Picking the right commercial refrigeration setup isn’t something most people get excited about—but if your business depends on cold storage, it’s a decision you can’t afford to get wrong.

Whether you’re running a restaurant, stocking a warehouse, or handling fresh goods, the system you choose will affect everything from your bottom line to your day-to-day operations. At ADN Refrigeration, we’ve helped companies across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley set up commercial refrigeration systems that are actually built around how they work—not the other way around.

Here’s a few things we always recommend thinking through.

What Are You Actually Storing?

Sounds like a simple question, but it matters more than you’d expect. Not all cold storage is created equal.

Meat needs a different setup than dairy. Produce likes humidity. Flowers? Totally different again. And if you’re storing a bit of everything, that’s going to influence what kind of system you need and how it’s set up.

So, start there: What’s going inside the cooler or freezer? That answer will steer the whole conversation.

Space Now vs. Space Later

A lot of folks come to us looking for a system that fits their current space. Which makes sense—but what about next year? Or the year after that?

If you’re planning to grow, it might be smarter to invest in something with a little breathing room. Walk-in coolers, for example, are flexible and can be customized based on what you need now, with room to scale later.

We’re big on thinking ahead. A solid system should work for you now, and still make sense if your business doubles in size.

Don’t Overlook Energy Use

Here’s the thing—cooling isn’t cheap. These systems often run 24/7, so efficiency can save you a lot more than people think.

That’s why it’s worth asking about:

  • Insulated panels
  • Compressor efficiency
  • Smart thermostats or controls
  • Any kind of real-time performance monitoring

Good commercial refrigeration systems aren’t just about keeping things cold—they help you manage costs too.

Keep Compliance in Mind

Depending on your industry, there are probably rules around temperature, food safety, or energy standards. Whether you’re dealing with health inspectors or internal audits, having a compliant setup just makes life easier.

We design every system to meet Canadian regulations and help you avoid surprises. And if there are local codes or industry-specific stuff you need to deal with, we factor that in too.

Service Really Does Matter

Even if you buy the best gear on the market, things wear out. Motors go. Panels shift. Stuff happens.

That’s where service becomes a big deal. At ADN Refrigeration, we don’t just install and walk away. We’ve got a network of techs who can help with maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Fast.

We also design systems that are easier to service—because the last thing you want is to shut down for hours just to fix a small issue.

Not Sure What You Need? 

If you’re feeling stuck or not quite sure what system makes the most sense, we’ve got you. Our job is to take your space, your products, and your budget—and help you figure out a setup that works.

ADN Refrigeration builds custom commercial refrigeration systems for real businesses with real needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing an old unit, we’ll walk you through it, no pressure.

Reach out here and we’ll get started.