5 Key Factors for Choosing Energy-Saving Cold Room Wall Panels

Perishable goods always need a cold room for their maintenance. Maintaining the temperature of a cold room is very important to keep these items fresh. Temperature maintenance of the cold room always requires the cold room wall panels. It is necessary because the overall performance of the cold room depends on the quality of the room wall panels.

The right wall panels help to retain the internal temperatures. It also reduces the strain on the refrigeration system. So, choosing the right panels has a huge impact on energy consumption and operational costs. This article will discuss the five factors one should consider when selecting an energy-efficient cold room panel.

Why Your Panel Choice Directly Impacts Energy Bills

The type of room wall panel affects how well the room can maintain its temperature. The temperature fluctuates due to poor insulation. It causes refrigeration systems to work harder and consume more energy. We have to face two problems. Energy bills increase, and you have to compromise on the quality of stored food. This situation demands the selection of the right cold room wall panels for energy efficiency and cost savings. Here are some reasons why choosing the right cold room wall panels matters.

1. Poor insulation can be one of the causes of allowing heat in the room and cold air to escape. It makes the cooling system slower to work efficiently. 
2. Airtight panels are helpful in maintaining stable temperatures and preventing energy loss. 
3. Well-designed joints are needed to stop warm air leaks and reduce the load on the refrigeration system. 
4. There is a need for high-quality panels to lower energy use by reducing heat transfer from outside.
5. Good panels block moisture infiltration and prevent heat transfer, which helps maintain stable internal temperatures even when external conditions fluctuate. 

Factor 1: Evaluate Core Insulation Performance

The first step is to evaluate the core insulation performance. The core material determines wall panel insulation capability. Common insulation materials include:

• Polyurethane or PU offers excellent thermal insulation properties, among others.
• Polyisocyanurate provides the best fire resistance to panels. The PIR material has a similar insulation performance to PU.
• Expanded Polystyrene or EPS is cost-effective option than others. It is not efficient in providing the required insulation than PU and PIR.

You have to consider the thermal conductivity of the material when evaluating insulation performance. The panels with a lower k value indicate better insulation.

Example: PU panels have a K-value of about 0.022 W/m·K.

Secondly, insulation capability also depends upon the thickness of the panel. Thicker panels provide better insulation. A 100 mm thick panel is better than a 50mm thick panel in terms of providing insulation.

Factor 2: Prioritize Airtightness & Joint Design

Another factor that matters is its joint design. Joint design is as important as insulation. Poor joint design causes air leaks, which reduce the efficiency of a cold room. Panels with effective joint systems work better and ensure airtightness.

Common joint systems of panels include:

• Camlock System: A joint system uses cam-action hooks and pins for the tight connection of panels and offers minimal air leakage.
• Tongue and Groove: This joint system provides a tight seal, and the panels securely fit into each other.
• Labyrinth Joint: This joint features a complex path that air must travel, which reduces leak chances.

Proper joint sealing is very important. It is especially important in large installations where factors of structural settling and temperature-induced expansion and contraction can affect airtightness.

Factor 3: Assess Panel Durability & Surface Finish

Durable panels reduce maintenance costs and ensure the longevity of the cold room. When assessing durability, consider

Surface Material

The options for surface material are galvanized and stainless steel and fiberglass-reinforced plastic FRP. They are lightweight and hygienic with offering resistance to corrosion. This makes them suitable for food storage.

Coating Options

Coatings like polyester, silicone-modified polyester and polyvinylidene fluoride improve durability and resist environmental factors.

Panels with appropriate surface finishes can withstand the specific conditions of the cold room. It may be humidity and exposure to cleaning agents.

Factor 4: Verify Safety Compliance & Fire Performance

Safety is important thing to confirm in cold room design. Make sure that the panels comply with fire safety standards to minimize risk. PIR panels are best in this case as they often achieve a fire reaction class of B-s1, d0. This indicates a limited contribution to fire and minimal smoke production. Check that the panels do not emit toxic gases when exposed to fire and that they meet local building codes and regulations.

Factor 5: Consider Manufacturer Reliability & Long-Term Value

A reputable manufacturer is important to select to get assurance of product quality and support. Consider the following factors:

Experience

A manufacturer with a proven track record must be your choice. They are more likely to provide reliable products.

Certifications

Check their certifications in their expertise and verify their compliance with industry standards. 

Customer Support

Reliable after-sales services are important for maintenance and addressing any issues that arise.

Choosing a trustworthy manufacturer to buy high-quality panels may cost you a higher upfront price. As compensation, you can save on energy bills and maintenance over time.

SQPANEL® PIR Panels are Best Energy-Saving Cold Room Wall Panels

SQPANEL® PIR panels are a smart choice for cold room walls if you want to save energy and stay safe. These panels are trusted around the world and used in many industries. They work well in extreme temperatures, even down to -70°C. The panels are strong, fire-safe, and keep cold air in without leaks. They are easy to install and help make loading and storage faster and more efficient.

Why Choose SQPANEL® PIR Panels:

• Superior thermal insulation with CNAS verification
• FM-certified fire safety for peace of mind
• Strong and durable structure for long-term use
• Used in pharma, dairy, and biopharma cold storage
• Proven success in over 30 countries
• Backed by 25 patents and expert global support

FAQs

Q1. How much recommended cold room wall panel thickness?

The recommended panel thickness depends on the temperature you require for your cold room. You choose a panel thickness of 100 mm if the temperature is -18°C in the cold room. Thicker panels are expensive but unbeatable in providing insulation.

Q2. Explain the best way to keep the airtightness of my cold room panels?

Check for any signs of wear or damage by regularly inspecting the joints and seals. Make sure that doors are properly closed and that gaskets are intact. 

Q3. Are there any eco-friendly options for cold room wall panels?

Yes, some manufacturers make panels from recyclable materials or with environmentally friendly insulation cores. It is crucial to check for the product’s specifications and certifications. Make sure they meet your sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Energy efficiency and safety, with long-term cost savings, are important points to check while choosing the right cold room panel. You should evaluate insulation performance, durability, and airtight joints. Make sure to verify its safety and compliance and select a reliable manufacturer. It will help you build an efficiently operating cold room according to your needs. Considering these factors will help you in the long run and ensure the quality and safety of your stored goods.