1. What makes SRC Different?
Our driving philosophy is to provide each product with the highest quality components available that will offer years of benefits and dependability.
We have invested heavily in our manufacturing equipment and processes, to help hold down the continual escalating material and labor costs.
Our greatest challenge as a manufacturer is to get our message to you.
Our competitors prefer to focus on price vs. value. They are vague about the details of the equipment they will provide. Time after time we have purchased our competitors product to analyze. We have yet to be surprised by our findings. Products marketed
as “just the same as SRC” appear to look similar in pictures but yet the major components differ greatly. SRC will provide detailed equipment specifications and its benefits to help you compare. Demand this same information from all companies
that you are considering. We’re confident SRC will remain your preferred choice.
Our goal is two-fold:
#1) We will not be undersold!
#2) We will not sacrifice our quality to make a sale!
If you feel someone is offering you what appears to be a “better deal”, do yourself a favor and give us a call. You may discover that we are a breath of fresh air, in an otherwise high-pressure industry.
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2. I just need some extra storage for the Holidays
You can accomplish this in a number of ways depending on the volume of space required. We have listed 3 ways to consider:
Another Series 1 display cooler…
When space and budget is limited this is a popular choice. These self-contained display coolers are very versatile and today can be used for storage and tomorrow used in your display area, satellite gift shop or a new store location.
These displays tend to be quieter than walk-ins, and of course require no extra installation expense.
Small storage unit…
If you have a need for a more permanent walk-in, we have an exciting step-in unit, to help bridge the gap between the small display and full sized walk-ins. Our Model #FT68 step-in cooler is equivalent in capacity to 3 door display coolers. It operates
on 115v, is shipped assembled and is self-contained so a refrigeration technician is not required. This unit can be ordered for indoor or outdoor use. Because it doesn’t have glass doors, it will cost less to operate then a typical display cabinet.
Walk-ins…
To get the most storage area possible, then choose our WS Series lV storage cabinets. We have many standard and custom models available to match your required storage volume, budget or building requirements. If space is limited inside your building, walk-ins
can also be ordered for outdoor use. All walk-ins use only top-grade solid 4” thick insulation, to provide an energy efficient long lasting unit. Our “Surround Air” refrigeration systems can be ordered with indoor or outdoor compressors.
Noise and heat generated by the motor can be eliminated by remoting the compressor outdoors. In addition, locating the motor outdoors will reduce your air conditioning costs. If you need the most holding area possible, then this is the long-term answer
for you present storage challenges.
All of these units can be shut down for extended periods of time, when the level of business doesn’t justify their continued use.
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3. Where can I put a walk-in cooler?
A walk-in cooler needs a smooth, solid base to rest on. If the floor is moisture resistant, and is on ground level, with no basement or crawl space underneath, then no insulated floor will be necessary. If you are unsure, then follow this link: Do
I need an insulated floor?
How will these questions be answered?
1) Will anything be blocked by the cooler, which may require future access?
(such as circuit panels, water shut-off valves, etc.) Be aware of local code requirements.
2) Our standard height is 8’ tall. Are there any overhead obstructions? Are there any overhead light fixtures, pipes, sprinkler heads, ductwork etc., which may be in the way? Many times these items can be relocated so that our standard height will
fit, providing maximum storage capacity. If obstructions cannot be removed, we can modify the overall height of the walk-in for a reasonable charge.
Give some thought to where you want the compressor located. The top of the cooler is the most popular space. It requires an additional 18”of clearance to the ceiling to fit. It could also be located next to the cooler on the floor, on a wall shelf
or placed in an adjacent room. Wherever it is placed, it needs good ventilation. It should not be located in a confined space. All compressor motors add a certain amount of noise and heat to the room. If this will be objectionable, you should consider
purchasing an outdoor compressor.
3) The walk-in storage door can be placed in a variety of locations to be convenient to your design staff and traffic patterns. The door can also be hinged left or right for convenience.
4) Would viewing into the walk-in be helpful? Optional window(s) can be ordered and placed next to the walk-in door or along a sidewall above your design tables. We can also provide an 18”W x 18”H viewing window in the door at eye level or
even provide a full-length glass door.
