Various Features of Ducted and Ductless Wine Cooling Units

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If you invest in wines, proper storage is important in maintaining their taste and flavor.  This means storing them in conditions where temperature and humidity remain at constant levels.  Wine cellar cooling units are specifically designed to control the climate conditions inside your wine storage room.

These cooling systems are not the typical AC units commonly used in households and offices.  Wine cellar cooling units are engineered to regulate the wine cellar environment, in order to make it conducive for storing and aging wines.

The two common types of wine cellar cooling units are ducted and non-ducted.  Each cooling unit comes with its own unique features and functionality.  Deciding which cooling system to install in your wine cellar depends on your preferences and storage constraints.

Generally cooling systems for wine cellars are made up of two components:  the evaporator and the condenser.  Condensers tend to generate a lot of noise, which is why they are installed away from the wine storage room using ducting kits.

 

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Ducted cooling units use ducting to link a cooling system to a wine cellar.  They are installed at a remote location and can be ducted up to 50 feet away.  Employing ducting kits not only removes all noise from the wine room, it also leaves more space for storage.

 

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Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Ducted wine cellar cooling units can be used for both self-contained systems and split systems.  A self-contained system has both the evaporator and condenser housed in one unit.  A split system houses its evaporator and condenser in separate compartments, and needs to be installed by a licensed HVAC professional.

A self-contained ducted unit is usually mounted into the wall, and most models of this unit can only be ducted on one side.  You can choose to use ducting kits to supply cold air to the wine room, or duct warm air away from the storage area and into an adjacent room or outside.

A split system ducted unit is costly to install but provides plenty of advantages for your wine cellar environment.  Since the cooling unit is installed away from the wine room, it offers more storage space and provides a quiet atmosphere.

 

Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Units

A ductless wine cellar cooling unit is ideal for wine cellars with cramped spaces or that have space restrictions that can hinder a ducting

Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling System

Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling System

installation.  This unit can also be used for both self-contained systems and split systems.

The most common example of a self-contained, non-ducted unit is the through the wall system.  As the name implies, this cooling unit is mounted through the wall.  It is considered the least expensive of all cooling systems for wine cellars.  One major disadvantage to this unit is the noise it generates inside your wine storage room.

Split systems that are non-ducted do not require venting into an exhaust room.  The evaporator is placed inside the wine cellar, while the condenser is installed outside.  Both units are connected by copper piping and electrical wiring.

When you’re deciding on a cooling unit for your wine cellar, you should take into consideration these important factors:  location, size of your wine storage room, and ambient conditions.

Wine Cellar Construction and Commercial Wine Cellar Cooling

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If you embark on a wine cellar project, there are several essential things that you need to consider before you begin your wine cellar construction.  To start with, you need to choose a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight, like your basement.

Custom Wine Cellar

Custom Wine Cellar

 

If you don’t have a basement, you can always build your wine cellar above ground.  Make sure that the location you choose has an adjacent room where exhaust from the cooling unit can be discharged.

Wine Cellar Insulation 

Your wine cellar should be properly insulated to help maintain the desired conditions.  Vapor barriers should also be installed on the warm side of your cellar walls in order to prevent moisture build up.

When you pick out your flooring material, it is best to use solid surfaces.  Sealed hardwood, ceramic tile, and stone work are some of the popular choices.  Don’t ever use carpets since these can cultivate mold and mildew growth.

Doors and windows should be exterior grade since this will most definitely keep the cool air in.  Your wine cellar door should be weather stripped and installed with a bottom sweep.

If you prefer glass doors, it is recommended that you use double or triple paned glass that is well-insulated.  Should you choose to have windows in your cellar so that your clients can view the wines you have on display, make sure your cellar windows have a good sealant and high quality framing.

Wine Cellar Lighting System 

When it comes to your lighting system, always choose from a low wattage source.   The lighting system in your wine cellar should just be enough to read the wine labels but not too much as to introduce heat in the environment.

Commercial Wine Cellar Cooling Systems  

Your wine cellar should also have a climate controlled environment.  This is made possible by installing a wine cellar cooling system.  This unit maintains temperature between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity between 60% and 70%.  Regardless of whether you own a home or commercial wine cellar, cooling systems are an integral part of your wine storage room.

High Static (HS) Wine Cellar Cooling System

High Static (HS) Wine Cellar Cooling System

In order for a commercial wine cellar to maintain optimal conditions, it should be equipped with a high quality wine cellar cooling unit.  Commercial wine cellar cooling systems have various features that can complement any wine cellar design, either private or commercial.I  t is important to keep in mind that these cooling units are not at all like regular air conditioning units.

