Oct 29 2010
Installing A Wine Cellar – Read This First
Learning these key points could save you money and your wine collection.
Consult a wine cellar professional
Creating the most efficient cellar environment involves a number of variables. A wine cellar professional is able to identify and address the unique set of challenges each wine cellar presents.
Cooling units make noise
The compressor and airflow through the fans generates noise. The location of the cellar and the cooling unit exhaust needs to be considered, particularly when installing a self-contained unit. If there is limited flexibility then a split or ducted system may be the best option.The WhisperKOOL Split System offers a number of highly efficient and quiet models that can meet all your cooling needs.
Temperature differential
The ability of a cooling unit to cool your wine cellar to the desired 55F for wine storage depends on this factor.The temperature differential is the difference a unit can cool from the area it is exhausting into.What this means is that if a cooling unit has a temperature differential of 30F and the temperature of the area it is exhausting to is 90F then the wine cellar will only be able to maintain a temperature of around 60F. For exterior exhausting applications a 55°F or higher temperature differential, such as that provide by the WhisperKOOL 4000 split system is highly recommended.
Insulation affects cooling unit performance
Your wine cellar will be more efficient, the more insulation you have. Without sufficient insulation the cooling unit has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature which will also shorten the life of the unit. Note: concrete walls are not appropriate for a wine cellar, as they absorb cooling. Your cellar requires framed walls with insulation.
Install a vapor barrier
While the insulation ensures proper temperature is maintained the vapor barrier helps ensure that proper humidity can be achieved in your wine cellar.
Redundant cooling systems for high value collections
A redundant system can help protect your wine collection should a cooling unit fail. This could be a second cooling unit or for a short period of time the home A/C unit can be used. In case of power failure a backup generator is a good idea.
You must connect your drain line
In order to maintain proper humidity in your wine cellar cooling units such as the WhisperKOOL 7000 split system require that the drain line is connected at all times to ensure that there is no water damage to the walls and other components of the wine cellar.