5) If you have an interior wall (non-load bearing) that hinders placement of the cooler, you may be able to create an opening in the wall so part of the walk-in is on one side of the wall and the remainder of the walk-in on the other side. SRC will provide
the exact dimensions of the opening required. Walk-in door placement can be ordered as needed.
Other indoor locations to consider
Basement
Walk-in “Height” can be modified for low ceilings.
Advise SRC of “actual” clearance available. Be aware of ductwork, beams and mechanical items when measuring. Measure in multiple areas to confirm lowest ceiling height. We will fabricate the walk-in 2” less than available height for a
nominal charge. Verify the insulated panels can be taken down the stairway. Rule of Thumb: If a sheet of plywood or drywall can go down the stairway, the insulated panels can also.
Choice of compressor location: Floor, on a wall shelf (provided by customer) or ordered as optional outdoor unit.
Garage
Confirm standard walk-in size will fit in the space you are considering. Be aware of beams, rafters and mechanical items when measuring. Measure in multiple areas to confirm all dimensions. SRC can modify all dimensions if necessary for a nominal charge.
Choice of compressor location: Top of cooler, on a wall shelf (provided by customer) or ordered as optional outdoor unit.
**Note: If garage is “UNHEATED” and the temperature will go below 50 degrees, order the optional “Low Ambient Control Package” for the “indoor” compressor. This will allow it to operate properly during colder temperatures.
Outdoors – Concrete Slab
Walk-ins can easily be modified for outdoor use with the addition of a rubber membrane roof cap and outdoor compressor. A smooth, level and elevated concrete slab (built according to local codes) is all that’s required. For additional energy savings,
advise your cement contractor to include rigid insulation before pouring the slab. This economical item will save energy and avoid the need to purchase the insulated floor from SRC. Concrete slab should be a minimum of 6” longer and wider than the
size of the walk-in. The perimeter edges of the concrete slab should be slightly sloped and rounded to prevent water standing against cooler walls. In lieu of placing the compressor motor on top of the walk-in, you can place the compressor on the slab
next to the walk-in. Extend the concrete slab an additional 4’ x 4’ for the motor. Do not install your walk-in on asphalt. The asphalt will shift as the seasons change and the black surface will transfer a great deal of heat into the walk-in.
Now, confirm standard walk-in size will fit in the space you are considering. Confirm if the roof extends or any mechanical items will interfere with the walk-in. Measure in multiple areas to confirm all dimensions. SRC can modify any or all dimensions
if necessary for a nominal charge.
Now determine walk-in door location:
A) Exterior walk-in door: (Exit building, then go into walk-in)
Select location and hinging of door. Walk-in should be ordered with the optional “door rain guard and weatherproof light switch”. The door comes equipped with a latch handle that can be padlocked. For added security, we offer an optional “steel
security locking bar”, which accepts a padlock (provided by others).
B) Walk-in door opens into building: (Stay inside and go directly into walk-in)
Determine where opening can be placed; opening should measure 48” wide. This will allow the door hinges to swing freely and for the light switch and thermometer to be exposed. Opening in building wall should be a minimum of 84”high for floorless
walk-ins and 88”high for walk-ins ordered with SRC insulated reinforced floor. Advise SRC where the opening is located. Fabrication of the walk-in door panel will be centered in your opening.
Important note:
For “floorless walk-ins” the finished height of the slab must be even with the building floor in order for the walk-in door to open across your floor.
For walk-ins ordered with SRC “insulated reinforced floor” the slab height should be 4¼” below your building floor. After the 4¼” reinforced floor panels are placed on top of the slab, the door will be in the proper
position to open across your floor.
Outdoors – On Wood Deck
Same requirements as placing walk-in on concrete slab; see above.
The same choices are available for locating the walk-in door.
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4. How will my cooler be delivered?
Series l display coolers can be shipped one of two ways:
a) North American Van Lines (NAVL)
This is a nationwide furniture mover, known for their modern and well cared for blue and white trucks. Your display cooler will be blanket wrapped by professional movers, and transported in vehicles with air-ride suspensions. The displays will be unwrapped,
brought inside your store and set in place. All you have to do is watch! Standard commercial delivery is included. This assumes that you are in a commercial building on a ground floor, with direct access for the moving vans. Special delivery services are
also available, and can be quoted in advance.
b) Common Carrier
Your display unit will be crated and attached to a wood pallet. A popular trucking company will pick the display up from our loading dock, and transport it to your business. If you don’t have a loading dock then unloading may be awkward. The truckers
are not required to assist you. Lift-gate trucks are often not available, and cannot be guaranteed. This option is not recommended unless you are familiar with handling these bulky and heavy types of deliveries, and the cost savings are significant.
