Designing a Reliable Cold Storage Facility for Agricultural Operations

In agriculture, timing and temperature are everything. From freshly harvested apples and cherries to potatoes, onions, and dairy products, proper cold storage isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity for preserving product quality, reducing waste, and maintaining market value.

Some produce, like spinach, arugula, and lettuce, have thin skin and a high respiration rate, causing them to lose water and spoil within a few days. That’s why they need to be refrigerated almost immediately. Other crops, such as potatoes, beets, and carrots, have thick skin and a lower rate of respiration, allowing them to stay fresh for months under the right storage conditions.

Central Washington Refrigeration specializes in designing and building cold storage facilities that meet the unique needs of agricultural operations across the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re expanding an existing facility or planning a new one from the ground up, here’s what it takes to build a reliable, efficient, and future-ready cold storage system.

Understand the Specific Needs of Your Crop

Cold storage isn’t one-size-fits-all. The optimal temperature, humidity, and air circulation requirements vary widely depending on the crop or product you’re storing. Central Washington Refrigeration understands these specific requirements, allowing us to guide clients toward system selection, insulation, layout, and airflow design. This ensures the storage environment works for your product, not against it.

For example:

Apples require precise temperature and atmospheric control to extend shelf life.
Cherries are highly perishable and need rapid cooling post-harvest.
Onions and potatoes benefit from dry, ventilated spaces to avoid sprouting or rot.
Dairy products need consistent, low temperatures and hygienic environments.

Prioritize Smart Layout and Flow

A well-designed cold storage facility doesn’t just keep products cold; it supports efficient movement and operations. From the loading dock to the storage zone, layout matters. Key design considerations include product flow, which involves minimizing backtracking and congestion with clear entry and exit zones, and zoning separate areas for different temperature needs or product types.

Racking systems also matter, as they can help optimize space while allowing for air circulation and easy access. Our team always works closely with growers and producers to map out custom solutions that maximize space, improve workflow, and reduce handling time. We also recommend designing with growth in mind to avoid costly retrofits later.

Choose the Right Refrigeration System

Selecting the right refrigeration system is essential for both performance and energy efficiency. Options may include ammonia-based systems for large-scale operations, as it’s highly efficient and sustainable. Freon-based systems are typically only recommended for smaller or modular units, while hydrocooling or vacuum cooling systems are effective for rapidly cooling produce post-harvest.

Keep in mind that in 2025, energy efficiency is a top priority. Systems with variable speed drives, smart defrost controls, and advanced automation can dramatically reduce power consumption without compromising performance.

Invest in Monitoring and Control Technology

Today’s cold storage facilities are smarter than ever. With IoT-enabled controls and remote monitoring, you can track real-time temperature, humidity, equipment performance, and even energy use. Benefits include 24/7 system oversight, faster response to maintenance issues, data for audits and compliance, and improved product traceability. This kind of visibility allows you to catch small issues before they become big problems and protect your inventory with confidence.

Don’t Overlook Maintenance and Service Access

Even the best system needs regular upkeep. A reliable cold storage facility should be designed for easy access to equipment, sensors, and controls, allowing for routine maintenance and minimizing downtime. At Central Washington Refrigeration, we offer preventative maintenance plans and ongoing service support to ensure your system stays in top condition, season after season.

Built for Agriculture. Backed by Experience.

With decades of experience serving growers, packers, and producers throughout Washington and beyond, Central Washington Refrigeration knows what it takes to build cold storage that works.

We understand the pace of harvest, the tight shipping windows, and the importance of product quality from field to market. Our team handles everything from custom system design and installation to retrofits, automation upgrades, and 24/7 emergency service. If you’re ready to design a cold storage system that works as hard as you do, get in touch with us today at 509-248-4600.