Commercial wine cellar cooling systems are specifically designed for commercial wine cellars.  These cooling units regulate temperature and humidity inside a wine storage room in order to provide the right conditions for wines to mature nicely.

The three common types of cooling units on the market are through the wall systems, self-contained units, and split cooling systems.  When picking out a wine cellar cooling unit, you need to consider the dimensions of your storage area as well as the number of wine bottles in your inventory.

Split cooling systems are usually recommended for commercial wine cellar cooling because these units can be ducted away from the wine cellar and they are unobtrusive.  With that kind of set up, noise and vibration are reduced, and it leaves your wine storage with enough space for more wine bottles.

Advantages of Using Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units

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In order to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels in your wine cellar, you need to install a wine cellar refrigeration unit.  These units are designed to control the climate in your wine storage room to make sure that your selection of fine wines mature at optimal conditions.  A wine cellar cooling unit keeps temperature between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity between 60% to 70%.  Without the presence of a cooling system in your wine cellar, there’s a great chance that the quality of your wines will deteriorate due to exposure to fluctuating conditions.

When choosing a cooling unit for your wine cellar, you need to take into account the size of your storage room, as well as the number of wine bottles in your inventory.  A larger wine cellar would require a unit that has a powerful cooling capacity in order to control the climate.  There are various types of wine cellar cooling systems available on the market, which can make the selection process a little difficult.  Familiarizing yourself with the different features of each wine cellar cooling unit, as well as taking into consideration the size of your wine cellar and inventory, will help you narrow down your choices.

Wine cellar refrigeration units are classified into two:  self-contained and split systems.  They can either be ducted or non-ducted.  Each cooling unit consists of an evaporator and condenser.  Keep in mind that the condenser is the part of your cooling unit that generates noise and requires ample space for ventilation.  Each unit may vary in terms of features, price, and size, but all are capable of regulating temperature and humidity levels in your wine cellar nevertheless.

If you want to make the most out of your money, you can go for ducted wine cellar cooling units.  A ducted unit for wine cellar cooling helps reduce noise and vibration inside your wine storage room because they are installed away from the wine cellar.  You can mount a ducted wine cellar cooling unit in a remote location in your home, such as the basement, attic, or an adjacent utility room.  Cool air is introduced into your wine storage room through ductwork and heat is exhausted in the same manner.

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units - High Static Series

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units – High Static Series

Single ducted units contain both a condenser and an evaporator.  In a split ducted unit, the evaporator and condenser are housed separately.   These units reduce the level of noise and vibration in your wine storage room because they are ducted away from the wine cellar.  Installing a ducted wine cellar cooling unit is an advantage because it does not take up space and it generates less noise and vibration.  It nurtures your wine collection by stabilizing the climate and it also provides a quiet environment.

These cooling units also come with electronic controls and digital displays that allow you to monitor the climate from the outside.  It is worth noting that your wine cellar should be properly insulated so that your wine cellar refrigeration unit can do its job efficiently.  Vapor barriers should also be installed on the warm side of the cellar walls to prevent moisture infiltration.

Coastal Custom Wine Cellars is one of the best wine cellar builders in the industry and we partnered with them in providing the best wine cellar cooling equipment for wine cellars. You can check out their webpage that talks about our wine cellar cooling units at this link http://www.winecellarsbycoastal.com/uscellars-wine-cellar-refrigeration-units.aspx.

You can also view some of their custom wine cellar projects where they have installed our various lines of wine cellar cooling systems.

Give Your Wines Optimum Care with the Right Wine Cellar Cooling System

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Wine tastes better when aged with the appropriate wine cellar cooling system. If you are a wine collector, it is essential to invest in a reliable wine cooling unit that will help preserve your finest wines properly.

Reliable Wine Cooling Unit

Preserve Your Wines with a Reliable Wine Cellar Cooling System

The main function of a wine cooling system is to protect wines from external factors such as temperature and humidity, thus it is the most important feature in a wine cellar. When choosing a wine cellar cooling system, there are certain factors that must be taken into account.

Through the Wall Wine Cellar Cooling System

Through-the-wall wine cellar cooling system is ideal for small wine cellars.

The space of your wine storage room or wine cellar must be determined before buying a wine cellar cooling unit. You can buy an economical cooling system if you have a small space without compromising quality. A through-the-wall, self-contained cooling system is best for small cellars.

In addition to your wine cellar space, the quality of the wine cellar cooling system must be prioritized. A wine cooling unit must be built with components that meet reliability and safety standards.

It should provide the right environmental conditions in your wine cellar for the graceful aging of your precious wines. The temperature in a wine cellar must be maintained between 55-57 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity levels must range from 50 -70 percent.

