Wine Cellar Cooling Units – Types

Are you a wine enthusiast or collector seeking to properly store your wine? If so, understanding the various wine cellar cooling unit options available is crucial. In this page, we will delve into the different types of cooling units, discussing their features, benefits, and considerations. Join us as we provide insights and guidance to help you select the ideal cooling unit for preserving and enhancing your valuable wine collection, including some pro tips on how to install them and how to maintain them.

Get ready to optimize your wine storage conditions and maintain the perfect environment for your wines!

The Three Primary Wine Cellar Cooling System Types

There are different types of cooling units for wine cellars, but we categorize them into three main types:

• Self-contained, Through-the-Wall Wine Cellar Cooling Units
• Ductless-Split Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems
• Ducted-Split With Air handler Wine Cellar Climate Control Systems

1. Self-Contained Through-the-Wall Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Self-contained cooling systems refer to standalone units or devices that are designed to provide cooling without requiring external connections or additional components like an extended HVAC system. These systems are capable of cooling specific areas or equipment without the need for extensive infrastructure or complex installations.

Self-Contained Wine Cellar Cooling Units Systems – Functional Diagram

These units are the simplest and generally the least expensive to install. They come in one piece, and can be mounted on the wall. Self-contained cooling units for wine cellars are designed for straightforward installation. They are typically self-contained in a single housing, allowing for easy integration into the cellar’s layout. Some units may require minimal ductwork or venting to expel hot air from the cellar.

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Installation: Self-Contained Unit

When considering a self-contained wine cellar cooling unit, decide the best wall for placement and exhaust. Many self-contained residential and commercial wine cellar cooling systems need to mount on an interior wall and exhaust the hot air and fan noise they create into an adjacent room. This room will need to be well-ventilated in order to accommodate the heat vented from the unit.

A good rule of thumb is that the adjoining room should be at least the same size as your wine cellar and not typically exceed 80F degrees. Rooms that are ideal for this heat and noise can be furnace rooms, mechanical rooms, unfinished portions of a basement, and possibly even a garage.

Some self-contained wine cellar cooling unit can be installed on an exterior wall. In this scenario it’s important to be sure that the manufacturer offers a model that will operate effectively and efficiently in temperatures up to 105F degrees.

Self-Contained Cooling Unit Maintenance

Cleaning a self-contained wine cellar cooling unit is an essential maintenance task to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. With only a few exceptions, self-contained systems are sealed by the manufacturer and will have to be removed from the wine cellar wall and shipped to the manufacturer for service or wine cellar cooling unit repair. This can be a pain and inconvenient, at best. But in general, here are the fundamental steps we take when maintaining a self-contained unit, which you can do too if you have some experience with cleaning cooling units before:

1. Turn Off the Unit: Before starting any cleaning procedures, ensure that the cooling unit is turned off and unplugged from the power source. This is extemely important for your safety. 
2. Remove Dust and Debris: Use a soft brush or a small vacuum with a brush to gently remove dust and debris from the exterior of the cooling unit. Pay attention to the vents, grille, and any accessible fan blades. Avoid using excessive force or sharp objects that could damage the unit.
3. Clean the Filters: Many self-contained cooling units have filters that help trap dust and other particles. These filters can become clogged over time, affecting the unit’s performance. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on filter removal and cleaning. Generally, you can rinse the filters under running water. Allow the filters to dry completely before reinserting them.
4. Wipe Down the Interior: Open the cooling unit and use a soft, preferrably microfiber, slightly damp cloth to wipe the interior surfaces. This helps remove any dust, spills, or residue that may have accumulated. Be caerful not to wet any electrical components or sensors during this process. 
5. Clean the Condenser Coils: The condenser coils of the cooling unit can accumulate dust and dirt over time, reducing their efficiency. If accessible, use a soft brush to remove the debris from the coils. Work on it with light hands so you don’t damage the delicate fins of the coils. If heavily soiled, you may need to use a coil cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Check Drainage System: Some self-contained cooling units have a drainage system to remove condensation or excess moisture. Check the drain pan or tubing for any blockages or build-up. Clean or unclog the drain as necessary to ensure proper drainage.
7. Reassemble and Test: Once all the cleaning steps are completed, reassemble any components you removed, including filters and panels. Plug the unit back in and turn it on. Monitor its operation to ensure it is functioning correctly, and check for any abnormal noises or signs of malfunction.

