Home » Geographic Factors & Mortuary Cooler Sizing: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Geographic Factors & Mortuary Cooler Sizing: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Ambient Temperatures: A Critical Factor in Cooler Sizing

Preventing Warranty Issues Through Proper Sizing

Understanding ASHRAE Temperature Data

Geographic Considerations for Mortuary Coolers: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Mortuary coolers, including mortuary upright coolers, cadaver coolers, funeral home coolers, and medical examiner coolers, are highly customizable refrigeration units designed to fit diverse spatial requirements. They can be installed indoors or outdoors, with condensing units placed on-site or remotely, such as on building rooftops. This flexibility, however, necessitates careful consideration of geographic location, even for indoor installations. American Mortuary Coolers understands these nuances and provides tailored solutions for your specific needs.

Ambient Temperature and Refrigeration Requirements:

The average ambient temperature of your location significantly impacts the refrigeration system needed. Indoor applications typically operate within 90 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, while outdoor units are designed for temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

  • In regions with consistently high temperatures (e.g., California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), mortuary coolers require robust refrigeration systems and enhanced insulation, even for indoor units with remote condensers.
  • Consult temperature charts from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to determine average high temperatures in your area.
  • IMPORTANT TEXT: Failure to take ambient room temperature and room conditions into consideration are an immediate void of warranty. Upsize of refrigeration must be done at the time of order. No exceptions.
  • It is the customer's duty to properly elect the right size. This cannot be done by guessing. If the mortuary cooler or funeral home cooler is not in a conditioned space that is heated and cooled year round, odds are you need to upgrade refrigeration systems. WE cannot make this determination for you and will not be held liable.
  • For example, if you are installing a cooler in Southern California in a detached structure that is a metal building in nature, with no insulation and bare metal walls. This is definitely a space that would need to have an upgraded compressor. Take the guess work out and think of your highest temperature. This goes unnoticed and you must factor in HUMIDITY LEVELS also into the research.

Extreme Weather Conditions:

Certain regions experience severe weather events, demanding specialized construction for mortuary coolers.

  • Coastal areas prone to hurricanes require outdoor units with reinforced wall panels, enhanced locking mechanisms, and secure anchoring to withstand high winds. Building codes may also restrict unit size and mandate flashing for added stability.
  • Locations with heavy snowfall necessitate sloped roofs on outdoor units to prevent snow accumulation and structural damage.
  • Seismic activity requires earthquake-resistant construction for all mortuary coolers, regardless of location. Municipal and county building codes, such as those referencing Los Angeles Research Reports in California, dictate necessary modifications like additional anchors and specialized materials.

Outdoor Installation Requirements:

Outdoor installations of cadaver coolers, funeral home coolers, and similar units require specific features.

  • A membrane roof, typically made of white rubber, is essential for repelling rain, debris, and deflecting heat.
  • A rain hood or drip cap over the door prevents rainwater intrusion during door openings.

Local Building Codes and Regulations:

Compliance with local building codes is paramount when installing mortuary coolers.

  • Consult with general contractors and local authorities to understand regulations regarding door width, ramp placement, unit size, locking mechanisms, and alarm requirements.
  • These regulations vary significantly, so thorough research is essential.

American Mortuary Coolers: Tailored Solutions for Any Location:

We provide expert guidance and customized mortuary cooler solutions to meet the unique challenges posed by your geographic location. Contact us at 1 888 792 9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com to ensure your unit is built to withstand local conditions and comply with all applicable regulations.

Installation Inspection Checklist




You can find the American Mortuary Cooler serial number on an orange or blue tag attached to the equipment.





We will send the Warranty Certificate to this email address.



Installation and Inspection Checklist

The purpose of this form is to aid in the installation and connection of the equipment. This form is needed along with pictures to verify equipment was installed correctly. Once the necessary documentation is received and reviewed for approval, you will be notified in writing of your warranty coverage. Some items may not pertain to your equipment and would be N/A. This form must be submitted within 30 days of final installation. If it is after 30 days, the inspection will need to be performed by American Mortuary Cooler for an additional fee.

1. Make sure nothing is obstructing the equipment on all sides and the back. (Required)

2. Verify the equipment is level. There should be no rocking or instability. (Required)

3a. If applicable, verify adjustment of the leveling feet. (Required)


3b. Upload image of air space under equipment (for Grossing Station)

4a. Verify how the power is connected to the unit. (Required)

4b. Upload image showing power connection

5. Check if the main power switch works properly. (Required)

6. Verify the GFCI breakers work properly. (Required)

7. Verify garbage disposal works properly if applicable. (Required)


8a. Verify display screen works properly if applicable. (Required)


8b. Upload image showing display screen

9a. Check plumbing connections for leaks. (Required)

9b. Upload image showing no leaks in plumbing

10a. Verify factory-installed "P" trap bracket is in place. (Required)

10b. Upload image showing "P" trap bracket

11a. Verify ventilation and band clamps connected. (Required)

11b. Upload image showing ventilation and band clamps

12a. Verify equipment is anchored correctly if applicable. (Required)


12b. Upload image showing equipment anchored

13. Verify sealing of floor-mounted/wall-mounted equipment if applicable. (Required)


14. Verify up/down elevation works properly if applicable. (Required)


15. For wall-mounted sinks, verify support brackets are bolted securely. (Required)