Commercial Refrigeration Installation: 10 Important Tips

If you’re setting up a restaurant kitchen, stocking a grocery store, or running a busy warehouse, getting your refrigeration system right from the start is key. The right setup keeps food safe, saves on energy costs, and ensures everything runs smoothly for years to come

The experienced team at Refrigeration Control Co. specializes in commercial refrigeration installation, including refrigeration equipment installation, maintenance, and upgrades. We offer 10 must-know tips before installing or upgrading your commercial cold storage systems.

We implement all of these when working with our clients to make sure your commercial cooling systems work efficiently.

5 Key Takeaways

• Size systems correctly for efficiency.
• Install in shaded, ventilated areas.
• Keep units level and securely mounted.
• Follow electrical and piping standards.
• Test systems and keep records.

10 Commercial Refrigeration Installation Tips

1. Proper Sizing

Make sure your refrigeration system setup is correctly sized for your space and cooling load to avoid overuse or inefficiency.

Scenario:

A food prep facility with a 1,500 sq. ft. footprint and moderate daily inventory turnover may require a walk-in cooler sized 8’x10’ to 10’x12’, factoring in peak load, employee access frequency, and kitchen heat sources.

Key Components:

Compressors, evaporators, condensers, and control panels should be sized with room for future capacity expansion. If your operation plans to grow, consider modular commercial cold storage systems with add-on capability.

Plan for a peak-hour situation. For example, picture a full cart of product at 70°F, 12 door openings lasting 20 seconds each, two people working inside, and outdoor temperatures at 95°F. Size the coil and condenser so the system can maintain the correct temperature during these peak conditions rather than under typical daily conditions

Tip: Have a commercial refrigeration contractor perform a heat load analysis for accurate system sizing.

2. Optimal Location

Install refrigeration equipment in areas that are well-ventilated and protected from extreme temperatures.

Southern California Considerations:

• Orange County: Coastal sun can still heat rooftop units, so shade and ventilation help.
• San Bernardino & Riverside Counties: Summer highs over 100°F demand thermal protection and heat-resilient components.
• Los Angeles County: Urban heat retention increases the need for careful outdoor condenser placement.

Tip: Poor location can add stress to your refrigeration system setup. Avoid rooftops with poor airflow and ensure direct sunlight is mitigated. In Southern California especially, rooftop placement can expose condensers to 100–120°F surfaces, doubling the strain during peak hours. Professional installers know how to offset this through unit sizing, airflow clearance, and protective shielding.

3. Level Installation

Precision is essential when installing any commercial refrigeration system. Units must be level to avoid functional issues.

Problems if Not Level:

• Compressor oil starvation, leading to overheating
• Improper condensate drainage, causing water accumulation
• Vibration-induced refrigerant line damage (impacts not only efficiency, but  also safety)

Tip: Always use vibration-absorbing mounts to protect your investment. They are a pre-emptive strike against component-level failures.

4. Adequate Clearance

Leave ample space around refrigeration units to support airflow and facilitate routine maintenance.

Why It Matters:

• Proper airflow prevents heat buildup, especially for air-cooled commercial cold storage systems.
• Easy access is vital for inspecting coils, filters, and electrical panels.

Tip: Professional service every 3 to 6 months helps identify wear early and extend the life of your refrigeration equipment installation.

5. Secure Mounting

Poorly mounted systems generate excess noise and vibration. Both are enemies of reliable operation.

High-Risk Components:

• Compressor mounts wear prematurely if mounting is not secure
• Copper refrigerant lines develop cracks under stress
• Fans and motors fail faster due to imbalance

Tip: Proper mounting protects your system and creates a quieter, safer environment. This is essential for retail and hospitality businesses. While secure mounting may seem basic, its effectiveness depends entirely on how it’s done. A pro doesn’t just fasten equipment in place. They apply the right mounts and isolation methods to control vibration and noise. In restaurants, grocery stores, or cafes, loud refrigeration noise can carry into dining or retail areas, disrupting the atmosphere and lowering perceived quality.

6. Electrical Compliance

Your commercial refrigeration installation must meet all local building codes and manufacturer specs for safety and insurance compliance.

Relevant Standards:

• California Electrical Code (CEC)
• Local inspection protocols in cities like Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Riverside
• UL-approved breakers and conduits for high-load equipment

Tip: Partner with a certified technician familiar with local permitting processes for seamless refrigeration equipment installation.

7. Refrigerant Piping Best Practices

Using the correct piping materials and layout ensures efficient refrigerant flow and pressure regulation.

Consequences of Poor Piping:

• Reduced cooling efficiency
• Compressor overload
• Short cycling, increasing energy use and part failure

Example:

Improperly sloped pipes in a two-story refrigeration system setup can trap oil, starving the compressor and risking system shutdown.

Tip: Always have refrigerant piping designed and installed by a professional. Proper sizing, slope, and support keep oil moving, prevent pressure drops, and can keep you system running at peak efficiency for years. Even small piping errors during commercial refrigeration installation can snowball into efficiency loss, compressor damage, and costly downtime.

8. Insulation Standards

Insulated refrigerant lines reduce energy waste and condensation-related hazards

Client Savings:

Businesses can cut 5–15% off their energy bills annually by ensuring their commercial cold storage systems are well-insulated. Additionally, it helps avoid condensation puddles that lead to safety violations.

Tip: Use insulation that meets ASHRAE and California Title 24 standards.

9. System Testing

Every commercial refrigeration installation should be followed by a thorough test cycle.

What to Test:

• Leak detection
• Pressure and temperature readings
• Thermostat response and defrost cycles
• Control logic and alarms

Tip: Schedule testing before stocking to ensure no performance issues are present. Testing under peak conditions helps verify that the system can handle the highest possible load without struggling. If you test only under normal circumstances, you may miss problems that appear when the system is working at full capacity, such as temperature fluctuations, slow pull-down times, or alarm failures. Confirming performance early prevents costly product loss, emergency repairs, and downtime later. Read Avoid Costly Spoilage: Emergency Commercial Refrigeration Repair Services

10. Documentation

Always keep a comprehensive record of your refrigeration equipment installation.

Why It’s Essential:

• Validates warranty coverage
• Helps diagnose future issues faster
• Required for food safety audits in many jurisdictions

Recommended Records to Obtain and Retain:

• Post-installation schematics and wiring diagrams
• Model and serial numbers for all major components
• Refrigerant type and charge details
• Inspection and pressure test reports
• Start-up and performance test logs
• Maintenance schedules and service history
• Control settings and alarm configurations
• Energy efficiency documentation for rebates or compliance

Tip: Request a post-installation binder or digital file with schematics, model numbers, refrigerant types, and inspection reports.