When it comes to cold storage, not all systems are created equal. Businesses that rely on a stable, temperature controlled environment often underestimate just how much a modern chiller can affect performance.
Whether you’re managing food stock, pharmaceuticals, or running commercial kitchens, partnering with experienced cold room contractors can make all the difference.
At Octego, we’ve worked with organisations across the South East to deliver tailored cold room solutions that align with specific storage needs. From full installations to system upgrades, our team helps future-proof your operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
The Role of Cold Room Contractors
As trusted cold room contractors, our role goes far beyond installation. We’re involved in the entire lifecycle of your cooling system, from specification to maintenance. We work closely with manufacturers and site managers to ensure that every element of your cold room is optimised for your needs, whether that’s high-volume food production or a small, highly sensitive cold store environment.
A big part of that conversation? Choosing the right chiller and knowing when it’s time to upgrade it.
Why an Upgraded Chiller Matters
It’s Not Just About Temperature
At first glance, the role of a chiller seems simple: maintain a consistent temperature. But beneath the surface, the right chilling system supports far more:
- Health and safety compliance (especially in food and pharmaceutical sectors)
- Energy efficiency, especially with today’s high energy costs
- Temperature stability for sensitive items and raw materials
- Extension of product shelf life
- Prevention of equipment downtime and spoilage
With Octego, we help you assess not just your current requirements, but also the future scale of your business.
Types of Chillers We Work With
Choosing the right type of chiller isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our team evaluates your layout, operational patterns, and business type to guide the decision.
How We Approach Cold Room Upgrades
Working with Octego means every detail is considered, from the condensing units to flooring. Whether you’re upgrading a single cold store or managing a site-wide refurbishment, we follow a structured approach.
Site Assessment and Planning
We start with a detailed evaluation of your current cold storage systems. Are your chillers working to capacity? Are your energy bills rising? What type of materials are being stored, and for how long?
From here, we develop a full project plan that factors in downtime, safety standards, and required upgrades to surrounding infrastructure like air conditioning or drainage.
Installation and Integration
Once the right chiller and support systems have been chosen, our expert installers handle every stage, including decommissioning of old equipment. We ensure all systems are integrated with minimal disruption to your operations and meet all health and safety requirements.
Whether it’s a standalone temperature controlled room or part of a wider controlled environment, you can trust our experienced team to deliver.
Long-Term Support and Maintenance
Installing a new chiller or cold room doesn’t stop once the unit is running. Our team offers aftercare services to ensure long-term system performance, including troubleshooting, scheduled servicing, and efficiency testing.
We also work with clients to create maintenance plans that support business continuity, prevent future breakdowns, and extend the life of your equipment.
When Is It Time to Upgrade?
If your current system struggles to maintain ambient air, or your equipment regularly fails during high-demand periods, it might be time to speak to a cold room expert.
Signs your chiller needs replacing include:
- Inconsistent temperature performance
- Rising energy costs
- Frequent equipment failures
- Inadequate capacity for stock volume
- Systems older than 10 years
Why Choose Octego?
At Octego, we’ve spent over 40 years supporting commercial and industrial clients across Sussex and the South East. We’ve installed cold rooms in breweries, commercial kitchens, warehouses, laboratories, and production lines, and we understand the high standards these spaces must meet.
We don’t just supply parts, we build complete environments, tailored to your business. From hygienic cladding and drainage to cold room installation and project management, we are your go-to cold room contractors.
Key Takeaway
If you’re running outdated chillers or want to upgrade your temperature controlled storage, now is the time to act. The right system doesn’t just keep your products safe, it makes your business more efficient and resilient.
Get In Touch
Need advice or ready to upgrade? Talk to our expert cold room contractors today. We’re here to help you stay cool, and stay compliant!
See our Cold Room Services, or call the team on 01444 405269.
And, if you’re looking for more expert insight, take a look at our blog: Drainage System – Why Choose Stainless Steel Drains.
FAQs
What Do Cold Room Contractors Do?
Cold room contractors design, install, and maintain temperature-controlled environments for commercial and industrial use. This includes cold rooms, chillers, condensing units, and supporting infrastructure such as hygienic cladding and drainage systems. At Octego, we deliver end-to-end cold storage solutions tailored to your operational needs.
When Should a Chiller Be Replaced?
A chiller should be replaced if it fails to maintain consistent temperature, causes rising energy bills, or requires frequent repairs. Systems older than 10 years may also underperform. Octego offers expert assessments to determine whether a new, energy-efficient unit could improve your operations and save long-term costs.
What Are the Different Types of Chillers for Cold Rooms?
The most common types of chillers are air-cooled, water-cooled, and modular units. Each serves different purposes based on energy efficiency, scale, and space. Octego helps you choose the right chiller by assessing your business needs, ambient temperatures, and storage capacity requirements.
How Can a Cold Room Improve Food Safety and Compliance?
A well-maintained cold room ensures precise temperature control, reducing the risk of spoilage and contamination. This is essential for food hygiene, health and safety compliance, and regulatory inspections. Octego’s solutions include hygienic cladding and reliable chillers to support food-safe environments.
Why Choose Octego As Your Cold Room Contractor?
With over 40 years of experience, Octego offers bespoke cold room and chiller installations across Sussex and the South East. Our end-to-end services include project management, air-cooled or water-cooled systems, hygienic finishes, and aftercare, ensuring your cold storage stays efficient and compliant.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my chiller?
If you’re noticing inconsistent temperatures, rising energy bills, or struggling to maintain a controlled environment, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade. A modern chiller can solve all three issues at once.
Can upgrading my chiller really save on energy costs?
Yes; newer chillers are far more energy efficient. They use advanced cooling mediums and better controls to maintain performance without overworking the system, which can significantly cut your long-term running costs.
Is a bigger chiller always better?
Not necessarily. It’s about matching the unit to your specific cold room setup. We assess your cooling needs based on volume, usage and airflow to recommend a right-sized solution, not just the biggest.
What’s the benefit of working with a cold room contractor instead of a general builder?
Cold room contractors like us understand temperature control, airflow dynamics, and the critical role of equipment like chillers. We don’t just install, we optimise the whole system for safety, efficiency and reliability.
Can you install a new chiller without replacing the entire cold room?
Absolutely. In many cases, we upgrade just the chiller or condensing units to boost performance without a full refurbishment. We’ll assess your system and recommend the most cost-effective route.