Freezer upgrades are tricky projects. The customer base in a hotel or restaurant may have increased tenfold, but a matching increase in freezer floorspace is unlikely. Hopefully, there is extra space to incorporate into the design. Alternatively, a second or third chamber can be added to the original unit. A full remodel of the original unit will also increase energy efficiency. Upgraded or customised, there’s work to be done. Where do we even begin?
Optimise the Primary Storage Area
A potential requirement for additional cooling space can’t be sidestepped for long, but it can take its place in the design chain while the upgrade process focuses on the master cooling unit. The freezer, from the looks of things, needs to be renovated. There are strange stains, the insulating wall panels are damaged, and the refrigeration unit is obviously ailing. In general terms, everything must be assessed to see if it can be saved. In all likelihood, the old foam and fibre insulation need to be replaced with the latest composite panels. Made from polyurethane foam and other advanced materials, this one move instantly increases the R-value of the walls and reinforces the walk-in freezers’ cooling envelope.
Freezer Upgrades and Customization
A modular chamber suits this approach very well. In that easy-assembly unit, walls can be shifted and expanded. New cooling units adopt universal connections, so a fast changeover installation methodology is assured. Then, once the walls and active cooling mechanism are upgraded, it’s time to review the whole system outlook. Are wider doors required? An energy audit is advisable, but is an insulated floor going to fix unresolved energy losses? On the customisation front, we’re still thinking about chamber optimisation. A tailored layout, one that accommodates the desired commodities load, will use shelves and hooks, closets and stainless steel tables, all the customised furnishings and fixtures that capably support a specified cold storage blueprint. Ideally, the sealed freezer will be fully occupied but still have enough space to allow the arctic airflow access throughout the room. Further customised assets in the freezer will obviously focus on content preservation and operator safety. A luminous door handle, for instance, helps a staff member if the interior lighting fails.
Primarily, a high-quality freezer uses a space optimising strategy to maximise available cooling power. When that approach is no longer effective, it’s time to consider a full system upgrade. Replace every part that can be replaced. Considering the fact that most modern walk-in freezers are modular, practically every component in the unit is replaceable and/or expandable. Shelf and storage customisation techniques then optimise what has been upgraded, at which point you get the opportunity to consider a site expansion or an additional storage unit.