Do You Really Need a “Cold Room”? How Much Does a 150m² Temperature-Controlled Storage Room Cost?

Many businesses ask: “How much for a 150m² cold room at 23°C?”
But here’s the truth: if your target temperature is 23°C (73°F), you don’t need a cold room—you need a precision air-conditioned warehouse.

This simple shift can cut your investment by 30–40% while still protecting sensitive goods like chocolates, cosmetics, ambient medicines, or wine.

So what’s the real cost—and how much can you store?

📦 Storage Capacity: What Fits in 150m²?

💡 Ideal for:

• Ambient pharmaceuticals (stored at 15–25°C per WHO guidelines)
• Chocolate, confectionery, dairy powders
• Wine, premium beverages
• E-commerce inventory (skincare, supplements, electronics)

💰 Total Investment: Two Scenarios Compared

✅ Scenario 1: True “23°C Room” (No Insulation Needed)

Used in regions where outdoor temps stay below 32°C year-round (e.g., Nairobi, Bogotá, Chiang Mai in winter).

• System: Industrial air conditioning + air circulation fans
• No PU panels – walls/roof remain standard construction
• Total Cost: 26,000– 32,000 USD
• Power Use: ～8–12 kW (much lower than refrigeration)

⚠️ Scenario 2: Insulated “Cold-Capable” Room

Required if ambient exceeds 35°C (e.g., Dubai, Lagos, Riyadh, Jakarta).

• System: Insulated panels (75–100mm PU) + cooling unit
• Can later be upgraded to 2–8°C if needed
• Total Cost: 38,000– 45,000 USD

🔑 Key Insight: Don’t pay for insulation unless your climate demands it.

🌍 Real-World Example

A beauty product distributor in Da Nang, Vietnam needed stable 22–24°C storage for imported serums:

• Chose non-insulated temp-controlled room: $ 28,500 USD
• Capacity: 350 pallets
• Result:
  • Prevented product separation during humid summers
  • Passed brand compliance audit
  • Saved $ 14,000 vs. building a full cold room
  • ROI in under 7 months

“We were quoted a ‘cold room’—but we didn’t need cold. We needed control. This solution was perfect.”
— Logistics Manager, Glow Distribution Co.

❓ When Do You Actually Need a Cold Room?