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In order to select the perfect wine to add to your collection, you have to know what you’re looking for. Selecting the proper cooling system is no different. To get you acquainted with the things you should know before buying, we’ll start with the basics of what a wine cooling system is and how it operates.

Wine cellar cooling systems are air conditioners specifically designed to operate at an ideal cellar temperature, usually 55° F to 57° F. As with other air conditioners, these systems must provide an evaporator coil to cool the air and condense moisture inside the cellar, and a condenser coil, which uses a compressor to remove the heat coming out of the room. 

The links below will give you a more in-depth overview of some of the technicalities and help you get started on selecting your ideal climate control system. 

• How to Choose a Wine Cellar Cooling System
• Wine Cellar Temperature & Humidity - What Is Ideal?
• Correctly Sizing Your System
• What if I Need Service or Help?

How to Choose a Wine Cellar Cooling System

Wine cellar cooling systems comes in many different sizes and shapes, but they all fall into one of the three categories. Here is an overview of your choices.

Through-the-Wall System

One of the most popular, reliable and least expensive styles used in private cellars is a “through-the-wall” configuration, in which a self-contained air conditioning unit is mounted literally through the wall. These systems are best for smaller cellars, as they have a limited cooling capacity. Thought must be given to the best placement of these systems, so as not to interfere with the racking.

Choosing a system that complements the look of the wine cellar, is quiet, energy efficient and offers a small footprint is important, as is the ability to duct warm condenser air away from the area to create a more comfortable living space. A room air conditioner is not an alternative to purchasing an air conditioner specifically designed for use in a wine cellar from a reliable manufacturer. 

Ducted System

Versatile and self-contained, ducted systems offer maximum flexibility in design and installation, and have the cooling capacity to be used in any sized cellar. A grille on the inside wall is connected by insulated flexible ductwork to a self-contained unit outside the cellar that contains the evaporator, fan and condenser. This system can be placed in any indoor, out-of-the-way location outside the cellar.  The result is a quiet cellar with no obtrusive equipment taking up space.  It is ideal for private, larger cellars or commercial use, as it can be sized for any cellar capacity. 

Split System

Split systems include two separate mechanical elements (condenser and evaporator) that can be used when ducting is not feasible, especially when the condenser must be installed outdoors or in an unheated space, such as a garage.  Split systems have the evaporator fan mounted inside the wine cellar with the condenser located outside the room and connected to the cellar by refrigeration tubing. 

Unlike the first two styles, the split system must be installed by licensed electrical and refrigeration technicians.  Locating the condenser outside can be problematic, as it must be able to hold its set-point both summer and winter temperatures.  There may also be a noise factor inside the room because of the fan/coil device being mounted within the cellar, they may take up too much racking space, and may be unattractive.  The split system can be sized for any sized cellar. 

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Wine Cellar Temperature and Humidity
- What is Ideal?

The ideal temperature and humidity of any wine cellar should mimic the natural conditions of France's legendary wine caves, which are acknowledged to be close to perfect.  This means a temperature of 55° to 57° degrees F with an average of 60% relative humidity. To properly control the cellar temperature and humidity, the system should take into account and manage not only the cellar's temperature but also the vagaries of the climate in which you live. Is it hot/dry? Hot/humid? Cold/dry? Cold/humid? Will your system also be required to supply heating to maintain the correct winter temperature? These are all important considerations when building or retrofitting your wine cellar.

Understanding Temperature

Maintaining the ideal temperature in your wine cellar is critical to the preservation of your collection. If the temperature consistently fluctuates up or down several degrees, your wines will be compromised and may age prematurely. There are several important factors related to temperature to consider when choosing a cooling system.

• A wall-mounted thermostat with a range of plus or minus 1° F is ideal.
• Cellars subject to ambient temperatures below 55° F should be protected by a heating coil. The best system is one where the heating is integrated into the cooling unit and works on the same thermostat.
• Quality should be a primary consideration when purchasing a wine cooling system. A cheap initial price will soon be forgotten if the wine cellar cooling system fails and stresses your wine.
• Wine cellar units should be rated close to the intended operating temperatures and humidity. This means around 55° F and 60% relative humidity. Be sure the unit you are buying is rated for wine cellar use, not household use.

Understanding Humidity

Humidity is a critical, yet often overlooked feature in wine cellar design. A relative humidity (RH) of 50% to 70% is recognized as adequate, with 60% the ideal. Without ideal humidity, wine quality may be affected in a number of ways.

• When the humidity is higher than 70%, it will likely cause mold and degradation of the labels and glue.
• When the humidity is below 50%, corks will begin to dry out resulting in loss of liquid in the bottles and possible degradation of the wine.

Problems resulting from humidity issues can be solved or avoided with the right planning.

• The first step should be the installation of a vapor barrier around the entire room. A minimum of 4 mil plastic is recommended with seams overlapped and taped. The vapor barrier is installed on the outside (or warm side) of the cellar insulation. This is to prevent condensation from forming on the vapor barrier, potentially causing mold.
• A cooling unit alone cannot add moisture or humidify cellar air. It needs a humidifier to do so. The best option is a humidifier integrated into a cooling unit so it operates and distributes the moisture evenly in the re-circulating air. However, a free-standing humidifier can also be installed in conjunction with a cooling unit as long as this is controlled by a high-quality wall-mounted thermostat.

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Correctly Sizing Your System

While counting the number of bottles or adding up the cubic footage of the cellars is the first step, it does not really provide sufficient information to select the size, type or capacity of the wine cooling unit. A trained technician from a reputable manufacturer or distributor will take into account a number of additional factors, including the amount of insulation available, the temperature of the surrounding spaces, the cellar's location in the building, frequency of door openings, frequency of wine turnover, lighting intensity and duration, size and insulation of doors and windows, and any other variable present in the cellar's environment.

Your Wine Guardian distributor can help you select the proper size wine cellar cooling system according to your storage needs, location, cellar size and size of wine investment.

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What if I Need Service or Help?

Wine Guardian systems are sold exclusively through our Distributors.

Your distributor can help you select the proper size wine cellar cooling system according to your storage needs, location, cellar size and size of wine investment. Call your Wine Guardian distributor for sales or service of your wine cellar cooling equipment.

If you require additional assistance, contact Wine Guardian Parts and Service department.

Regular Wine Guardian business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern,
Monday through Friday.

After hours, service may be reached by calling +1 315 391 8747.

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