Safety features include timers, which are used to prevent short-cycling of the unit. To protect the compressor, the cooling unit should also feature high and low refrigerant switches.

Many wine collectors also prefer a quiet cooling system, so as not to disturb their home’s ambiance. Many manufacturers are creating quiet cooling systems to meet their clients’ needs.

The condenser of a split wine cooling system can be placed outside, thus reducing noise in your wine cellar. Through-the-wall systems are noisy, because they require mechanical equipment that needs to be placed inside the wine storage room.

Split Wine Cellar Cooling System

Split Wine Cooling System reduces noise in your wine cellar.

You can save extra money if you use a cooling system that is flexible and easy to install. Self-contained through-the-wall units can be installed without much difficulty, while split systems require a professional for proper installation, which will cost you more money.

Before the installation process of the cooling system, it is important to ensure that your wine cellar has the proper seal, insulation and vapor-barrier. You wine cellar door will affect the performance of your cooling system, so it is important that you choose a high-quality door with proper doorjamb, bottom sweep or threshold to ensure that it is properly sealed. An improper door seal will keep your cooling unit running, thus increasing energy consumption.

Wine Cellar Door

Your wine cellar door will affect the performance of your wine cooling system.

You invested a good amount of money for your wine collection so it is a good idea to protect them with a reliable and high-end wine cellar cooling system. This will help your wines age well and protect their desirable characteristics.

Dallas Fort Worth Wine Cellar Cooling – Westlake Project

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Check out this very cool new custom wine cellar build by one of our best wine cellar builders in Dallas fort Worth in Texas.  As well as installing an RM2600 wine cellar cooling unit and doing a great job of building it into the racking in an elegant way, Wine Cellar Specialists added an amazing carousel wine racking system.  This system does a great job of recovering what is normally a dead space in the cornet of the racking, is we think a very smart idea!

The RM 2600 is a split wine refrigeration system enables a quieter and more efficient wine cellar.

See the full project details here Westlake TX – Residential Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Fort Worth

Take a look at this video where Nancy Noga, one of our top wine cellar refrigeration designers talks through the project and see for yourself!

Dallas Fort Worth Custom Wine Cellars – Westlake TX – Part 1
When you see the video we are sure you will agree that there’s a ton of cool features to this wine room design.  Nancy at Wine Cellar Specialists used her artistic, as well as technical talents to create an exceptional design using a combination of features.  Some of the key features include a hand carved grape vine display arch, a glass rack coupled with a wine glass ‘stemware’ rack, label forward horizontal displays for magnum wine bottles, double deep solid ‘X’ cubes for case lot storage along with standard 750ml racking.

Also you can check out her other designs in their Wine Cellar Design Gallery Page.

And all this in a room only 6.5 feet by 7 feet, it’s certainly certainly jam packed with features!

Proper Sizing of a Wine Cellar Cooling System is Critical to its Efficiency and Longevity

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Take Me Straight to the Wine Cellar Cooling System - Heat Load Survey Form

Take Me Straight to the Wine Cellar Cooling System – Heat Load Survey Form

Most wine cellar cooling systems companies offer only a few sizes of wine cellar refrigeration units. These are often matched to a sizing standard of cubic feet. A very useful starting point when determining the volume to be a climate controlled wine storage area. However, this does not include ANY details specific to the Custom Wine Cellar.

The cubic feet method assumes basic standards in construction, usage, and operation. It assumes minimal insulation is used. Not more or NONE. That is generally the only consideration included. It does not account for many very common variables that can be incorporated into a Custom Wine Cellar which are calculated when using an actual heat load survey.

What are these variables that affect a wine cellar cooling systems choice and why are they important?

– Glass

Windows, doors, or walls are NOT considered when sizing by cubic feet.

Any glass in a Wine Cellar or Wine Cabinet is hugely important to compensate for when sizing. The insulation value of dual pane glass is ~R2. This allows a good deal of the cooling to be transferred through the glass. Increasing the amount of equipment required to keep the temperature stable. If it is not considered and smaller equipment is used the chance it will keep up with the needs of the space are slight. However, it is very likely that the equipment will run all the time. This will cause additional problems of very low humidity, extremely high cost of operation, or premature equipment failure not covered by the warranty.

Single pane glass should be avoided like the plague! The slightest leak in a door seal can cause your beautiful cellar to look more like a restaurant pie case. When the cold and warm air mix the water vapor instantly condenses to water droplets. This causes a ‘fog’ on the glass and can eventually lead to staining of the surrounding areas if left unattended. It is not the fault of the equipment and cannot be compensated for. It is a construction issue.

– Insulation

R value, above or below grade, ambient temperature all makes a difference.