Note: It’s important to follow the specific cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer of your self-contained wine cellar cooling unit. The instructions may also vary according to the model and design of the unit. Refer to the user manual, contact the manufacturer, or get in touch with us at Coastal Custom Wine Cellars if you have any doubts or require further assistance.

2. Ductless-Split Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems

Ductless Split Refrigeration Systems – Functional Diagram

An alternative is to consider Ductless Split Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems. These systems consist of two main components: an indoor evaporator unit and an outdoor condenser unit. This type of cooling system does not require a complex network of ductwork to distribute cool air, hence the term “ductless.” Because the condenser is supposedly installed outside the house, ductless split systems require no venting into an adjoining room anymore.

Check out this refrigerated wine cellar with a split system cooling unit!

Some of the benefits of using ducted split-system wine cellar cooling units include:

• you can cool different wine cellars or different sections of a massive wine cellar at the same time.
• they operate quietly and produce little to no vibration which can potentially affect your wines.
• they are relatively easy to install compared to ducted cooling systems.
• almost all ductless cooling systems come use inverter technology which means they are energy efficient.
• they don’t require ductwork so you don’t have to find a large space to set them up.

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Installation: Ductless Split System

Installing a ductless split system cooling unit in a wine cellar typically involves several key steps. While the exact installation process can vary depending on the specific unit and cellar design, here is a general run through:

1. Determining the location for the indoor evaporator unit based on factors such as airflow, aesthetics, and accessibility.
2. Identifying the appropriate location for the outdoor condenser unit outside the cellar based on available ventilation and clearance.
3. Mounting the evaporator and condenser units in their specific places.
4. Connecting the evaporator and condenser units with copper tubing and control wiring.
5. Running the electrical or power lines.
6. Testing to see if the connections are secured and the system works.

Why Split-System Cooling Units Are Great, Especially for Wine Cellars Under the Stairs

These systems can be a little more expensive but the advantages are generally more than justified by a longer life expectancy, elimination of fan noise and heat exhaust to other rooms and the ability of the system to be serviced on site.

Ductless Split System Cooling Unit Maintenance

Ductless units can be serviced on site, making maintenance much more convenient. While we offer comprehensive maintenance services, here are some of the tasks we take on:

• Regularly clean both units using a soft brush, cloth, or vacuum with a soft brush.
•  Ensure the condenser and evaporator coils are clean and free from dirt or blockages.
• Clean or replace the filters.
• Check refrigerant levels as low refrigerant levels can affect the cooling efficiency of the unit (if you notice a significant decrease in cooling performance or ice formation on the indoor unit, it may indicate a refrigerant leak.)
• Regularly inspect and clean the drain pan, drain lines, and drain pump (if applicable).
• Periodically inspect the electrical connections of the cooling unit to ensure they are secure and properly tightened.
• Calibrate temperature and humidity monitoring and control systems.

3. Ducted-Split With Air Handler Wine Cellar Climate Control Systems

Ducted-split air handler Wine Cellar Climate Control Systems – Functional Diagram

Another alternative to consider is a Wine Cellar Cooling Split Air Handler. The benefits of this type of system are similar to the ductless systems, but in this case, there is no visible equipment in the wine cellar at all. The cooled air is simply ducted to and from the wine cellar. So in this type of system, there is ducting but no evaporator in the wine cellar at all.

There are two types of these systems. First, as depicted in the illustration above, the evaporator and the condenser are separate and can be located in different locations. This allows the condenser unit outside of the home or business. The second, self-contained air handlers (not to be confused with Self-Contained Wine Cellar Cooling Units depicted in the first image) have both the evaporator and the condenser housed in one unit.

