Consistency is critical in industrial refrigeration. Whether you’re storing produce, dairy, or frozen goods, even slight temperature variations can result in spoilage, shortened shelf life, and significant financial loss. According to a 2024 University of Michigan study, poor cold chain management contributes to as much as 620 million metric tons of global food loss annually. Strengthening cold chain systems has the potential to reduce losses of dairy, meat, and produce by up to 63%, protecting both products and profits.

Hotspots and cold zones are two of the most common challenges in large-scale cold storage, but the good news is that with smart design and proper maintenance, they can be avoided. Central Washington Refrigeration has spent over two decades engineering systems that keep products safe, energy costs down, and operations running smoothly. Here’s what you should know about avoiding uneven temperatures in your cold storage facility.
What Causes Hotspots and Cold Zones?
Hotspots occur when certain areas of a refrigerated space are warmer than the rest, while cold zones are pockets where the temperature falls below the intended setpoint. Although they present differently, both problems usually have the same root causes.

Impacted airflow, whether from blocked vents or inefficient circulation, is one of the most common culprits, as it prevents cooling from being evenly distributed. Storage practices also play a role; when products are packed too tightly, air movement is restricted, creating uneven temperatures.

In addition, design limitations such as poorly placed fans, evaporators, or racks can contribute to the problem. Finally, maintenance issues like dirty coils, failing fans, or low refrigerant levels reduce system efficiency and make it harder to maintain consistent cooling.
Strategies to Keep Temperatures Even
Prioritize Smart System Design
The foundation of consistent cooling is a system engineered with airflow in mind. Here at Central Washington Refrigeration, we strategize the placement of fans, ducts, and evaporators. This way, they can eliminate dead zones and ensure every corner of your facility gets uniform coverage.
Maintain Proper Airflow
It’s imperative that your vents, fans, and coils are regularly inspected, as buildup can disrupt circulations. It’s also important to avoid overloading shelves or stacking products in ways that restrict air movement between items.
Invest in Monitoring Technology
Temperature sensors and advanced control systems provide real-time data, helping operators identify hotspots and cold zones quickly. If there is an issue, you’ll receive an automated alert so that you can correct the problem before it affects inventory.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Preventive maintenance, such as cleaning evaporators, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting fans, goes a long way toward maintaining consistent temperatures. As with other systems, addressing small issues early helps prevent big problems later.
Train Staff on Best Practices
Operators play a huge role in maintaining efficiency. Train your staff to avoid blocking vents, manage storage density, and report irregularities. Having multiple eyes on your system ensures it performs its best.
Keeping Your Cold Storage Consistent and Reliable
Hotspots and cold zones aren’t just inconveniences—they can mean lost product, wasted energy, and reduced trust in your operation. By combining thoughtful system design, regular maintenance, and smart operational practices, your industrial refrigeration facility can maintain consistent, reliable temperatures that protect both products and profits.

At Central Washington Refrigeration, we specialize in designing and maintaining large-scale cold storage systems that deliver performance you can trust. With over 25 years of expertise, we’re committed to keeping your facility efficient, your products safe, and your operations worry-free. Give us a call today to discuss your project at 509-248-4600.

Craft brewing has grown into a major force in the U.S. beer market. While production volume has dipped slightly in recent years, the industry remains strong, with more breweries opening and market share continuing to expand. In 2024 alone, craft brewers produced 23.1 million barrels of beer, generating an estimated $28.8 billion in retail sales. With so much at stake, protecting inventory is essential.

One of the most significant risks brewers face is spoilage. Beer can be lost at multiple stages of production and, without proper care, may even expire before it’s sold. That’s why effective storage is critical, not only to preserve inventory, but also to maintain the quality and consistency that keep customers coming back.

How you cool, store, and serve your beer can make or break the final product. Let’s take a closer look at why cold storage is such a big deal for breweries—from the mash all the way to that perfect pint.
Why Temperature Matters in Brewing
Beer is a living product. Even after fermentation, chemical and microbial processes continue to evolve inside the liquid. Without consistent temperature control, your carefully balanced IPA can lose its hop character, your lager might pick up unwanted flavors, and your shelf life could shrink dramatically.

