BUYING A WALK-IN COOLER OR FREEZER
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When making a decision on which walk-in cooler or freezer to buy, there are many things that must be considered. In the following guide we hope to go through all these considerations and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU:
Most walk-in coolers and freezers manufactured today are constructed of foam insulation bonded between two sheets of sheet metal and come equipped with cam locking devices to allow the assembly of the panelized walk-in on site.
There are a few companies that also provide a completely assembled unit that is delivered on a truck and dropped off at your location. These are usually for outside the building installations. Refrigeration systems are also usually provided in several types of configurations along with the walk-ins. These systems will be explained later.
INSULATION MATERIALS:
Since the implementation of the new Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which was implemented January 1, 2009, there are two particular insulation materials being used in walk-in Coolers and Freezers. These are Extruded Polystyrene and Foamed-In-Place Polyurethane insulations. Each insulation is constructed of gas filled cellular plastic foam and each brings with it different benefits to the
customer.
1. Extruded Polystyrene - This insulation is used also in insulating underground concrete foundations and floors. It has a high initial R-value (R-32) and has a great moisture resistance and ability to retain around 47% of its R-value (or R-15) over the life of the product. It has great structural strength of up to 4 times that of polyurethane and expanded polystyrene. If overall performance is considered, extruded polystyrene is the ideal insulation for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers.
2. Polyurethane - Polyurethane is among many other things used as packaging foam and in the construction of walk through outside residential and commercial doors. It has a high initial R-value (R-32) but is less capable of moisture resistance and R-value retention. It can only retain around 19% of its initial R-value (or R-6) over the life of the product. It is a good insulation for manufacturing products that include intricate parts that need to be bonded together. Polyurethane has been successfully used in
the manufacturing process of walk-in coolers and freezers for many years.
