Whether you’re running a restaurant, bottle shop, supermarket, or food distribution centre, a well-designed cool room is essential for preserving stock, meeting safety regulations, and running an efficient operation. But planning a commercial cool room involves more than just picking a cold space and plugging in a fridge.
At Tri-Core Electrical Solutions, we work with businesses across Perth to install purpose-built cool rooms that perform reliably under pressure. If you’re in the early stages of planning your setup, here are some key factors to consider to get it right the first time.
1. Understand your cooling requirements
The first step in designing a cool room is understanding what you’re storing and how it needs to be stored. The ideal temperature, humidity levels, and storage method will differ depending on your industry and product type.
- Food businesses may require cool rooms set between 0°C and 5°C for perishable items like meat, dairy, or fresh produce.
- Bottle shops may need chilled storage for drinks, but also want security features to prevent theft (e.g. lockable fridge doors).
- Florists or pharmaceutical storage may require more precise climate control, including humidity regulation.
If your business requires temperatures below zero, you may be better suited to a freezer room installation rather than a standard cool room. Not sure which is right? Our team can help assess your needs.
2. Get the sizing right
Choosing the right size is about more than just floor space. You’ll need to factor in:
- How much stock you’ll store on average
- Seasonal fluctuations or peak periods
- How often stock is rotated
- Whether shelving, pallets, or trolleys are used
A cool room that’s too small leads to overcrowding and inefficiency. One that’s too large costs more to run and cools less effectively. Planning with your future growth in mind ensures your investment continues to serve your business long-term.
3. Layout and access
It’s important to consider how your team will interact with the cool room. This includes:
- Entry and exit points: Should be convenient, but not prone to temperature loss.
- Shelving and storage systems: Should allow for airflow and easy access.
- Traffic flow: Will staff be entering frequently? Will trolleys or forklifts be used?
- Security access: Especially in bottle shops or high-value storage areas, consider access control or lockable doors.
You’ll also want to ensure there’s enough space for ventilation systems, electrical connections, and ongoing maintenance access.
4. Choose the right location
Location plays a major role in energy efficiency and usability. Ideally, a cool room should be located:
- Away from heat sources (e.g. kitchen ovens, direct sun exposure)
- Close to loading/unloading zones to minimise stock handling time
- In an area where proper drainage and ventilation can be installed
If space is tight, custom-built cool rooms can be adapted to fit into unconventional layouts – but careful planning is essential to avoid costly alterations later.
5. Energy efficiency and insulation
Running a commercial cool room can be expensive if it’s not properly insulated or fitted with the right components. To keep your energy costs down:
- Invest in high-quality insulation for walls, ceiling and flooring
- Ensure door seals are tight and self-closing
- Consider LED lighting which produces less heat and uses less power
- Use efficient refrigeration units sized correctly for your room
A poorly sealed or oversized room will waste energy trying to maintain the right temperature – something we see all too often during upgrades or service calls.
6. Compliance and health regulations
Businesses handling perishable goods must comply with food safety and storage standards in Western Australia. This includes:
- Maintaining the correct temperature at all times
- Ensuring stock is not stored on the floor
- Installing easy-to-clean surfaces
- Keeping accurate maintenance and temperature logs
When we handle your cool room installation, we ensure everything meets local regulations and is set up for easy compliance from day one.
7. Work with experienced professionals
Designing and installing a commercial cool room is a job that requires specialised knowledge – not just in refrigeration, but also in electrical systems, lighting, airflow, and compliance. At Tri-Core Electrical Solutions, we’ve worked with bottle shops, commercial kitchens, and distribution centres across Perth to deliver durable, high-performance cool room solutions.
From layout planning and power supply installation to integrated lighting and security features, we provide end-to-end service and long-term support. And if your operation also requires freezer room installation, we can incorporate both systems into one streamlined setup.
Get your commercial cool room sorted today
A commercial cool room is a major investment – but when planned and installed correctly, it becomes a reliable asset that supports your business every day. By taking the time to understand your needs, consider energy and access, and partner with a qualified team, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and future-proof your storage setup.
If you’re ready to start planning your cool room – or want expert advice on upgrades – get in touch with Tri-Core Electrical Solutions today. We’re here to help you build smarter, safer, and more efficient refrigeration systems for your business.
