The installation of a cold room represents a crucial investment for many companies, particularly in the sectors of food, logistics, healthcare, and catering. However, poor planning or technical errors can lead to a23> financial losses, frequent breakdowns, or even health risks.
Here are the 5 most common mistakes to avoid in order to ensure a efficient and durable and compliant with standards.
1. Een ongeschikte locatie kiezen
One of the first mistakes is to overlook the location of the cold room. Installing a cold room in a poorly ventilated area, exposed to direct sunlight, or difficult to access can result in:
Excessive consumption of energy.
Premature wear of the refrigeration unit.
Difficulties with maintenance.
Food safety issues.
Tip: Choose a location that is away from heat sources, well ventilated, easily accessible for loading/unloading operations, and complies with your building’s requirements.
2. Incorrectly sizing the cold room
Installing a room that is too large or too small is a common mistake, often due to a failure to analyze actual needs. This can result in:
A loss of space (oversized room).
Inefficiency of the cooling system (undersized chamber).
Unnecessary energy costs.
To take into account:
The required storage volume (in cubic meters).
The type of products stored (fresh products, frozen products, medicines, etc.).
The loading/unloading frequency.
The future evolution of your needs.
3. Neglecting thermal insulation
Insulation is the cornerstone of a cold room’s energy efficiency. Insufficient insulation leads to heat loss, forcing the system to work harder than necessary.
Common errors:
Poor choice of sandwich panels or insulation thickness.
Air leaks caused by poor sealing.
Seals that are damaged or improperly installed.
Solution: Choose materials with high thermal resistance (e.g., polyurethane panels), have them professionally installed, and check the seal at each joint.
4. Underestimating the cooling power required
The choice of refrigeration unit is a sensitive technical issue. An unsuitable unit will not be able to maintain the required temperature, especially in summer or during periods of high stock turnover.
Factors to consider:
Room temperature.
Desired indoor temperature.
Total volume of the chamber.
Entries of air frequent (doors open).
Type of goods stored.
Please note: It is better to invest in a slightly oversized unit than an undersized one, but it is essential to optimize the calculation with the help of a refrigeration professional.
5. Ignore air ventilation and circulation
Poor air circulation leads to areas of condensation, temperature variations, and can compromise product preservation. This is especially true for large or heavily loaded cold rooms.
Mistakes to avoid:
Improper positioning of evaporators.
No forced ventilation.
Storage stuck to the walls which blocks the circulation of air.
Recommendations:
Leave a space between the walls and the shelves.
Check regularly that the air circulates evenly.
Adopt an optimized airflow pattern.
Bonus tips for successfully installing your system
Here are some additional recommendations to avoid common pitfalls:
Work with qualified professionals: Call on a company specializing in industrial refrigeration for advice, installation, and maintenance.
Schedule regular maintenance: Cleaning, checking seals, monitoring temperature, etc. This ensures durability and prevents costly breakdowns.
Comply with applicable standards: HACCP standards, energy regulations, health standards, etc. Each sector has its own legal obligations.
Conclusion
Installing a cold room cannot be improvised. It requires careful planning, precise calculations, knowledge of technical constraints, and strict compliance with standards. By avoiding the mistakes mentioned in this article, you can maximize the performance of your installation while reducing your operating costs.
This post is also available in: Engels Frans
