Cold room considerations start with the environment and location, says Jim Whelan, Director, International Business Unit at Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions.
For instance, will the store be located inside or out? Placing the cold room outside the building is a great option if indoor space is limited. Location also affects ambient temperature, thermal conductivity and the level of insulation required for the walls, Jim Whelan says. High-risk food areas, where hygiene is critical, will require cold storage with more sophisticated sealings to eliminate contamination and maintain a sterile state, he says. Viessmann cold rooms have an overlapping profile between walls in order to avoid silicone usage, Jim Whelan continues.
A properly sealed unit is important for eliminating contamination by bacteria, vermin and other sources—and not all cold storage suppliers are as conscious of health and safety, Jim Whelan warns.