How to Build Cold Room: Step-by-Step Guide
With the growing demand for cold storage across various industries, building a Cold Room has become essential for many businesses, from agriculture to F&B, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and retail. But where should you start? Who should you consult? What are the technical and design considerations?
At Imax Refrigerator Malaysia, we specialize in commercial refrigeration solutions, and we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you understand the basic steps and key considerations in building a Cold Room.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Location for Your Cold Room
A Cold Room can generally be classified into three types:
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Chiller Room (for temperatures between +2°C to +10°C),
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Walk-In Cold Room (for medium-capacity cold storage),
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Freezer Room (for sub-zero freezing, typically -18°C and below).
The ideal location for a Cold Room depends on its purpose and storage requirements. It’s recommended to place the Cold Room near the source of goods, such as production areas or distribution centers, and ensure easy access to transportation links and nearby markets.
Important site conditions to consider include:
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A shaded and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and hot winds
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Low underground water level to prevent dampness
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Good drainage systems around the site
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For indoor installations, ensure the room is dry and has proper air circulation
In addition, make sure the site has a compatible three-phase power supply based on the compressor’s specifications. For water-cooled systems, plumbing and a cooling tower need to be installed before construction begins.
Step 2: Determining the Cold Room Size and Capacity
The Cold Room capacity should be designed based on the peak volume of goods you plan to store throughout the year. This calculation includes:
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The stacking volume of the products
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Gaps between packages
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Clearance from walls, ceiling, and floor
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Aisles or pathways for accessibility
Once the internal volume is determined, the dimensions (length, width, and height) of the Cold Room can be finalized.
Don’t forget to allocate space for auxiliary rooms such as:
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Work areas
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Packing and sorting rooms
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Equipment rooms or tool storage
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Loading and unloading platforms
Proper planning ensures smooth daily operations and long-term efficiency.
Step 3: Selecting and Installing Cold Room Insulation Panels
Thermal insulation is one of the most crucial elements in Cold Room construction. The insulation material must provide excellent thermal resistance while being cost-effective and durable.
Two common types of insulation methods include:
1. Pre-fabricated insulated panels (also known as PU Sandwich Panels):
These panels come in standard dimensions and thickness, typically:
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3 – 10 cm thick panels for medium-temperature Cold Rooms (Chiller Rooms)
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above 10cm thick panels for low-temperature Cold Rooms and Freezer Rooms
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2. Spray foam insulation (Polyurethane Foam):
This method involves spraying foam directly onto the interior walls or concrete structure. Once it hardens, it provides excellent moisture and heat resistance.
Modern Cold Room construction often uses modular panel systems, allowing quick on-site assembly. These systems include vapor barriers, thermal insulation, and are often portable—ideal for businesses needing flexibility. However, the upfront cost can be higher than traditional construction.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Cooling System
The Cold Room refrigeration system is the heart of the operation. The system typically includes a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and refrigerant lines.
System selection depends on Cold Room size and temperature requirements:
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Small Cold Rooms: Use fully-sealed (hermetic) compressors. These are compact and economical but suited only for low-capacity needs.
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Medium Cold Rooms: Use semi-hermetic compressors, offering better performance and serviceability.
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Large Cold Rooms: Also use semi-hermetic compressors or industrial-grade systems for heavy-duty cooling demands.
The evaporator unit must match the cooling load and air distribution needs of the Cold Room. Factors such as humidity control, defrosting type (electric or hot gas), and energy efficiency should also be considered.
Final Thoughts: Building a Cold Room That Lasts
A well-designed Cold Room ensures efficient storage, extends the shelf life of perishable goods, and helps maintain consistent product quality. Whether you’re storing vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products, or pharmaceuticals, proper planning and construction are vital.
If you’re looking for a reliable Cold Room Supplier in Malaysia, Imax Refrigerator Malaysia offers complete cold storage solutions, including:
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Site assessment
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Custom design
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Supply and installation
- After-sales service and maintenance
We build Cold Rooms that are energy-efficient, durable, and tailored to your business needs.
