Self-contained cooling unit installed inside a wine cellars
When planning a suitable wine storage solution for your wine collection, you may be wondering if your wine cellar needs a cellar cooling unit.
If you are planning to store your wine inside a cellar that does not maintain a steady 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, you will need a cellar cooling system. Wine cellar cooling systems are an investment, and because they are not cheap, you may question whether or not they are worth it.
Is a Cellar Cooling Unit the Same as an HVAC?
While both a cellar cooling system and an air conditioner can lower the temperature in a room, there is a key difference. Air conditioners are designed to remove humidity from a room. A cellar cooling system will maintain the humidity inside a cellar. Humidity maintenance is important because it prevents the cork of the wine bottle from drying out, preserving the seal and thwarting oxidization.
To unlock the best flavors and aromas from your wine, it must be stored under the proper conditions.
The ideal storage location for wine is inside a wine cave that is cool, dark, and humid. Since most wine collectors do not own a wine cave, a wine cellar is the next best thing. To recreate cave-like conditions inside a properly insulated and sealed space, a cellar cooling unit must be installed. A properly installed cellar cooling system will cool the room to 50~65 °F and maintain a humidity of 50~75% RH. Here is a summary of the installation process for different cooling units, including self-contained, split, and ducted.
Self-Contained Cooling Unit Installation
Self-contained or through-wall cooling systems are designed for use inside both wine cabinets and wine cellars. Self-contained cooling units are all-in-one appliances containing both the evaporator and condenser. The unit circulates air and must exhaust hot air outside of the cellar. Generally, installing a self-contained cooling unit is easy and can be done without hiring a contractor.:
1. First, a location for the cooling unit is selected following all the clearance guidelines of that specific unit. This can vary depending on the location of the exhaust.
2. An opening is cut for the cooling system, and a shelf may be installed to support the cooling unit.
3. The unit is installed, and gaskets are used to maintain the seal of the cellar or cabinet.
A self-contained cooling system installed inside a wine cellar.
Civilizations have been cellaring wine for nearly 4,000 years.
The first wine cellars were simple spaces designed to keep the wine cool and out of the sun. Today’s wine cellars have certainly evolved to favor similar conditions in a precisely controlled environment. Since most wine collectors do not have access to a wine cave, they must keep their precious collections in insulated rooms that use a cellar cooling system. There are multiple cellar cooling units, including self-contained wine cooling systems. Read on to learn about the different kinds of cellar cooling units.
Self-Contained Cooling Unit
Self-contained cooling units are designed for easy installation, with the condenser and evaporator inside one compact appliance. Installing a self-contained unit is simple and often does not require an HVAC technician. Self-contained systems can maintain a steady temperature between 50~65 °F when installed inside a properly insulated wine room. Humidity can be maintained within 50~75% RH, perfect for the long-term storage of wine. Self-contained cooling systems can be designed with a rear, top, or ducted exhaust, which allows them to be used for multiple types of installation. Self-contained cooling units are sometimes referred to as thru-the-wall cooling units.
When it comes to building your dream cellar, Vinotemp International has you covered.
Having been a leader in the wine storage industry for over 25 years, Vinotemp has seen it all. With a diverse catalog including everything from custom wine cellars to premium wine coolers, Vinotemp’s true mission is to turn your imagination into reality.
Having partnered with other leading innovators in the industry, Vinotemp’s WineMate cooling systems are built to last. The three different options for installation allow you a greater range of versatility than other leading brands. Ranging from 1500BTU to 8500BTU, WineMate’s various self-contained systems have the controls built into the unit, condensing the space needed for installation. If you prefer to monitor and control the temperature of your wine collection from outside your cellar, WineMate also offers various ducted systems that allow you to place the controls outside your unit while air ducts direct cool air right where it needs to be. Don’t like the look of your condenser? Not a problem! WineMate offers a split system that allows you to place the condenser up to 50 feet away. Each unit undergoes a series of rigorous tests to ensure only the best quality.