Think of cold storage as the “pause button” for your beer. By keeping things cool, you slow down chemical changes, protect flavors, and give customers a consistent drinking experience every time. Consistency is key here, not just keeping beer cold, but keeping it cold uniformly from tank to tap to distribution. Even small fluctuations can mean the difference between a crisp, refreshing pint and one that tastes flat or stale.
Cold Storage at Different Stages of Brewing
Fermentation and Conditioning
Once fermentation begins, keeping the right temperature is critical to yeast health and flavor development. Lagers, for instance, need much cooler fermentation than ales. Afterward, cold conditioning allows flavors to mellow and solids to settle, resulting in that crisp, clear finish.
Packaging and Keg Storage
After conditioning, cold storage ensures your beer doesn’t degrade while waiting to be bottled, canned, or kegged. Even slight fluctuations in temperature can accelerate oxidation or cause haze issues. For kegs, consistent cold storage preserves carbonation and keeps your product bar-ready.
Distribution and Serving
Your responsibility doesn’t end once the beer leaves the tank. Cold storage during distribution protects your brand’s reputation. A hazy IPA that tastes great in your taproom should taste just as good when a customer cracks open a can at home—and that’s only possible if the cold chain is consistent.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Even the best brewing practices can be undermined if your cold storage isn’t managed properly. Here are a few of the most common issues breweries run into and how to prevent them.
Hot Spots and Cold Zones
Uneven temperatures in a walk-in cooler affect efficiency and impact beer quality. If one area runs too warm, certain batches may spoil or lose flavor more quickly. On the other hand, overly cold areas can cause haze issues or affect carbonation. Proper airflow and thoughtful system design are key to keeping temperatures uniform across the entire space, ensuring every keg and case is stored at the right conditions.
Overloading Storage
It’s tempting to pack a cooler as tightly as possible, especially when production is running high, but overcrowding restricts airflow. Without enough circulation, some products may not get the cooling they need, creating pockets of warm beer that age faster than the rest. Keeping walk-ins organized and leaving space for air to flow around kegs and cases helps maintain even temperatures throughout your storage area.
Skipping Maintenance
Refrigeration systems need regular care to perform at their best. Dirty coils, failing fans, or low refrigerant levels force the system to work harder while delivering less consistent results. Over time, this not only risks uneven cooling but also drives up energy costs and shortens the life of your equipment. Scheduling routine maintenance helps keep your system efficient, reliable, and ready to protect your inventory.
The Bottom Line for Brewers
You’ve put too much passion into your beer to let poor refrigeration compromise it. Cold storage isn’t just about keeping things chilly; it’s about protecting your craft, your consistency, and your reputation.

At Central Washington Refrigeration, we help breweries of all sizes design and maintain refrigeration systems that keep every pint as fresh and flavorful as the brewer intended. Because at the end of the day, your beer deserves the same care in storage as it does in the mash tun.

Every great beer deserves the right cold storage. Let’s talk about your brewery’s refrigeration needs today. Give us a call at 509-248-4600.

Are you experiencing walk-in cooler temperature control issues? Our commercial and industrial refrigeration team has the insight you need to quickly identify common repair problems and restore your system to proper operation. Here’s what to do if your walk-in cooler isn’t holding temperature.
Walk-in cooler temperature issues – a step-by-step guide:

Use a calibrated thermometer to verify the current temperature
Check door seals and closures for damage and proper operation
Make sure the walk-in cooler’s operation hasn’t tripped the breakers and the system has power
Verify thermostat settings and operation
Look for airflow problems, including overloaded shelves and blocked vents
Check for refrigerant leaks, ensure fans are operational, and coils are not frozen
Verify defrost system settings and operation
Call a professional commercial or industrial refrigeration repair technician
If repairs are necessary, move products to another freezer to prevent loss

