4 Simple Ways to Keep Cold Air Inside Your Walk-In

Whether managing a kitchen, lab, retail space, or healthcare facility, commercial cold storage is mission-critical. But every time cold air leaks from a walk-in cooler or freezer, businesses spend more on energy and put inventory at risk. Over time, that adds up to lost profits and preventable waste.

Walk-ins are some of the largest energy consumers in any operation. And when they're not correctly maintained or managed, they become even more expensive to run. Keeping cold air where it belongs helps lower utility bills, extend equipment lifespan, and maintain safe storage temperatures that reduce spoilage.

1. Install Strip Curtains to Help Contain Cold Air

Strip curtains are a low-cost way to reduce temperature loss. These plastic curtains create a barrier inside the door, helping trap cold air even while staff are moving in and out. They also close automatically, which limits the time cold air can escape.

When paired with an insulated, self-closing door, strip curtains add another layer of protection without slowing down kitchen flow. They're especially useful during busy prep periods when access to the walk-in is frequent.

2. Schedule Access Times to Reduce Unnecessary Entry

Many walk-in trips are unplanned. Grabbing an extra box of eggs or a case of frozen fries might seem harmless, but repeated visits make any refrigeration system work harder. And when that equipment runs constantly, it wears out faster.

Setting specific walk-in access windows helps teams plan better. It encourages batch retrieval and keeps the door closed for extended periods. For exceptions, a quick manager check-in can maintain flexibility while keeping energy loss in check.

3. Discourage Propping the Door Open

Leaving the walk-in door open, even for a few minutes, can cause a rapid rise in temperature. If the habit goes unchecked, it can also trigger food safety risks and temperature alarms. This often happens during deliveries or large pulls from storage.

Make it part of the operating policy that walk-in doors must stay closed at all times. Remove crates, trash cans, or other objects that staff could use to keep the door open. If staff are propping the door because they’re worried about getting locked in, consider adding an illuminated safety release or signage to ease those concerns.

4. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance

Even when everything else is going right, walk-ins may still be losing cold air due to wear and tear. Gasket damage, door misalignment, and insulation failure are common culprits. What seem like minor issues often go unnoticed until there’s a costly repair.

Work with a service partner to schedule regular maintenance and inspections. Look for early signs of trouble, like ice buildup near the door, temperature swings, or rising energy use. Fixing problems before they get worse helps protect inventory and keep refrigeration systems running efficiently.

Cold air management doesn't require a complete equipment overhaul. With a few operational changes and minor upgrades, operators can make a significant impact on performance, food safety, and monthly costs, help extend the life of walk-ins and keep cold storage doing its job.