Air Conditioning Vs Refrigeration

Having some kind of cold room or refrigerated storage option is crucial for a lot of businesses. There are a number of different ways to keep product and produce cool - what works best will depend on your business model and your needs. When you're trying to decide on the right option for you it's important to understand some of the key differences between the refrigeration techniques that are commonly used.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Air conditioning and refrigeration are the two most commonly used methods of temperature control. Most people will know of and think of air conditioning because they use it in their homes. With a standard temperature of 22 degrees to ensure human comfort, air conditioners have a limited range when it comes to cooling. Refrigeration allows for much greater alterations in temperature with the ability to cool to around negative 30 and even heat to 25 degrees or more. For most cargo and produce, refrigeration is the only way to go.

How do they work?

Cold is the absence of heat rather than the presence of something else and refrigeration of any kind works by removing heat from an environment. Air conditioners use fans to project and circulate cool air into a room or container to keep temperatures low.

Refrigeration systems use a series of tubes and vents to circulate cold gases and liquids to alter temperature. Air is sucked into a compressor and recycled through the system.

Air conditioners usually have a stricter set of requirements for the air that they use for cooling. Most systems need air to be filtered and purified to ensure that no dust particles build up inside the unit. A certain level of humidity is also required depending on the type of cargo or produce that is being stored. Refrigeration systems don't have this set of requirements to maintain temperature.

What should I use?

For humans and animals, air conditioning systems tend to provide a more comfortable environment with a constant fresh air supply. If you are storing temperature sensitive produce and products, then refrigeration is a definite winner. You'll have more control over any desired temperature with a good refrigeration system.

Keep your produce cool with a refrigeration system. Consider a refrigerated container for more mobility and as a cheaper storage option instead of building an expensive cold room. Cool more efficiently with a refrigerated container system for your business.