Series ll & II+ display cases include standard NAVL delivery at no additional cost.
Series lll and Series lV walk-in storage coolers are shipped Common Carrier:
a) All walk-ins are set-up in our facility and inspected by quality control
prior to being packaged for shipment. Panels are stacked one on top the other on wooden pallet(s). Either foam or cardboard is used to separate each panel and to guard against scratches. Once the pallet has been filled, it is banded, protected with additional
foam and shrink-wrapped for transport. Please follow this Link for specific information about receiving this type of delivery.
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5. This is my 1st shop. What’s the easiest way to get started?
Depending on your initial budget, getting started with any of our Series l or Series ll displays couldn’t be easier. Series l displays simply plug into a standard wall outlet, and once delivered are ready to go to work for you. We include the necessary
start-up services for our Series ll displays. You just need to provide the outlet. Many units are usually available for quick shipment, if timing is critical.
As your business continues to grow, your display cooler will be pushed beyond its limits. Additional equipment, such as the popular combo’s and walk-in storage coolers will be necessary for continued success.
If you simply need a compact storage cooler, consider our new Model FT68. Like our Series l displays, the only hook-up necessary is to plug it in! These units can be placed in a garage, or even outdoors if necessary, making it an ideal choice for the
at-home business.
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6. Can I expand my cooler in the future?
Because of our modular design and construction, future expandability is available with all SRC walk-ins. Unlike a wood framed unit, our panels can be easily unlocked and moved with no damage and little effort. Our insulation won’t degrade over time,
and will be just as energy efficient ten years from now as it is today.
If you know up front that future expansion is a realistic possibility, then please discuss it with your salesperson. We can make sure that our design will facilitate your future plans in the most economical way. You should also consider upgrading your
refrigeration system initially to accommodate the future expansion. A small investment up front can save you from facing the expense of replacing the entire system when you actually make the changes.
To help avoid future labor expense, no electrical or refrigeration lines should be installed through a panel that will need to be removed. Please inform your contractors about your future plans. Here are some general guidelines:
SERIES lll:
Combination walk-ins can grow infinitely in depth. They are not easily expandable in width. Storage door locations are usually flexible.
SERIES lV:
Storage walk-ins have the most flexibility in future growth potential. The easiest expansion would be one that follows the direction of the ceiling panels. This way additional panels are just added, and all existing panels can be re-used.
Entry door locations are usually flexible.
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7. What temperature should my cooler be set at?
There is a lot of discussion in the industry on what is the best temperature for your flowers. Our 23 years of experience in working with shops all over the world, the recommended range is 38 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit to store and display the majority of
fresh flowers. Tropical flowers are best stored around 55 degrees.
Click here for detailed instructions on how to change your temperature setting.
Some publications recommend that the set point be much lower, even approaching 32 degrees. These publications fail to warn of the possible pitfalls of such a holding temperature though. These include:
a) Potential product loss. A slight deviation in the temperature could destroy an entire case of product. We prefer a larger cushion.
b) Higher operating costs. This is not an insignificant expense due to the current cost of energy. Each degree of temperature drop will increase the operating costs significantly.
c) Decreased equipment operating life. By lowering the temperature into these ranges, you increase the equipment run times as much as 50% or possibly higher. Future upkeep and maintenance costs will rise significantly.
For all of these reasons, we recommend that the initial temperature setting should fall in our recommended range. See for yourself how well your product lasts with our “Surround-Air” package, before you change the setting. We think you will
agree with us, and will be doing your business a favor in the long run.
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8. What's Ethylene gas?
All flowers emit Ethylene gas. Certain environmental pollutants also contribute (cigarette smoke, propane, gas, and vehicle exhaust to name a few). The presence of ethylene gas inside your cooler accelerates the decay. Effects that may become apparent
can be leaf and/or flower fall, leaf yellowing, decreased bud opening and premature flower death.