Verify Walk-In Cooler Temperature
Ensure optimal temperatures throughout your walk-in cooler by taking a reading with a calibrated thermometer in multiple areas. Temperature inconsistencies indicate airflow issues. If temperature readings don’t reflect your walk-in cooler’s built-in thermometer, it may require professional replacement.
Check Walk-In Cooler Door Seals
Inspect door seals, looking for cracks, gaps, and brittleness that could allow for air leakage. Verify that door hinges and latches work, and doors fully close. Replace damaged seals or parts to prevent cold air leakage. Limit door openings until you have addressed all door function issues.
Make Sure Your Walk-In Cooler has Power
Make sure that your walk-in cooler is fully plugged in. Verify breakers haven’t tripped, and that it has power.
Verify Thermostat Settings and Operation
Double-check temperature settings. It may take several hours for temperatures to stabilize if settings have been inadvertently changed or you’ve recently experienced an outage.
Look for Walk-In Cooler Airflow Problems
Stacking items too tightly impacts air circulation and cooling. Relocate items in crowded areas and move anything that’s blocking vents or fans to ensure proper circulation. Verify coils aren’t dirty or iced over, that frost isn’t blocking the evaporator, and fans are running.
Inspect Operational Components
Listen for unusual noises. Make sure your walk-in cooler’s evaporator and condenser coils are clean and unfrozen. Look for refrigerant leaks, which resemble oil spots or frost patterns. Check for clogged or frozen drain lines. Inspect electrical connections and test the temperature control device for proper voltage and operation. Our cold storage room engineers recommend leaving these tasks to a professional if you’re unsure how to complete them.
Verify Defrost System Settings and Operation
Make sure your defrost system timers, settings, and heaters are correctly programmed and functioning. Defrosting is required at set intervals to prevent frost buildup, airflow blockages, and trouble maintaining temperature.
Schedule Professional Walk-In Cooler Service and Repair
If you cannot quickly determine why your walk-in cooler isn’t maintaining temperature, or you see one of these five signs your cooling system needs immediate attention, contact our commercial refrigeration repair technicians immediately. Describing observations you made while troubleshooting can speed repairs. To keep food products out of the temperature danger zone and avoid microorganism growth and product loss, relocate items to another freezer while awaiting service.
Restore Your Walk-In Cooler to Proper Operation, Fast
Unsure of what to do if your walk-in cooler isn’t holding temperature? Get the help you need fast with emergency walk-in cooler repair from CW Refrigeration. Contact us at 509-248-4600 to schedule commercial walk-in cooler service and maintenance in Ellensburg, Kennewick, Moses Lake, Pasco, Richland, Spokane, Tacoma, or Yakima today.

Choosing the best industrial refrigeration system style for your application is among the most important decisions you’ll make when designing custom cold storage. Is ammonia refrigeration right for your Central Washington facility? Ammonia systems offer many benefits over conventional industrial refrigeration solutions.
Why ammonia is the leading choice for large-scale industrial refrigeration:

Ammonia systems are more reliable, cost less to operate, and last longer
Environmentally friendly and sustainable, ammonia incurs no carbon taxes
Ammonia refrigeration systems come in a variety of styles
Recent advancements allow for use in previously unsuitable industrial refrigeration applications

Why Ammonia Remains the Leading Choice for Large-Scale Industrial Refrigeration
Ammonia systems are adaptable to many applications, providing significant advantages over traditional cooling technology:
Ammonia refrigeration systems cost less to operate
Ammonia systems offer superior thermodynamics, transferring heat more effectively than freon systems. They consume less energy to deliver similar cooling output, significantly reducing operating costs, particularly for facilities with high refrigeration demands. Abundant and inexpensive, ammonia incurs no phase-out costs and is required in smaller quantities than synthetic refrigerants, reducing charging costs.
Ammonia cooling systems last longer
Ammonia systems withstand heavy-duty commercial and industrial use, lasting for decades with proper maintenance. Systems utilize fewer parts and experience less frequent breakdowns and downtimes, resulting in lower maintenance and replacement costs over time.
Ammonia systems provide 24/7 reliability
Ammonia refrigeration systems perform more reliably in large-scale, high-capacity settings, preventing downtime and reducing product loss.
Is Ammonia Refrigeration Safer for the Environment than Alternatives?
Ammonia systems outshine older CFC and HCFC synthetic refrigerant technology. Energy-efficient and natural, ammonia (NH3) does not contain chlorine and won’t deplete the ozone layer. Ammonia systems use significantly less energy for operation, producing fewer carbon emissions. It breaks down rapidly in the environment, reducing ecological impact.
What Types of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems Are Available for Your Facility?
Our industrial refrigeration system engineers will help you select the optimal solution for your product, facility size, cooling requirements, and safety needs. We provide custom solutions to meet your production and efficiency goals, including:

Pump recirculated systems for large-scale cold storage and food processing applications
Cascade systems, ideal for ultra-low temperature food processing and storage
Ammonia absorption systems, capable of turning waste heat from your facility into energy to drive the refrigeration cycle
Direct expansion (DX) systems, an affordable solution for smaller refrigeration loads
Flooded systems, for maximum heat transfer
Low-charge ammonia systems that operate on a smaller amount of refrigerant
Hybrid systems, which combine ammonia with other refrigerants

Learn More About Ammonia Industrial Refrigeration
Is ammonia refrigeration right for your facility? CW Refrigeration has the industry experience you need to select the ideal system design for your product and budget. We serve large-scale food storage and processing facilities nationwide. Contact us at 509-248-4600 to schedule an industrial refrigeration system design consultation in Ellensburg, Kennewick, Moses Lake, Pasco, Richland, Spokane, Tacoma, or Yakima today.

Foodborne illness is on the rise nationwide. Industrial refrigeration maintenance is critical in ensuring products remain safe for consumption. Taking a proactive approach minimizes food safety risks, helping you protect customers and workers, avoid legal liability, and maintain strict FDA and USDA food safety requirements. Learn how to plan and maintain cold storage safety for food facilities with these tips from CW Refrigeration, Central Washington’s trusted industrial refrigeration services provider.
Perform Regular Industrial Refrigeration System Inspections
Routine inspections, including the following, identify potential issues before they become hazards, ensuring safe, reliable operation:
Equipment inspections
Verifying that compressors, evaporators, fans, and other equipment are in optimal condition and performing preventive repairs promptly prevents system failure.
Routine pressure testing
Routine pressure testing prevents potential chemical releases and explosions in industrial refrigeration systems, which operate under high pressure.
Ammonia leak detection
Installing leak detection ensures even the smallest leaks are identified, triggering alarms or shutdown when they occur to initiate emergency procedures.
Thermostats and sensor calibration
Accurate thermostat and sensor readings are essential to maintaining an optimal storage environment and preventing the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, ensuring safe, high-quality, lasting food.
Strict cold chain adherence
Keeping products out of the temperature danger zone of 40-140°F at every stage, from picking and processing to storage and transport to the consumer, is crucial to food safety.
Implement Process Safety Management (PSM) Programs
CW Refrigeration offers PSM development and training programs for ammonia-based industrial refrigeration systems to prevent accidental ammonia release and equipment failure that can lead to food safety issues, worker injury, and product loss. Our comprehensive PSM programs include:

Process safety information on ammonia’s properties, hazards, and corresponding equipment design and operational specifications
Process hazard analysis to identify and evaluate potential hazards
Pre-startup safety reviews for new systems
Step-by-step operating procedures including shutdown, start-up, emergency response, equipment limits, and consequences of deviation (hazards)
Training for operators, technicians, and maintenance staff on operational, maintenance, hazards, and safety rules for ammonia cooling systems
Inspection, testing, and maintenance schedules to ensure mechanical integrity
Formal management of change review and approval in response to procedural, equipment, and chemical process modifications
Site-specific emergency action plans, including ammonia release drills, evacuation plans, and coordination with local emergency response providers
Compliance audits to ensure OSHA and PSM compliance

