Tag Archives: wine cellar cooling

Wine Cellar Cooling System and Air Duct Cleaning

Written by Comments Off on Wine Cellar Cooling System and Air Duct Cleaning

Everybody loves a fine glass of wine, perhaps with their dinner or while socializing with friends. These days, people want to take it a step further by actually building a wine cellar right in the comfort of their own home. Because of innovations in the wine industry and the availability of advanced technology, residential wine storage has now been made more convenient and accessible for everyone.

Wine racks are essential for wine collectors who just have a small number of wine bottles and limited space and budget. If you want to invest in a custom wine cellar, a proper wine cooling unit is crucial. Let’s understand first the function of a wine cellar refrigeration system.

Wine Cellar Cooling Units Preserve Wine’s Quality

Wine cooling units are basically cooling systems that you install in your wine cellar to ensure the proper aging and storage of your wine. Wine is a very complex liquid, and it needs everything to be just right in order for it to age in the best way possible.

Maintaining a constant temperature will result in graceful aging of wine. A wine cellar cooling system regulates the temperature level in your wine room, making sure it doesn’t fluctuate. If there are constant temperature changes, wine has a tendency to go bad. The best temperature for wine storage is 55-57 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another thing that the wine cooling system controls is humidity. If humidity is too high, the glue on the label of the wine bottle melts and molds grow on the bottle. On the other hand, if the humidity is too low, the wine cork dries up and may crack which can lead to wine leakage and wine faults.

After choosing the wine cellar refrigeration system suited to your needs and budget, it is vital that you have the air duct cleaned regularly to ensure that your cooling unit is working efficiently.

Why Air Duct Cleaning is Important for Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Have Your Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly

Have Your Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly

Over the course of time, air ducts can gather dirt, dust, pollen, bacteria, and even dead insects. When these contaminants block your air duct, this can affect the level of the temperature that your wine cellar needs, which can lead to wine spoilage. Aside from this, your wine cooling system might pick up the dirt, allergens, or bacteria from the blockage and carry it into your wine storage room which can potentially harm not only your wine collection, but your health as well.

These are the reasons why it’s crucial that you regularly get your air ducts cleaned. It should be a top priority, and it would be best to have it professionally done.

Do you have any questions about wine cellars or wine cabinet refrigeration systems? Please feel free to contact US Cellar Systems at the following numbers:

Office: (562) 513-3017

Fax: (562) 513-3017

They serve several wine cellar dealers, builders, architects, designers, and contractors to create the perfect wine cellar environment for both residential and commercial custom wine cellars. Click here to learn more about their products and services.

Wine Cellar Cooling & Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units – Installation Digital Controllers Wiring

Written by Comments Off on Wine Cellar Cooling & Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units – Installation Digital Controllers Wiring

Wine Cellar Cooling and Refrigeration Units – Installation Digital Controllers Wiring (A Processed Video Transcription)

 

Installation of Digital Controllers for Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units
.

Hello.  My name is Dan Philips, owner and technical adviser for US Cellar Systems.  Today we are going to be covering the installation of our DC Controller for wine cellar refrigeration units.

When you order a controller, items you’ll receive are the controller, the mounting clips and the temperature sensors.  Then if you want them, we have the option of a DCP mounting plate, which will allow you to mount it into a standard 20 or 23 cubic inch electrical box.

Digital Controller Wiring Installation - Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Digital Controller Wiring Installation – Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

 

We also offer an optional 25′ wiring harness for your wine cellar cooling unit.  When installing the controller, you place it through the plate and then push your mounting clips onto the back of it.  That mounts the controller to your digital controller mounting plate.

Mounting the Wire - Wine Cellar Refrigeraion Units

Mounting the Wire – Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Then bring your wires in through the back of your electrical box wherever you have it mounted.  Be sure you follow code when you do this because this is a high voltage system and you’re wiring will most likely have to be run in conduit.

