Designing and building a commercial walk-in cool room is a major investment. Whether you’re running a local café or managing a large warehouse, understanding what drives the cost of your cool room can help you plan smart and avoid budget blowouts.
Here are the five key factors that influence the final price of a walk-in cool room—and how to make the most of your investment.
It’s simple: the bigger the cool room, the higher the cost. But it’s not just about square metres.
Floor area: More space = more materials, bigger refrigeration needs, and higher energy use.
Height: Extra height gives you more vertical storage, but also adds to insulation and structural costs.
✅ Tip: Don’t overbuild “just in case.” Design for your current and forecasted needs to avoid unnecessary spend.
Insulation is crucial—it impacts temperature stability, energy efficiency, and long-term running costs.
Common materials:
Polystyrene – Cost-effective, moderate performance
Polyurethane – More efficient, but more expensive
Thickness matters: Thicker panels perform better but cost more.
✅ Tip: Pay more upfront for quality insulation—it can save thousands in electricity over the life of the unit.
Your cooling system is the engine of your cool room. System type, size, and efficiency will all affect pricing.
Self-contained units – Lower cost, ideal for small spaces
Remote condensing systems – Quieter, more efficient for medium-to-large rooms
Multiplex systems – Top-tier control and efficiency for large-scale applications
Modern features like variable speed compressors and CO₂-based systems are more eco-friendly and energy-efficient, but come with a higher upfront cost.
✅ Tip: Consider total cost of ownership, not just installation—better systems often pay off in energy savings.
Need something beyond the basics? Custom features will increase cost—but may also boost performance and convenience.
Zoned temperature areas
Custom shelving or flooring
Lighting and access controls
Monitoring and alarm systems
✅ Tip: Prioritise features that add operational value. ACRO Refrigeration can help tailor designs to your workflow and compliance needs.
Even the best design fails with poor installation. Labour, site conditions, and complexity all affect costs.
Professional installation ensures system reliability and efficiency.
Ongoing maintenance (cleaning coils, checking seals, monitoring performance) protects your investment.
✅ Tip: Partner with experienced specialists (like ACRO) to avoid costly mistakes and minimise downtime.
A walk-in cool room is more than a box with a fridge—it’s a critical business asset. The smartest investment comes from understanding not just the initial cost, but the long-term value of good design, energy efficiency, and expert installation.
At ACRO Refrigeration, we help businesses across Australia design and build custom cool rooms that are reliable, efficient, and built to last.
Let’s talk! Our team can provide expert advice, tailored quotes, and full-service installation and maintenance.
📞 Call us: 1300 227 600
📧 Email: info@acrorefrigeration.com.au
🌐 Learn more: www.acrorefrigeration.com.au
Build smart. Chill smart. Partner with ACRO Refrigeration.