7 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Large-Scale Cold Storage Unit
Here at Central Washington Refrigeration, we design and build custom refrigeration systems for the local and global food supply. We mostly serve those in the state of Washington, though we have also designed and installed cooling systems for customers in Oregon and Idaho. With our dedication and experience, we know what’s involved in providing the most reliable, durable, and cost-effective cold storage designs for our clients.
If you are looking to invest in a new large-scale refrigeration system, here are seven factors to consider. Once your design is built, Central Washington Refrigeration will install it for you and provide the system with maintenance to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
1. Application and Use
What is the intended use for your cold storage system? Typically, these units are responsible for storing a wide range of perishable goods such as food, medicines, and vaccines. Knowing what you plan to use your system for ensures it operates at a specific temperature range. Most refrigerated food storage spaces operate between 32 and 40 degrees F, which is in accordance with government regulations.
2. Location and Placement
Think about where the industrial refrigeration system will be installed. A unit that sits in the heat all day long will need a lot more horsepower than one that sits in a shaded location. Just like your home, energy costs fluctuate based on the weather. Since Washington and the surrounding states have diverse weather with sunshine, rain, and snow, it’s important to account for various weather patterns.
3. Size and Layout
Industrial refrigeration systems come in all shapes and sizes. Central Washington Refrigeration custom designs and builds these systems based on your exact needs, so think about your business’s current and future food storage needs. Also think about some of the other ways you can customize your system, such as by installing low shelves for storing meat to prevent cross-contamination and food pans with lids or plastic wrap to prevent spillage.
4. Delivery and Installation
Once your industrial refrigeration system is built, you’ll need to have it installed and ready for use. Central Washington Refrigeration installs the systems we build and leave them ready for hookup. Once your system is connected, it usually takes just a few hours to cool down. In some cases, forklifts may be needed to install cold storage systems in precise spaces.
5. Special Features
When you have a custom industrial refrigeration system built, you can hand pick the features you want to see. Some options to consider include custom paint colors, interior shelving, added doors, safety features, technological advancements, LED lighting, and temperature and humidity controls. Many clients also apply specific signage, protection barriers, and floor marking tape for organization and flow.
6. Parts, Service, and Warranty
Find out what your warranty looks like for the floor, roof, and door of the structure, the compressor, system, and its components, and miscellaneous parts and accessories. Also ask about the warranty that is included with the installation. This gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Even when the warranty is expired, you can always put your trust in Central Washington Refrigeration to make the required repairs quickly, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
7. Customer Service
Lastly, consider the customer service you will receive with an industrial cold storage unit. You deserve to have a unit that you can count on to keep all perishable and sensitive food products safe. If any issues arise, you want to know that you can resolve it quickly and prevent food from spoiling. Central Washington Refrigeration not only designs systems that can withstand the toughest elements, but also we work with our customers every step of the way to ensure they get the system they deserve.
Are you ready to start your project for a large-scale cooling system? Contact Central Washington Refrigeration today for an estimate and to discuss your project’s goals.