Glossary
What is refrigeration?
Refrigeration is the cooling of a body to slow decomposition while arrangements are made. It is a common alternative to embalming when only a short delay is needed, and many funeral homes offer it instead of or before embalming.
Holding a body in refrigeration preserves it for a limited time without chemicals, which suits families planning a quick service, a direct cremation, an immediate burial, or a green burial that avoids embalming fluids. Funeral homes typically use a dedicated cold room; at home, families may use dry ice or cooling techniques for short periods.
Some states require either refrigeration or embalming once final disposition is delayed beyond a set number of hours, but the threshold and the rule vary by jurisdiction, and for a prompt cremation or burial neither may be necessary. Refrigeration is frequently the lower-cost choice and, unlike embalming, requires no chemical treatment of the body.
Because refrigeration preserves a body for a limited period — generally suited to delays of days rather than weeks — it is not a substitute for embalming when a viewing must be held well after death or a body must travel a long distance. The funeral home can advise on a safe timeframe and any local requirements, and the FTC Funeral Rule entitles you to see its price for refrigeration alongside embalming on the General Price List.
Related terms
Embalming
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a body by replacing its fluids with chemical solutions that slow decomposition. It is sometimes used before a viewing or for transport, but is rarely required by law and is not necessary for most funerals.
Home funeral
A home funeral is one in which the family cares for and keeps the body at home for viewing and ceremony, rather than using a funeral home's facilities. Families may handle some or all arrangements themselves, within what their state's laws allow.
Mortuary
A mortuary is a facility where bodies are received, prepared, and held before burial or cremation. The term is often used interchangeably with funeral home, though a mortuary can also mean a building focused on preparation and storage of the body.
Direct cremation
Direct cremation is cremation that takes place soon after death with no viewing, visitation, or ceremony beforehand. It is usually the lowest-cost cremation option, and any memorial the family wants can be held separately, later, and anywhere.
See also
Common questions about Refrigeration
Sources
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.