room installation in Brussels complies with current regulations, guaranteeing safety, hygiene and performance.
Underestimating the required cooling capacity
This is one of the most common mistakes: choosing a commercial cold room without correctly calculating the power of the refrigeration system.
A. Insufficient power
A compressor that is too small will not be able to maintain the required temperature. Result:
- Deterioration of products.
- Continuous operation of the engine.
- Risk of rapid failure.
Frigotec always performs a precise thermal calculation based on the size of the room, the frequency with which the doors are opened, and the quantity of products to be stored.
B. Excessive power is also not ideal.
Conversely, a refrigeration unit that is too powerful leads to unnecessary energy costs and overly frequent start/stop cycles.
The right balance is therefore essential to ensure stable temperatures and optimal efficiency.
C. Adapting the cold to the type of products
A professional cold room in Brussels can be:
- Positive: between +2°C and +8°C for fresh products.
- Negative: down to -18°C for frozen products.
Frigotec assists each customer in determining the right type of refrigeration for the nature of their foodstuffs, in order to prevent any deterioration or non-compliance.
Forget the essential technical details
When installing a professional cold room in Brussels, every detail matters. Seemingly minor errors can have costly consequences.
A. Incorrect positioning of fans
Improperly positioned fans create uneven cold spots, which can spoil certain products or leave others at too high a temperature.
B. Poor door sealing
A door that does not close properly lets in cold air and increases energy consumption.
Frigotec installs high-quality insulated doors with reinforced magnetic seals to ensure a tight seal.
C. Poor defrost management
Improperly programmed defrosting can cause ice to build up on the evaporator. This reduces the efficiency of the system and increases electricity consumption.
The professional cold room systems in Brussels supplied by Frigotec incorporate automatic and intelligent defrosting functions.
Neglecting compliance with standards and permits
In Brussels, the installation of a professional cold room must comply with local and European environmental and safety regulations.
A. Non-compliance with the HACCP standard
Food establishments in Brussels must comply with HACCP standards, which impose strict controls on temperature, hygiene and storage.
Frigotec designs every commercial cold room in Brussels in full compliance with these standards.
B. Respect for the environment
The use of non-compliant refrigerant gases is now prohibited.
Frigotec exclusively installs systems that use natural gases such as R290, which are recognised for their low environmental impact.
C. Licences and inspection
Certain installations require an environmental permit in Brussels.
The Frigotec team assists its customers with all administrative procedures, ensuring a legal and secure installation.
Ignoring regular maintenance: the most costly mistake
Even the best professional cold room in Brussels cannot function properly without regular maintenance.
Many companies wait for a breakdown before taking action, resulting in costly repairs and sometimes product losses.
A. Preventive maintenance: the key to sustainability
Weekly cleaning of seals, grilles and evaporators helps prevent malfunctions.
Frigotec recommends quarterly maintenance and offers customised maintenance contracts to ensure the longevity of your equipment.
B. Contrôle annuel obligatoire
Every year, a certified technician must inspect commercial cold rooms in Brussels, checking the refrigerant level, the tightness of the circuit and the operation of the compressor.
Frigotec has a team of certified technicians who can carry out these inspections in accordance with European standards.
C. Anticipating breakdowns
Thanks to new technologies, some connected professional cold rooms allow remote monitoring.
Frigotec offers smart systems capable of alerting the manager in the event of an anomaly, thereby reducing the risk of goods being lost.
Don't think about the future: plan ahead from the outset
A professional cold room in Brussels is a long-term investment.
It is therefore essential to anticipate future needs: expansion of the premises, diversification of products, changes in regulations.
A. Provide for scalable capacity
A growing business will quickly require more storage space.
Frigotec designs modular cold rooms that can be scaled up to meet your needs.
B. Integrating energy efficiency from the outset
The latest models consume up to 40% less energy.
Installing a professional cold room in Brussels with an A++ or A+++ energy rating today is a smart choice for the future.
C. Focusing on connected technology
The connected systems offered by Frigotec allow temperature, consumption and maintenance to be managed from a mobile interface.
An ideal solution for supermarkets and shops wishing to maintain complete control over their installations.
Installing a professional cold room in Brussels cannot be improvised. Every mistake, from the choice of premises to the power of the system, can compromise the quality of your products, your regulatory compliance and your profitability. Thanks to its recognised expertise in professional refrigeration, Frigotec supports Brussels-based companies at every stage: from a personalised technical study to the choice of the most suitable equipment, including installation in accordance with HACCP and environmental standards, not to mention preventive and corrective maintenance and 24-hour assistance in the event of a breakdown. Choosing Frigotec guarantees your professional cold room in Brussels optimal performance, maximum durability and complete peace of mind, a safe investment for your business, your customers and your future.
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