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Installation: Ducted Split System

Similar to the two cooling units mentioned above, installing a ducted split system cooling unit for a wine cellar involves several key steps. These include:

1. Assessing the layout of the entire home to determine where to run the duct and where to place the supply/return vents to maximize the space’s air distribution potential.
2. Installing the cooling unit on a dedicated space outside the cellar.
3. Connecting the refrigerant lines and the indoor coils.
4. Running the electricals for power supply.
5. Installing the thermostat in a convenient location within the wine cellar.
6. Testing the cooling unit’s air flow, thermostat functionality, and temperature/humidity controls.
7. Insulating the ductwork, connections, and joints to optimize energy consumption and prevent air leaks.

Self-Contained Air handler Wine Cellar Climate Control Systems – Functional Diagram

Ducted Split System Cooling Unit Maintenance

Cleaning the ducts in a split system custom wine cellar cooling unit can improve indoor air quality and enhance the overall performance of the system. However, it’s important to note that duct cleaning can be a complex task and may require professional assistance. Here are the general steps involved in cleaning the ducts of a split system cooling unit:

• Check for signs that may indicate the need for cleaning include visible dust or debris buildup in the vents, mold growth, musty odors, or reduced airflow. (Click here to see other wine cellar cooling system problems)
• Obtain the necessary equipment for duct cleaning, which may include a high-powered vacuum cleaner with a long hose and brush attachments, a HEPA filter, protective clothing, and a flashlight.
• Before starting any cleaning procedures, turn off the split system cooling unit and disconnect the power to ensure safety.
• Use a brush on a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clean the supply and return vents, removing any visible dust, debris, or cobwebs. Ensure thorough cleaning of all accessible areas.
• Insert the brush or cleaning tool into the ducts and move it back and forth to dislodge dust and debris from the duct walls.
• Use the vacuum cleaner to capture the dislodged debris as you clean. Ensure that the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter to trap fine particles.
• Inspect the registers for any visible buildup or obstructions. Clean them using a brush or damp cloth to remove dust and grime.

Consider hiring a professional duct cleaning service for a thorough cleaning of the ductwork, especially if there are extensive dust or mold issues, or if you are unsure about performing the cleaning yourself.

How does Wine Cellars by Coastal help you to negotiate these options?

Once one of our experienced wine cellar designers consult with you to understand your specific preferences and constraints, taking those into account they will then perform a heat load calculation to determine the proper BTU’s needed for the location.

Factors such as room size, R-factors, presence of glass, ambient conditions, and location of the wine cellar will all be taken into account to provide you a much more specific set of options for the type of systems and the specific models that will suit your conditions best.

You might notice that there are dozens of wine cellar cooling brands in the market today with many different cooling system lines. At Coastal, we choose to only work with manufacturers with proven experience and quality because we want our clients to get beyond what they pay for. Among others, the top wine cellar cooling manufacturers we trust are WhisperKOOL, Wine Guardian, CellarPro, and US Cellar Systems.

Want to learn more about Wine Cellar Designs & Wine Cellar Cooling?

At Wine Cellars by Coastal we have a gallery of beautiful wine cellars and an extensive selection of full wine cellar builders project stories for you to view. The individual projects include details of specific wine cellar cooling systems, and why and how they were installed.

Take your time and check out projects such as:
Custom Wine Cellars Maryland
Custom Wine Cellars Los Angeles
Custom Wine Cellars Orange County
Commercial Wine Cellars California
Custom Wine Cellars Pennsylvania

Wine Cellar Cooling Questions?

Call us at +1 (888) 735-888 today! Or complete a simple Wine Cellar Design Request

One of our experienced wine cellar design consultants will create for you the custom wine cellar design of your dreams and all at no obligation to you. At Coastal Custom Wine Cellars we will go out of our way to make the whole process as easy and as hassle-free for you as possible.

Related:

Six Benefits of Externally Ducted Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems