American Walk in Coolers

A Matter of Insulation: Acquisition vs. Lifetime Savings

Your cold storage equipment may be one of the most important choices you make. A significant amount of costs are associated with your walk-in. Before you purchase, make sure you consider the entire lifecycle of the walk-in instead of just the acquisition price.

The two main elements that effect energy and cost savings while running a walk-in are the refrigeration and insulation. To get the optimal results from your refrigeration it must be sized correctly taking in consideration the size of box, if it is a cooler or freezer, and what will be stored inside. (There are many other factors that are considered when sizing refrigeration.) Insulation is the key to energy savings because it is responsible for holding the cool temperature in the box so the refrigeration does not have to work overtime.

Insulation quality is measured by R-Value; the resistance to heat flow through an object. Since EISA was implemented January 1, 2009, all walk-in manufactures are required to have an R-Value of R-26 for coolers and R-32 for freezers. Now that all manufacturers follow the same requirements, the performance of the insulation is what differentiates the walk-in.

The two common types of insulation used are polyurethane and extruded polystyrene. Each type of insulation brings with it strengths and weaknesses that must be evaluated for each individual application.

American Walk in Coolers uses both insulations. Through experience and research, American Walk in Coolers believes extruded polystyrene is the best insulation for the walls, ceiling, and floors of coolers and freezers. Polyurethane is better to insulate the doors of their walk-ins. According to a study performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, they found that over a five year period (extruded polystyrene retains 75% of its R-Value) while (polyurethane retains 45%.) This is one reason why American Walk in Coolers believes extruded polystyrene provides the most value and the best option for walk-in insulation.

Polyurethane (left) & Extruded Polystyrene (right)

The XPS (Extruded Polystyrene Insulation) used in American Walk in Coolers and Freezers is a closed cell structure with a high resistance to water. Composed of hydrophobic polystyrene polymers, XPS insulation exceeds R-Values required by the new Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and the recent changes to the federal regulations, which were enacted in January of 2009.

It is important, both economically and environmentally, that you choose a manufacturer that provides the best insulating products available. As you compare, you will find the XPS insulation, both initially and over time, to be the best choice for all your walk-in needs.

New Industry Standards

The new energy act requiring all coolers to meet or exceed an R-Value of 26 has eliminated legal use of insulations that cannot obtain the required minimum. The extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation used in American Walk in Coolers' walk-ins has an R-Value of 32, exceeding the new requirements and providing improved long-term cooling efficiency.

Closed Cell: What does it mean to you?

Insulation that absorbs water loses R-Value. A foam plastic insulation that has a closed cell structure absorbs a minimum amount of water thus retaining R-Value.

Examined under a microscope, XPS can be seen to have very well defined, uniform cells with continuous walls. That combination of characteristics result in a very low rate of water absorption compared to other types of foam plastic insulation.