How Much Does a Cold Room Installation Cost?

If you want to install a cold room for storing your company’s sensitive goods on your property, you should consider the cost of equipment and its installation. While smaller, basic cold rooms are inclined to be more budget-friendly, larger and more high-tech systems with additional features can significantly increase costs and complexity. Careful planning and budgeting are crucial to make sure you choose a solution that fits your needs and budget.

However, when selecting a refrigeration system, it’s essential to invest in the right design that meets your specific needs. Opting for cheaper, poorly planned layouts might seem like a cost-saving move initially, but they can cause higher expenses down the line due to spoilage, compromised product quality, and lost orders. Ultimately, selecting high-quality equipment and an optimised design is the more intelligent and cost-effective decision for your business.

This guide describes the different factors affecting the cold room installation costs, helping you to budget effectively.

Factors Affecting Cold Room Installation Costs

Cold rooms are necessary for preserving food, medicine, supporting logistics, and various industries. By maintaining a consistent, low temperature, cold rooms slow down the biological processes that cause food spoilage, extending shelf life and preserving quality, taste, and nutritional value. This applies to various food items, from fresh produce to meat and dairy products.

Here’s an overview of factors affecting cold room installation costs:

Material Cost

Premium quality materials are used in the building of a cold room, including top-tier insulation and vital refrigeration elements. This may increase initial prices, but it is crucial to longevity and operational effectiveness. They frequently require fewer fixes and replacements, which can result in significant cost savings. Moreover, using high-quality materials can improve thermal efficiency, helping to cut energy use and decrease utility costs.

Labour Costs

Expert installation, despite being costlier, guarantees the cold room is assembled as per the industry benchmarks and security rules. This helps avoid forthcoming problems that could stem from improper setup. Conversely, DIY installation may appear cheaper at first but could result in increased costs afterwards because of possible mistakes or inefficiencies, necessitating intervention from experienced pros.

Insulation

The type and thickness of insulation are key factors that significantly impact a building’s energy efficiency and its capacity to maintain a steady indoor temperature. Selecting the right insulation material—such as polyurethane or PIR panels—can make a notable difference. While high-quality insulation options may involve higher initial costs, they usually lead to considerable savings over time. These savings come from reduced energy consumption, as well as lower operational and maintenance expenses. 

Refrigeration System

The selection of a refrigeration system (basic or advanced) influences both the initial purchase cost and the continual energy use. Advanced systems like those with inverter-driven compressors might have a higher upfront expense, but can result in considerable energy savings over time. 

Customisation

Features such as specialised shelving, lighting, monitoring systems, or remote access capabilities can enhance the overall investment. They can make your space more operational and convenient while adding value and comfort. 

Location

The geographical location and site-specific requirements, such as access limitations and site preparation, can affect transportation and installation costs.

What is the Expected Lifespan of a Cold Room?

Typically, a cold room in the UK can have a lifespan of around 1 to 2 decades. However, the timeframe varies based on proper maintenance and the quality of materials and installation. Factors like the type of cold room, quality of construction, and the level of maintenance significantly impact how long it will last.

Estimated Price Ranges

Basic small cold rooms generally cost between £3,000 and £8,000, while medium-sized cold rooms typically range from £3,000 to £15,000. Larger and more complex installations can surpass £25,000, potentially reaching several hundred thousand pounds.

Extending Lifespan

You can extend the lifespan of a cold room by following a few tips:

Regular Maintenance: This involves inspecting seals, cleaning the unit, and ensuring adequate airflow.

Prompt Repairs: Addressing issues or damage promptly can prevent further wear and tear.

Optimising Usage: Avoiding overload of the cold room and maintaining proper ventilation can help prolong its lifespan.

By establishing an effective maintenance schedule, you can maximise the lifespan of your cold room.

Recommendations to Get an Accurate Quote for Cold Room Installation

To get an accurate quote for cold room installation, it is essential to provide detailed specifications and information to the supplier. This includes:

1. Define Your Needs

Size: Provide the exact dimensions (width, depth, and height) of the cold room.

Temperature Range: Specify the target temperature range (e.g., chiller: +1°C to +10°C, freezer: -5 °C to -45 °C).

Floor or Floorless: Determine if a floor is required, particularly for freezer applications.

Refrigeration System: Choose between integral (monoblock) or remote (split system).

Electrical Supply: Indicate whether a single-phase or three-phase power is required.

Door Specifications: Decide the number, size, and placement of doors, including hinged or sliding options.

New or Reconditioned: Specify whether you require a new or reconditioned cold room.

2. Seek Professional Advice

Site Survey: Conducting a site survey is often advised to evaluate the space and spot any potential problems before installation.

Expert Consultation: Consult with cold room specialists who can provide advice on the most suitable solutions for your particular requirements.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Compare Options: Request quotes from a wide range of renowned cold room suppliers to evaluate prices and services.

Read Reviews: Try searching for suppliers online and take a moment to read reviews from previous clients—a great way to get a sense of their reputation and service quality.

4. Understand the Cost Factors

Installation Costs: Consider installation expenses, which can differ depending on complexity and site accessibility.

Material Costs: Be aware of the cost of materials, including panels, doors, and refrigeration equipment.

Energy Consumption: Take into account the long-term energy costs associated with the cold room’s operation.

Ask Key Questions

Project Timeline: Get an explanation about the lead times for quotations, supply, and installation.

Warranty and Support: Ask about after-sales service and warranty coverage.

Waste Management: Question about waste disposal procedures during and after installation.

Decommissioning: If required, inquire about the potential to relocate or decommission existing cold rooms.

By tackling these issues and maintaining clear communication with suppliers, you can secure an accurate and budget-friendly quote for your cold room installation.

Expert Cold Room Installation from Cold Room Direct

At Cold Room Direct, we have over two decades of extensive experience in manufacturing, supplying, and installing top-quality cold rooms across various industries. As a trusted industry leader, we proudly offer a wide range of refrigeration solutions tailored specifically to your needs. We are dedicated to ensuring your cold rooms operate at peak performance.

Discover how our expert cold room installations can elevate your business – reach out to us today and unlock cooler, more efficient operations.