Hold Regular Staff Safety Training and Feedback Sessions
Establish and document clear employee protocols for safe industrial refrigeration system use. Train staff on proper cold chain management, product handling and storage, refrigeration system operation, maintenance, door usage, refrigerant hazards, the correct use of personal protective equipment, and how to respond to equipment failures and outages. Hold regular training and safety reviews. Encourage all team members to participate in hazard and procedural analyses to improve operations and safety.
Emergency Response Planning
Unexpected equipment failures, power outages, leaks, and fires pose significant risks to food and employee safety. A clear, well-documented plan and staff training for responding to emergency issues provide insurance, mitigate product loss, and reduce potential liability. Instructions should include procedures for emergency shutdown or generator operation, relocating products, evacuation procedures, contacting emergency response providers, first aid, and fire safety measures.
Ensure Operational Integrity and Food Safety
Get the help you need figuring out how to plan and maintain cold storage safety for food facilities in Central Washington from CW Refrigeration. Contact us at 509-248-4600 to discuss your industrial refrigeration and process safety management improvement needs today.

Are you installing or upgrading an industrial refrigeration system? Choosing the right refrigerant is an important decision. Ammonia-based cooling systems offer a proven solution that is adaptable for many applications. What are the benefits of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems in Central Washington, and are they right for your business? Learn why this refrigerant outshines older CFC and HCFC technology with keen insight from CW Refrigeration, trusted provider of custom industrial refrigeration solutions for large-scale food storage and processing facilities across the US.
Ammonia Cooling Systems Provide Long-Term Savings
Installing ammonia refrigeration can be more expensive initially due to safety and containment regulations. However, ammonia systems offer a greater value and a lower cost of ownership, providing many savings opportunities:
Ammonia systems cost less to operate
Superior thermodynamic properties enable ammonia systems to transfer heat more effectively than freon systems. Highly efficient, they consume less energy to deliver similar cooling output, significantly reducing electricity costs over time, particularly for facilities with high refrigeration demands.
Ammonia costs less
Ammonia is abundant and inexpensive and is used in smaller quantities than synthetic alternatives. Refrigerant charges are less expensive, with no phase-out-related costs.
Ammonia cooling systems last longer
Built to withstand heavy-duty commercial and industrial use, ammonia systems last for decades with proper maintenance. They contain less parts and experience fewer mechanical issues and downtime, resulting in lower maintenance and replacement costs over time.
Ammonia cooling systems provide 24/7 reliability
Ammonia systems are more reliable in large-scale, high-capacity settings, preventing downtime and reducing product loss.
Ammonia systems incur no carbon taxes
Unlike synthetic refrigerants, ammonia doesn’t deplete the ozone layer or cause global warming.
Ammonia-Based Refrigeration Systems Offer a Sustainable Solution
For businesses seeking more energy-efficient industrial refrigeration, ammonia-based natural refrigerant systems provide an ideal choice. Highly efficient ammonia industrial refrigeration systems use significantly less energy for operation, resulting in lower carbon emissions. Ammonia does not contain chlorine. It has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and zero global warming potential (GWP) if released into the atmosphere. Naturally occurring and biodegradable, it breaks down rapidly in the environment, reducing ecological impact.
Advances in Ammonia Refrigeration Technology Drive the Future of Industrial Refrigeration
Tried and trusted, ammonia refrigeration systems remain a top choice in food production and storage. Ammonia cooling system manufacturers continue to advance the industry, evolving to meet changing demands with innovative solutions. Low-charge ammonia systems, which require a smaller amount of refrigerant, make ammonia systems safer and more accessible. Hybrid systems, which combine ammonia with other refrigerants, also offer an alternative in applications where ammonia systems were previously unsuitable.
Industrial Ammonia Refrigeration Systems are Adaptable to a Variety of Applications
We provide custom-tailored ammonia refrigeration system designs to meet your production and efficiency goals.

Direct expansion (DX) systems
Flooded systems
Pump recirculated systems
Cascade systems
Ammonia absorption systems

Our experienced industrial refrigeration system engineering and installation team will help you select the optimal solution for your product, facility size, cooling requirements, and safety needs.
Learn More About Industrial Ammonia Cooling Systems in Central Washington
Upgrade to more efficient, cost-effective, sustainable industrial refrigeration technology. Take advantage of the benefits of industrial ammonia refrigeration systems in Central Washington. Contact CW Refrigeration at 509-248-4600 to discuss ammonia refrigeration installation today.