You’ll also want to bring your temperature sensor in through the back of it and be sure it does not come in at the same place as the high voltage electrical wiring because the magnetic field of the high voltage wiring can distort your readings on the low voltage wiring.  So when you’re making your connections at the back of the controller with the standard wiring harness, you’re going to have two black wires, a white wire, and a red wire.

You’re going to need a small screwdriver in order to work the screws on the back of the controller.  Your first black wire will go into the connection at number five on the back of the digital controller.

Your second black wire goes into number two on the back of the controller.  Your white wire goes into number four and the red wire will go in to number three.

Digital Controller - Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Digital Controller – Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Once those connections are made and tightened down, your wire for your temperature sensor will go in to number ten and number eleven.  The best location to put the sensor itself is as close to the return air as possible of your wine cellar cooling evaporator coil.

If the 5′ lead that it comes with is not long enough, you can extend this up to 50′ with 18 gauge thermostat wire.  Once all of your connections are made and the digital controller is slid into the box and the screws tightened down, that finishes the installation of the digital controller itself for wine cellar refrigeration units.  After that, we’ll be ready to go on to the wiring of the evaporator coil.  Thank you.

Wine Cellar Cooling & Proper Wine Storage Conditions after Wine Production

Written by Comments Off on Wine Cellar Cooling & Proper Wine Storage Conditions after Wine Production

Vitis Vinifera - Wine Making and Wine Storage

Vitis Vinifera – Wine Making and Wine Storage

The production of wine begins with the harvesting of grapes.  The grape variety used in making wine is the species Vitis vinifera.  Once gathered, the grapes go through a ‘destemming’ process that removes them from the rachis.  This is followed by crushing, wherein pressure is applied to squeeze grapes into mush (wine must).  The next stage is fermentation.

Fermentation is the process wherein yeast consumes sugar and turns it into alcohol.  Wine fermentation has two stages:  primary and secondary.  During primary fermentation, the fermentation tank is exposed to air for three to five days.  Exposure to open air encourages yeast cell reproduction.  During secondary fermentation, air exposure is reduced.  At this stage, yeast stops multiplying and begins to produce alcohol.

Wine Storage in Oak Wine Barrels

Wine Storage in Oak Wine Barrels

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to another container in order to separate it from residual yeast and other sediments.  Wine is then drained into oak barrels, concrete or metal vats, or carboys for further aging and enhancement of flavor.  Wine needs to be aged for the right amount of time before bottling.  White wines should be aged at least half a year and red wines for at least a year.

Wines that are newly bottled should be allowed to sit upright for three days.  After three days, wine bottles are laid on their side to allow the cork to come in contact with the wine.  Newly bottled wine should be aged for a few months more before consumption, as this will give it time to improve and attain its full potential.

After the production process, wines are sold and distributed to various wine merchants.  Although wines get better over time, they can easily deteriorate as well.  In order to maintain their quality, wines should be stored in an environment wherein there is minimal to no fluctuation.  There are five factors to consider regarding proper wine storage:  temperature, humidity, light, vibration and odor.

Temperature and humidity can be constantly maintained at their ideal range with the help of wine cellar cooling systems. The ideal wine storage temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the right amount of humidity is within a 60% – 75% range.

If the level of temperature is unstable, it can hasten the aging process and ruin the quality of wines.  Humidity is essential to wine storage, but it needs to be regulated because it can cause mold growth or dry out the corks when left to its own accord.

Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems for Custom Wine Cellars

Wine Cellar Refrigeration

The purpose of wine cellar refrigeration systems is to provide balance and stability in wine storage rooms.  Most wine cellars are installed with wine cellar cooling units, to help regulate temperature and humidity levels inside the storage space.  In addition to wine cellar refrigeration systems, wine cellars are also designed with proper insulation and vapor barriers to help maintain the required climate conditions for aging wines.

Continuous light exposure can also be damaging to wines.  Hence, wine cellars need to have just the right amount of light in order to find the appropriate wine bottle, to move about the room, and to view wine labels.  Installing additional features like dimmer switches and light timers can help reduce exposure of wine bottles to light sources as well.

