When it comes to honoring loved ones who have passed away, providing dignified and respectful care is paramount. Mortuary coolers play a crucial role in preserving bodies, offering families the time they need to grieve and make funeral arrangements. This guide explores the purpose of mortuary coolers, their features, and considerations for choosing the right option for your facility.
What Are Mortuary Coolers and Why Are They Important?
Mortuary coolers are essential for slowing the natural decomposition process, allowing families to plan funeral services without the pressure of time constraints. These units create a sterile, temperature-controlled environment that preserves the body while providing a buffer for grief-stricken loved ones. In some cases, mortuaries can store bodies for several weeks, ensuring arrangements can be made with care and consideration.
Key Features of Mortuary Coolers
Efficient Body Storage
Mortuary coolers are designed with shelving units to maximize storage capacity. Typically, these shelves can hold two to four bodies, ensuring each body is stored separately and respectfully. Bodies are placed on trays or bodyboards that help maintain a flat, dignified position and make movement easier for staff.
Body Lifts for Safe Handling
To ease the physical strain of moving bodies, many facilities opt for manual or electronic body lifts. These lifts enhance worker safety and streamline the process of placing bodies on shelves or removing them as needed.
Temperature Control
Most mortuary coolers operate at temperatures between 36°F and 39°F to slow decomposition. While this range is suitable for most mortuary needs, some facilities, such as forensic institutes, may require freezers capable of maintaining temperatures below freezing for long-term preservation.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Energy consumption is a significant factor in the ongoing costs of a mortuary cooler. Three main elements impact energy usage:
- Unit Size: Larger units require more energy but are generally more efficient per cubic foot.
- Climate: Units in hotter climates consume more energy to maintain cool temperatures compared to those in temperate regions.
- Insulation: High-quality insulation with a higher R-value reduces energy consumption by keeping cold air in and external heat out. While better insulation increases upfront costs, it pays off in long-term energy savings.
Types of Mortuary Coolers
Body Boxes
For facilities with smaller storage needs, body boxes are a cost-effective and mobile solution. These standalone units can store one to six bodies, depending on their size, and often feature wheels for easy relocation. Body boxes simply plug into standard outlets, making them an excellent choice for smaller operations or as backup storage.
Walk-In Mortuary Coolers
For larger facilities, walk-in mortuary coolers offer scalable storage solutions. These units allow personnel to move freely within the cooler, making them ideal for high-capacity needs. Arctic provides custom-built walk-ins tailored to your space and operational requirements. Options include:
- Custom Floor Materials: Durable floors for easy cleaning.
- Floor Drains: Simplify maintenance and ensure sanitary conditions.
- Adjustable Shelving: Maximize storage capacity and flexibility.
Maintenance and Durability
Mortuary coolers are designed for longevity, but regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance. Outdoor units, in particular, benefit from additional weatherproofing features such as:
- Weather-Resistant Coatings: Protect against rust and corrosion.
- Rubber Roof Membranes: Shield against rain, snow, and debris.
- Condensing Unit Covers: Prevent damage from precipitation and debris.
Making the Right Choice
Selecting a mortuary cooler is a significant investment, and consulting with refrigeration professionals can help you determine the best fit for your facility. Consider factors such as storage capacity, energy efficiency, climate conditions, and your facility’s unique needs.
Arctic offers a wide range of customizable solutions, from quick-ship body boxes to fully customized walk-in coolers. With Arctic’s expertise, you can ensure your facility is equipped to provide the highest level of afterlife care.