# Don’t Follow Trends When Choosing a Cold Storage Unit! 3 Practical Tips to Save Costs Many merchants focus on "high power" and "multi-functions" when choosing cold storage units, only to end up with units that consume excessive electricity or are inconvenient to use. In fact, choosing the right unit doesn’t require gimmicks—grasp these 3 core tips, and you can meet your needs while saving a lot of money.

First, calculate the "cooling capacity" accurately to avoid wasting money. Cooling capacity isn’t the bigger the better; it depends on what you store and the space size. For example, a 20-cubic-meter cold storage needs 3-5kW of cooling capacity for vegetables (vegetables release more heat through respiration), while 2-3kW is enough for frozen meat. An oversized unit causes frequent compressor starts and stops, leading to high electricity bills and easy damage; an undersized unit can’t lower the temperature enough, making goods prone to spoilage.

Next, focus on "energy efficiency" and "temperature control" to save electricity long-term. Prioritize inverter units, which save 20%-30% more electricity annually than fixed-speed ones; look for China’s first-level energy efficiency label, which saves 15%-25% more annual electricity costs than second-level energy efficiency units. Temperature control must also match the goods: ±0.5℃ precision is needed for pharmaceuticals and pastries, while ±2℃ is sufficient for ordinary fruits and vegetables—there’s no need to blindly pursue high precision.

Finally, don’t overlook "function priority" and "supporting adaptation". Over-temperature alarm, compressor protection, and adjustable defrosting (must-have for 24/7 operation) are essential; choose remote monitoring and energy-saving mode based on needs. As for non-essential functions like stainless steel shells and touchscreens, they add cost without practical value—save on them when possible. In addition, the cold storage insulation must be up to standard: for every 10mm increase in insulation board thickness (not exceeding 100mm), the cooling capacity requirement can decrease by 5%-8%; choose units with built-in stabilizers in areas with unstable voltage. Use 380V power for units over 50 cubic meters, and 220V is enough for units under 20 cubic meters.

Choosing a cold storage unit is like choosing shoes—fit is more important than price. Follow these tips, and you’ll definitely find a cost-effective one.