Frequently Asked Questions

How does a refrigerated van work?

The fridge unit simply removes heat from the inside and distributes it into the air on the outside, while the insulation prevents heat from seeping through and warming the load.

Why do I need insulation?

Good quality insulation is very important to reduce the heat leaking into the vehicle from the walls, floor and roof. With warm air also entering as deliveries are made, the temperature within the vehicle needs to be cooled and controlled by the refrigeration unit. Without quality insulation and all the heat leakage above, the refrigeration unit cannot control the temperature within the vehicle and it will gradually warm up. This means your products will not reach their destination at the temperature you require.

At CooKit, we choose extruded polystyrene boards for insulation. As well as being excellent thermal insulators, they are waterproof and offer high tensile and compressible strength characteristics to give our insulated linings extreme strength and durability.

Why do I need a refrigeration unit?

If you load your products into just an insulated vehicle, they will gradually warm up due to the warm air entering the vehicle, and heat leaking through the insulation. This is why a refrigeration unit is essential to extract this heat from the warm air and keep your product at the correct and loaded temperature.

CoolKit offers a complete range of refrigeration units from all the known manufacturers, and will help to specify a unit suitable for your purpose.

Why choose CoolKit to do the conversion?

Our Quality Management System (QMS) is ISO 9001:2008 certified so you can be sure you are buying products that benefit from our comprehensively documented processes, procedures and controls. In addition to this we demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of the environment by upholding an Environmental Management System (EMS) which is certified to the ISO 14001:2004 standard.  

What is the Industry standard?

The ATP Agreement is a United Nations (UNECE) standard for the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be used for such Carriage, and it dates back to 1976. Currently, vehicles travelling within the UK are not legally required to have ATP contact us for further details.

Tips to improve efficiency

• Pre-chill for approx 15 minutes before loading.
• Switch the fridge unit off while loading.
• Minimise the time that doors are open, and close as soon as possible.
• Product should be stored at the right temperature before loading.
• Do not block the evaporator air intakes or outlets.
• Allow space around all sides of the load for air circulation.
• Check the load temperature regularly.

 When using power standby

• Check in advance that the supply is suitably rated to power the refrigeration unit.
• Switch the vehicle engine off.
• Switch the cab control off before connecting mains lead.
• Avoid using additional extension leads.