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A dead body is kept cold in a refrigerated mortuary cooler (also called a morgue refrigerator) that holds the body at about 36–40°F. Cooling slows the bacterial activity that drives decomposition, preserving the body for viewing, autopsy, or transport. For longer holding, a mortuary freezer below freezing is used. In 2026, these systems run on energy-efficient, low-GWP refrigerants such as R-455A.
Why Cold Slows Decomposition
After death, natural enzyme activity and bacteria begin breaking down tissue. Both processes speed up with heat and slow dramatically with cold. Holding a body at 36–40°F slows decomposition enough to preserve it for days; freezing halts it for far longer. This is why every funeral home, hospital morgue, and medical examiner relies on dedicated refrigeration rather than ambient storage.
What Temperature Is a Body Kept At?
| Storage Type | Temperature | Typical Holding |
|---|---|---|
| Mortuary cooler (short-term) | 36–40°F | Days to a few weeks |
| Mortuary freezer (long-term) | Below freezing | Weeks to months |
What Equipment Keeps a Body Cold?
The right unit depends on how many bodies a facility holds and for how long:
Smaller funeral homes often use an upright morgue cooler; hospitals and medical examiners use vault or walk-in systems for higher capacity.
How a Body Is Kept Cold in 2026
Modern mortuary refrigeration is built to current standards: AWEF-rated, energy-efficient compressors and low-GWP R-455A refrigerant on a 208/230V supply, with digital temperature control that holds the setpoint precisely. This keeps the body at a safe, consistent temperature while meeting 2026 DOE and EPA requirements — see our 2026-compliant refrigeration systems and commercial morgue cooling guide.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage
For bodies awaiting services within days, a 36–40°F cooler is standard. For unclaimed cases, ongoing investigations, or anatomical donation, a sub-freezing mortuary freezer halts decomposition for extended periods. Many facilities run both as a matched pair.
Need cold storage for your facility?
We’ll match the right mortuary cooler or freezer to your caseload — USA-made, factory-direct.
Call 1-888-792-9315Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a body be kept in a mortuary cooler?
At 36–40°F a body is typically held for several days up to a few weeks. For longer periods, a mortuary freezer operating below freezing is used.
What is the temperature of a morgue cooler?
Most morgue coolers hold 36–40°F for short-term body storage. Mortuary freezers operate below freezing for long-term holding.
Why are bodies kept cold instead of frozen?
Refrigeration at 36–40°F preserves a body for viewing and services without the tissue changes freezing causes. Freezing is reserved for long-term or unclaimed cases.
American Mortuary Coolers — USA-made, factory-direct. 140 Kwickway Lane, Johnson City, TN 37615 • 1-888-792-9315 • po@mymortuarycooler.com