Apples and pears are major crops grown in Washington State. In fact, Washington is the leading producer of apples in the U.S. and a top producer of pears as well. Consider that Washington grows roughly 10 to 12 billion apples each year, representing about 60% of the total apples grown in the U.S.. The state also contributes 50% of the national supply of pears. The biggest regions for apples and pears include Wenatchee, Columbia Basin, and Yakima, which is home to Central Washington Refrigeration.

Central Washington Refrigeration designs and maintains cold storage systems that help packers, growers, and distributors protect their harvest investment and deliver crisp, flavorful fruit to markets around the world. Here is more information on how cold storage preserves the quality of apples and pears and what to consider when optimizing your systems.
Why Cold Storage Matters After Harvest
Apples and pears are living products that continue to respire and ripen even after they’ve been picked. Without intervention, the natural process accelerates ethylene buildup, moisture loss, softened flesh, and an increase in decay organisms. Fortunately, cold storage slows this process down, extending freshness, suppressing ethylene production, and preventing microbial growth. The result? Apples and pears that taste better, travel farther, and meet quality expectations.
Ideal Conditions for Apples and Pears
Each variety of apples—Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Cosmic Crisp—has its own storage requirements. However, most apples do well in low oxygen environments with temperatures between 30-32 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity at 90-95%.

Pears, such as Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou, do well in the same conditions as apples. Bartlett pears, in particular, benefit from rapid cooling after harvest and controlled ripening during storage. Maintaining consistency is key. Even small fluctuations can lead to shriveling, internal browning, or texture loss.
Key Components of a Post-Harvest Cold Storage System
To get the most out of your fruit cold storage, your system should include:

High-efficiency refrigeration units that maintain precise temperatures
Humidity control systems to reduce dehydration and weight loss
Smart monitoring and alarm systems for 24/7 oversight
Insulated, sealed storage rooms to preserve climate stability
Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology to further extend shelf life

Central Washington Refrigeration specializes in scalable systems designed to meet the needs of large-volume fruit operations.
Maintenance = Performance
Even the best cold storage setup requires routine maintenance to perform at its best during peak storage seasons. This includes checking temperature calibration, inspecting door seals and insulation, cleaning coils and fans, and testing backup systems and alarms. Central Washington Refrigeration offers preventive maintenance programs to keep your system reliable, energy-efficient, and ready for the demands of harvest season.
Freshness That Travels
Cold storage doesn’t just protect fruit at home—it enables global distribution. Whether your apples are headed to grocery shelves across the country or pears are being exported overseas, post-harvest cold storage ensures your product arrives with the same crispness and flavor it had in the orchard.
Smart Storage for Apples and Pears Starts Here
Your fruit’s quality doesn’t just depend on how it’s grown, it depends on how it’s stored. Post-harvest cold storage is the key to locking in freshness and flavor, maintaining market value, and meeting consumer expectations.

Looking to optimize your cold storage system for the upcoming harvest? Central Washington Refrigeration is here to help. We design and maintain custom solutions for Washington’s leading apple and pear growers. Contact us today at 509-248-4600 to learn more about post-harvest refrigeration systems built for your operation.

In the seafood industry, cold chain integrity isn’t something that’s optional. It’s absolutely essential in protecting bacterial growth, preserving freshness and flavor, extending shelf life, and supporting regulatory compliance. From the moment fish and shellfish are harvested to the time they reach consumers, maintaining precise temperature control is a top priority.

At Central Washington Refrigeration, we help seafood processors and distributors design and maintain cold storage systems that support every link in the cold chain. Whether you’re handling fresh catches or frozen exports, here’s what it takes to keep your seafood cold chain strong, consistent, and compliant.
What Is Cold Chain Integrity?
Cold chain integrity refers to the uninterrupted control of temperature throughout the storage and transportation of perishable goods. In seafood processing, this means keeping products at 32°F or lower for fresh fish and shellfish and 0°F or colder for frozen seafood.

Any break in this chain, whether during unloading, storage, transport, or handling, can lead to spoilage, bacterial growth, and loss of quality. You can’t sell spoiled seafood after all, and disposing of contaminated or degraded products is expensive.
Why It Matters in the Seafood Industry
Seafood is highly sensitive to time and temperature. Even a brief temperature spike can trigger enzymatic and microbial spoilage and compromise texture, flavor, and shelf life. When this happens, it’s likely that the seafood will violate regulations and lead to additional product recalls, as well as create financial losses and reputational damage. Cold chain integrity ensures your product remains safe, high-quality, and market-ready, from dock to dinner plate, just as consumers expect.
Key Components of a Reliable Seafood Cold Chain
So what exactly goes into a reliable seafood cold chain? Here are the key elements:
Blast Chillers and Freezers
Rapid cooling is critical for seafood. Blast chillers quickly lower internal product temperatures to safe levels, while blast freezers lock in quality and prevent large ice crystal formation that can damage texture. Seafood flesh is extremely delicate, and delayed cooling can lead to a soft, mushy texture and discoloration or dull appearance.
Temperature-Controlled Storage Rooms
Your cold storage should maintain stable, uniform temperatures with proper insulation and airflow. Central Washington Refrigeration custom-builds walk-in coolers and freezers designed specifically for seafood processing and long-term storage.

Some of the most important features for walk-in seafood freezers are consistent temperatures, high quality installation (think polyurethane or polystyrene insulation), evaporator and condenser units, defrost systems, humidity control, and corrosion-resistant interior finishes.
Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts
Smart monitoring systems help you track temperatures 24/7 and send alerts if conditions fall out of range. This enables immediate action to prevent spoilage or compliance issues. Real-time monitoring and alerts also offer peace of mind for business owners who are responsible for high-value, perishable inventory. If anything goes wrong, you’ll know the minute it happens, allowing you to prevent waste.
Reliable Backup Systems
Power failures can be devastating. Backup generators and fail-safe refrigeration controls ensure your storage systems keep running—even during outages. Without them, a sudden power outage or equipment failure can lead to rapid temperature rise, spoilage, regulatory violations, and tens of thousands of dollars in lost product. Surely, no one wants that! And the worst part is that this can all happen in just a few hours. This makes having a reliable backup system absolutely essential.
Sanitation and Air Quality Matter, Too
Humidity, airflow, and sanitation play supporting roles in seafood preservation. Proper air circulation prevents moisture buildup, while routine sanitation helps avoid cross-contamination and odor absorption. Cold storage units designed for seafood should also resist corrosion from salt and moisture.

Seafood naturally contains high levels of salt, which is why the combination of this, high humidity, and potential moisture can quickly lead to corrosion. The best materials for cold storage for seafood includes food-grade stainless steel, anti-corrosion coatings, vapor barriers, durable flooring, and proper sealing.
Final Thoughts: Consistency Is Everything
In seafood cold storage, there’s no room for temperature swings or system failures. Consistency protects not just product quality, but also your business, your customers, and your brand.

At Central Washington Refrigeration, we design, build, and maintain industrial refrigeration systems that support every step of the seafood cold chain. From blast freezers to walk-in coolers, our solutions are engineered for performance, reliability, and compliance in even the most demanding environments.

Need help upgrading or maintaining your seafood cold storage system? Contact Central Washington Refrigeration today at 509-248-4600 to learn more!

One of the most important decisions in industrial refrigeration is choosing the right refrigerant to use. Two of the most commonly used refrigerants are ammonia (NH₃) and Freon (a trademark for a group of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs). While both have their place in the cooling industry, ammonia is often the smarter, more sustainable choice, especially for large-scale industrial applications.

