Monoblock Refrigeration for Walk-In Cold Rooms: Is it Right for you?

Every walk-in chiller and freezer needs a refrigeration system that hold the right temperature – for many small and medium walk-in cold rooms, monoblock refrigeration is the simplest way to do it.

This guide covers how a monoblock compares with a split system, whether one suits your cold room, the advantages it brings, and when it’s time to replace an existing unit.

What Is A Monoblock Refrigeration Unit?

A monoblock refrigeration unit is a chiller or freezer unit which keeps your cold room at the required temperature range. They are integral refrigeration units which fit through the wall or ceiling of your cold room. Monoblock units are ideal for small to medium capacity cold rooms, making them the perfect solution for modular cold rooms.

How a Monoblock Differs From a Split System

A split system divides the refrigeration into two parts: an evaporator inside the cold room and a condensing unit, usually positioned outside the building, connected by refrigerant pipework.

A monoblock brings everything together into one easy-to-install, self-contained unit. It fits through the wall or ceiling, or straddles the wall, and comes with refrigerant pre-loaded for plug-and-play capability, with no pipework to install.

It is for this reason that when comparing split refrigeration vs monoblocks, most opt for a monoblock unit.

Is a Monoblock Right for Your Walk-In Cold Room?

A monoblock is usually the right fit for your business if:

• Your cold room is small to medium capacity – Monoblocks are rated by volume in m^3, making them a natural partner for modular cold rooms and smaller spaces alike.
• You can’t put equipment outside of the cold room – If nothing sits outside of the cold room itself, it can’t interfere with existing décor or designs or leave exposed elements in a public area.
• The space is well ventilated – A monoblock releases heat into the area around the room, so you need to have somewhere for the heat to go.

A split-system is likely to be best if:

• The cold room is large – Split systems can handle higher capacities more effectively.
• The surrounding area is tight or poorly ventilated – If the heat generated from a monoblock has nowhere to go, the compressor must work harder, run for longer, and the unit will lose cooling capacity.

Why Businesses Choose Monoblock Refrigeration

The advantages of monoblock refrigeration are much more than a faster installation – though this is something a lot of businesses choose monoblocks for.

Other advantages include:

Lower-impact refrigerant

Because the refrigeration circuit is close-coupled in one unit, a monoblock needs a much smaller refrigerant charge than a system with long pipe runs and multiple separate components. This means you could consider refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than traditional HFCs.

In Great Britain, the F-gas regulations are phasing down the supply of HFC refrigerants over time, and systems that rely on them could become harder and more expensive to service. Future-proof your cold room by switching today!

One unit for chilled or frozen rooms

Monoblocks cover temperatures from +8ºC down to -25ºC, with versions for walk-in freezers that require lower operating temperatures.

This means you can choose a unit by temperature and volume, without needing to redesign the space.

Simpler cleaning and maintenance

As everything sits in one place, routine cleaning and maintenance is also simpler, with a single cover bonnet that can be removed for easy access.

Signs Your Monoblock Needs Replacing

Like any refrigeration system, a monoblock will likely need replacing after 10 to 15 years, even with regular cleaning and maintenance. Signs yours needs replacing include:

• The cold room struggles to reach or keep a set temperature
• The unit is leaking
• The unit seems to be running constantly
• Ice is building up on the evaporator
• Unusual noises
• It is struggling from repeat faults or worn components

Replacing Your Monoblock

The quickest and easiest way to replace a monoblock is with a newer like-for-like model.

When comparing units, check:

• The suitable temperature range: Is it right for a walk-in chiller or freezer
• Room volume: The m³ the unit is rated for
• Mounting: Choose through the wall, straddling the wall, or through the ceiling so you can use the existing opening instead of adding another

If you need help finding a replacement, take a photo of the ID plate and email it to spares@mtcss.co.uk – our team will try to identify a suitable match and provide you with full specifications and installation details so you can decide.

Speak to the Monoblock Experts

if you are unsure what you are looking for, or want any further information on monoblock refrigeration systems, get in contact with a member of our team – call us on 01886 833 381 or email us at spares@mtcss.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.