Cubic feet estimates R11 insulation as the only factor in the equation. Obviously if there is no insulation to be used this estimate will be wrong. No company ever suggests it is acceptable to use no insulation in a Wine Cellar. Just the same it happens all the time. If a wine room like this is insisted upon by the client, even against better judgment, at least plan for it. Just the same as underestimating glass a larger system will be required or there will be problems.

On the other hand, if more insulation is being used a smaller system may be recommended. This is especially true if the Wine Cellar is to be below grade. Ground temperatures tend to be considerably lower than normal “ambient temperatures” or the conditioned air surrounding the cellar. Therefore much less equipment is required to maintain a stable temperature.

Over-sizing can create problems of a different kind. If the refrigeration system is too large it will only need to run a fraction of the time it should to keep temperature. This may sound great at first but it is not. Commonly known as “short-cycling” will damage the equipment causing failures that may not be protected under the warranty. In addition, the equipment running a predetermined cycle is how the humidity is balanced in the room. If the equipment runs too little the wine cellar’s humidity will increase. Condensation could occur especially if there are defects in the construction. If left alone labels could fall off bottles, water staining wood surfaces, and mildew and/or mold will grow.

– Lighting

Type, # of fixtures, hours used impact the heat of the Wine Cellar.

It used to be quite common to use can lights in a Wine Cellar. Anyone who has ever changed a light bulb knows lights can get very hot, pretty quickly. Imagine you intend to leave these on so you can show off your beautiful Custom Wine Cellar at a summer dinner party lasting several hours. Maybe you just want to leave it on to enjoy it yourself for a few hours each evening after a hard day’s work. Now think of that heat that the refrigeration has to overcome. This is another question in the heat load survey that should be answered as accurately as possible.

If in doubt USE LED LIGHTING! It produces so little heat it does not need calculated into the heat load. Modern LED lighting is now available in many designs, colors, and shapes. It does not have to look like a disco or a Christmas tree. Bulbs can fit in standard fixtures and even work with dimmers or remotes.

– Set Point

Activity, recovery and thermal mass are all things to consider when committing to a “Set Point” temperature for a Wine Cellar.

It is agreed by most experts that 55f is the ideal temperature to store wine, red or white. Both are SERVED at different temperatures. White wines or champagnes should be served preferably below 45f and reds at room temperature. Long term storage warmer than this can accelerate or damage the aging process, colder can slow or even stop it.

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems – Whites Wines & Champagnes

Some Wine Cabinets are designed with the intention of using a serving temperature for whites and champagnes. This would not be allowable with a cubic feet estimate alone. Especially since most Wine Display Cases like this are primarily glass and in hospitality locations. In a restaurant it is very possible that during peak hours the doors will be opened many times per hour. This requires a careful choice of which system is best suited to improve the recovery time and bring the Wine Storage Unit back to normal temperature.

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems – Thermal Mass

Thermal mass describes the temperature of the liquid within the bottles, cases, or even barrels stored in a Cellar. Thermal mass adjusts about 75% more slowly than air temperature does. If there is a lot of room temperature wine loaded into a cellar at one time it is perfectly normal to take up to several hours for the refrigeration to gently bring the temperature to where it is set. Once that is achieved the thermal mass reacts to changes slowly and will assist the stabilization in the room. The equipment will return to normal operation. Setting the thermostat to go colder WILL NOT make it go FASTER. It will put unnecessary stress on the equipment especially if a lower set point was not used in the heat load survey.

Sudden and drastic changes to the temperature of wine are far more detrimental than having it too cold or too warm for a short while.

– Additional features

Refrigerators, TV, Electronics, Fireplaces

Many designers like to add unique features to custom cellar designs. It is important to note that all appliances and electronics give off heat. These things should be considered carefully and are strongly discouraged.

H2: The USCS Heat Load Survey Form

Click here to go to the USCS Heat Load Survey Form. This information should be collected as accurately as possible and sent to us for a free load calculation and estimate. It will help us provide to you the correct equipment options for each unique design.

It will save you the money, time, and aggravation of improperly sized equipment.

Wine Cellar Cooling Units Miami Florida Project – Coral Gables

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Check out this recent contemporary wine cellar project completed in Coral Gables, Florida, built using US Cellar Systems RM Series – Wine Rack Mount Cellar Cooling Units.  The modern wine room was conceived and built by Wine Cellar International, one of the more highly experienced Master Wine Cellar Builders amongst our dealer community.

The project, a residential custom wine cellar, designed and constructed for a new and very modern home, required a full climate control wine cellar refrigeration system that could cope with the high temperatures and humidity found in southern Florida.

See the complete project and conversation with Jake Duquette the owner of Wine Cellar International here Residential Custom Wine Cellars Coral Gables Florida