Case Study: Mortuary Cooler Retrofit at St. Luke’s Funeral Home | American Mortuary Coolers
**Project Type:** Mortuary Cooler Retrofit
**Client:** St. Luke’s Funeral Home
**Location:** Cedar Rapids, Iowa
**Service Provider:** American Mortuary Coolers
**Timeline:** 3 Weeks
**Completion Date:** June 2025
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## 🏗️ The Challenge
St. Luke’s Funeral Home, a well-established provider of compassionate care in Cedar Rapids, faced a serious operational bottleneck. Their **aging mortuary cooler system** was no longer maintaining consistent temperatures, risking compliance violations and equipment failure during peak service periods.
> “We were concerned about the reliability of our cooler and needed a fast, compliant, and lasting solution before summer hit,” said John W., Facilities Manager at St. Luke’s.
**Key Issues:**
* Fluctuating internal temperatures
* Compressor inefficiency
* Outdated insulation and seals
* Risk of non-compliance with state regulations
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## 💡 The Solution
American Mortuary Coolers stepped in with a **turnkey retrofit package** tailored to the client’s space and workflow.
### Retrofit Highlights:
* **Custom-built walk-in cooler panels** designed for existing footprint
* **High-efficiency Tecumseh condensing unit** installation
* **R-404A refrigerant line replacement**
* **New digital thermostat and alert system**
* **Sanitary vinyl flooring and LED interior lighting**
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## ⚙️ The Installation Process
| Step | Description |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| 1. Site Evaluation | Full inspection of electrical, mechanical, and structural elements |
| 2. System Design | CAD renderings and airflow simulations approved within 3 days |
| 3. Old Unit Removal | Removed with minimal disruption to operations |
| 4. Retrofit Installation | Completed in 5 working days by a 3-person certified crew |
| 5. Final Inspection & Handover | Verified with local code and compliance standards |
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## ✅ The Results
* **Temperature Stability:** Maintains 36°F ±1°F consistently
* **Energy Efficiency:** Reduced electric consumption by 28%
* **Improved Workflow:** Larger internal clearance and rack spacing
* **Noise Reduction:** 60% quieter than the previous unit
* **Compliance:** Meets all 2025 Iowa State Funeral Code refrigeration requirements
> “The upgrade has exceeded expectations in both performance and aesthetics. We’re proud to show families our facility again,” John W. adds.
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## 🔎 Why Choose American Mortuary Coolers?
With over 20 years of experience, **American Mortuary Coolers** is the trusted partner for **funeral homes, pathology labs, and morgues across the U.S.** We specialize in custom builds, fast retrofits, and long-lasting results backed by industry-best warranties.
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## 🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
### **How long does a retrofit like this usually take?**
Most of our cooler retrofit projects are completed within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on size and existing conditions.
### **What brands of refrigeration equipment do you install?**
We typically use Tecumseh, Copeland, and Heatcraft — depending on the project needs and climate.
### **Is financing available for funeral home cooler upgrades?**
Yes. We offer flexible financing options through our commercial equipment lending partners.
### **Do you serve clients outside of Iowa?**
Absolutely. We’ve completed projects in 38 states and counting.
### **Are your systems compliant with health codes?**
Yes, every unit is designed to meet or exceed **local, state, and federal mortuary refrigeration regulations.**
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## 📞 Ready to Retrofit Your Cooler?
Contact **American Mortuary Coolers** today for a no-obligation quote.
📧 Email: [sales@mymortuarycooler.com](mailto:sales@mymortuarycooler.com)
📞 Phone: (800) 555-COOL
🌐 [www.americanmortuarycoolers.com](https://www.americanmortuarycoolers.com)