Two years ago we made the commitment to provide every floral cabinet we market with a first year’s supply of Ethylene gas filters, to combat the deleterious effects of this harmful substance. Our filters are totally inert, and need no special
electrical hook-up or complicated installation. Simply place one in the refrigerated cabinet and it will start work right away, absorbing any gases present. After four months, simply replace it with a fresh filter. If you wish to continue this protection
in the future, additional filters can be purchased from us.
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9. How noisy will this be?
The condensing unit for your new cabinet performs a lot of important work to maintain the proper temperature. This work creates a certain amount of noise and heat. The condensing unit consists of a compressor motor and a fan motor. The character of the
noise produced by these motors is different. Fan motors are relatively quiet, emitting a steady “whir” when running. Compressor noise is higher pitched, and sounds more like a “Hum”. There are several factors that may come into
play in determining if this level of noise will be objectionable to you:
a) Compressor location. If the condensing unit is located near to an area where you work, or a sales counter, it may be more noticeable then if positioned back in your workspace.
b) The Shop layout. If your workspace has hard floors and ceilings, along with little background noise, the operational sound will be more apparent.
c) Personal sensitivity. Objectionable noise can be a very subjective thing. One person can find something unbearable, while the next person may not notice it. Any time a new noise enters an environment it will be noticed, until the point where it becomes
a part of that space.
The condensing units in our Series l displays are bottom mounted and fixed in place. Because the compressor motor is so low to the ground, the noise issue is seldom a factor, but it is a something that should be considered.
All other models of our equipment feature motors that can be mounted in a separate location, or even outside if you are concerned about the noise. Please discuss this possibility with one of our trained factory sales professionals.
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10. Any popular options I should consider now?
Display Areas:
a) We offer glass-shelving standard with our Series ll & lll displays. Most companies charge a premium for glass. We can also supply wire shelving in lieu of the glass. The advantage of wire is that it is a larger shelf (50% more area than a glass
shelf), stronger, and allows for better airflow in the display area.
b) Cash and Carry Bouquet Racks are a popular accessory. The racks can be mounted behind a display door and substituted in lieu of the shelving. The racks are very popular to promote bouquet sales. We will still provide you with the glass, in case you
want to change the look in the future. Mobile cash and carry bouquet racks are also available and can be placed by the sales counter, front door and outdoors to stimulate impulse sales.
c) Heated Glass doors are required for non-air conditioned stores, and should be considered if your climate can be very humid. Sometimes air conditioning alone is not capable of removing enough of the humidity to avoid problems.
Storage Areas:
a) Storage shelving packages maximize the use of your walk-in. We offer standard and customized packages for every cooler. 2 tier, 3 sided shelving layouts are especially important for smaller coolers. Rolling (mobile) carts can also be incorporated
into the design. Mobile carts are an excellent “step and time saver” when used to receive incoming product from your wholesaler and when taking outgoing deliveries to the vehicles.
b) Viewing windows, either panel mounted or placed in the entry door, can be a useful feature. In a high traffic area, they can help to avoid collisions with coworkers when exiting the cooler.
c) Extra lighting can be helpful for larger coolers. Incandescent or fluorescent light fixtures are available and can be shipped with your order. As a rule of thumb, extra lighting should be planned for every 100 sq. ft. of refrigerated space.
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11. I need something quick!
Whether your old unit has just quit, you need a cooler for a new gift shop account or you’ve just got your lease signed for the new location and you want to move in quickly, we can help! For remodels and new construction, our detailed computer drawings
allow your contractors to continue working while waiting delivery of your order.
Always remember, you are purchasing equipment that will be the focal point of your business, and with proper care will last for the next twenty years. Purchase decisions based solely upon availability may solve an immediate “crisis”, but
will rarely prove wise in retrospect as a long-term solution.
We counsel our customers to initially take the element of time out of the equation. Select the equipment that will best fill your needs both now and in the future. Remember that you will be working and depending on this equipment for many years!
Now that you have reached a decision you are comfortable with, we can go to work for you. Knowing your time constraints, we can start working our vendors hard to push your order through, and release the equipment early. Oftentimes, we can gain weeks
on a project.
When all is said and done, you will be left with equipment that will serve you well for the long run, and not something that you must make do with till your next purchase.
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