At Central Washington Refrigeration, we’ve seen firsthand how ammonia systems outperform Freon-based alternatives in the settings that matter most: food processing, cold storage, agriculture, and manufacturing. Let’s look at how the two refrigerants stack up and why ammonia comes out on top.
1. Efficiency and Performance
Ammonia is one of the most energy-efficient refrigerants available. It has superior thermodynamic properties, which means it absorbs and transfers heat more effectively than Freon. Bottom line: Ammonia systems typically require less energy to do more work, translating to lower operating costs over time.
2. Environmental Impact
Freon and other HFCs have a high global warming potential (GWP) and are being phased out under international agreements like the Kigali Amendment. In contrast, ammonia is natural, non-ozone-depleting, and has zero GWP. These perks are especially beneficial for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with stricter environmental regulations.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
While the upfront cost of ammonia systems can be slightly higher due to safety and containment measures, the long-term savings are significant. Ammonia is less expensive as a refrigerant, and its high efficiency reduces electricity consumption. Over the life of the system, ammonia offers greater value and lower total cost of ownership.
4. Longevity and Reliability
Ammonia-based systems are built to last. With proper maintenance, these systems can operate for decades. They’re also more forgiving in high-capacity settings, where reliability is critical. For instance, you can count on ammonia for large-scale applications that demand 24/7 reliability and minimal downtime.
5. Safety Considerations
It’s true—ammonia is toxic and flammable in certain conditions. However, with modern safety systems, leak detectors, and properly trained personnel, ammonia systems can be operated safely. In fact, ammonia’s strong odor acts as a natural leak alert, making small issues easier to detect before they become major problems.
So, Which Should You Choose?
For small commercial applications, Freon might still be a reasonable option. But for industrial refrigeration where performance, cost savings, and sustainability matter most, ammonia is the clear winner.

At Central Washington Refrigeration, we specialize in designing and maintaining high-performance ammonia systems for clients across the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re building a new facility or upgrading an older system, we’ll help you choose the best refrigeration solution for your operation.

Contact us today at 509-248-4600 to learn more about ammonia refrigeration and how it can transform your cooling efficiency.

Cooling systems are easy to take for granted, but when an issue arises, people quickly learn that they are a true necessity to preserving perishable products, stabilizing production environments, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Fortunately, you can prolong the lifespan of your industrial cooling system and prevent costly breakdowns by providing timely maintenance. Some of this maintenance is routine, but some involves knowing when to call for immediate help.

So, how do you know when your system needs professional attention STAT? Ignoring small problems can lead to major headaches down the line, from unexpected downtime to product loss and expensive repairs. Here are five warning signs that your industrial cooling system needs immediate maintenance.
1. Unusual Noises or Vibrations
Industrial refrigeration systems aren’t silent, but they also shouldn’t be rattling, clanging, or humming in unusual ways. Strange noises may signal loose components, compressor issues, or failing bearings. If you hear something out of the ordinary, don’t wait. It could be the early sign of a serious mechanical problem.
2. Fluctuating Temperatures
If your system can’t maintain consistent temperatures, it’s time to act. Inconsistent cooling can affect product safety and violate regulatory requirements, especially in industries like food processing or pharmaceuticals. Fluctuations often point to faulty sensors, control issues, or refrigerant leaks.
3. Rising Energy Bills
A sudden spike in your energy usage could mean your cooling system is working harder than it should. This often signals inefficiencies like dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, or failing motors. A maintenance check can identify and correct the issue before your power bill gets out of hand.
4. Visible Ice Buildup or Frost
Excessive frost or ice on coils, evaporators, or inside your cold storage unit is a sign something’s wrong. It may indicate poor airflow, defrost cycle failures, or refrigerant problems, all of which require immediate attention to prevent equipment strain or shutdown.
5. Frequent Cycling or Extended Run Times
If your refrigeration system is constantly turning on and off or running for unusually long periods, it’s struggling to meet demand. This could point to worn-out components, improper load sizing, or electrical issues. Left unchecked, these problems will accelerate wear and tear.
Don’t Wait! Schedule a Maintenance Check
Your industrial cooling system works hard 24/7, and small issues can quickly escalate into major breakdowns. At Central Washington Refrigeration, we specialize in diagnosing, repairing, and optimizing industrial refrigeration systems to keep your operation running smoothly.

If you’re seeing any of the signs above—or just want peace of mind—contact us today to schedule a service visit at 509-248-4600. A quick check now can prevent costly downtime later.