The storage environment should be free of unsavory smells, and secured against vibration.  Odor and vibratory motion can negatively impact the chemistry of wines.

Keep in mind that storing bottled wines is as meticulous as the wine making process.  When the proper methods of wine storage are applied, the preservation of the finer qualities of wine should last for a long time.

Visit US Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems to check out the effective wine storage equipment they offer.

Wine Cellar Cooling – Functions and Types of Wine Cellar Cooling Systems

Written by Comments Off on Wine Cellar Cooling – Functions and Types of Wine Cellar Cooling Systems

Check out US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units now!

US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Proper balance of temperature and humidity levels inside the wine cellar is essential to

View US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units now!

US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units

protecting and preserving the quality of wines.  The appropriate temperature allows wines to mature nicely, while the right amount of humidity keeps the cork in good condition.

Wine cellar cooling systems are designed to control and regulate the climate inside the wine storage room.  These cooling units help maintain the temperature between 50 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity within 50% – 60%.

Effective wine cellar cooling units should be able to stabilize the wine cellar environment with less interference and minimum energy consumption.  Installing proper insulation and vapor barriers in the surrounding walls is required in order to influence the efficiency and consistency of wine cellar cooling systems.

There are different types of wine cellar cooling units on the market that can meet various requirements and style.  Each cooling unit has its own unique features and capacities, and offers an array of installation options.  The three types of wine cellar cooling systems are self-contained through the wall units, split systems, and ducted units.

Self-contained Through the Wall Cooling Units

Self-contained through the wall wine cellar cooling systems contain both the evaporator coil and compressor in one compartment.  Their function is similar to that of a window air conditioning unit:  cool air is supplied into the wine cellar while hot air is exhausted into an adjacent room that is well-ventilated.

However, it should be noted here that a window air conditioning unit is similar in look and construction but it is not the same as a self-contained through the wall wine cellar cooling unit.  This means that using a regular window air conditioning unit will be very detrimental to your wine collection and will probably end up ruining the whole collection.

Through the wall wine cellar cooling systems are the least expensive of all climate control units.  These wine cellar cooling systems are space efficient because they are mounted on the wall, and they also provide ease of installation.  The downside of using self-contained through the wall cooling units is that they operate noisily, which can disrupt the aging process of your wines.

Split System Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Split systems come in ducted or ductless models.  They are named as such because they consist of two separate components:  one houses the evaporator coil and the other includes the compressor, condensing fan, and coil.  Both components are connected together via refrigeration lines.

The evaporator coil is installed in the wine cellar, while the condenser is placed in the attic, mechanical room, basement, or outdoors.  If installed outdoors, the cooling system would require an outdoor kit to protect it against harmful weather elements.  This cooling unit offers quiet operation and numerous installation options, because it can be ducted from up to 50 feet away.

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling System

A ducted cooling system is a stand-alone unit in the sense that the evaporator coil and compressor are contained in the same housing.  But unlike through the wall systems, this cooling unit can be ducted a few feet away, removing noise and vibration within the wine storage area.

This type of cooling system also saves more space for wine storage. Venting ducts are used to introduce cold air into the wine cellar and expel warm air outside.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Important factors that need to be considered when choosing a wine cellar cooling unit are the location and dimensions of the wine cellar, intended number of wine bottles, the racking system used, the type of glass door and window used, and the amount of insulation.

Dual paned glass door is recommended to prevent condensation. Take note that thick glass is not the same as dual pane.  If the room is not sealed properly single pane could get condensation on the glass.

Consulting with professional wine cellar experts is highly recommended, since they can help determine the cooling system that is well-suited to your needs and requirements.  Check out US Cellar Systems website at http://www.winecellarrefrigerationsystems.com/ to view their wine cellar cooling systems and ask for assitance.

You can also read this blog posts to learn more:

Basic Types of Wine and Their Required Wine Storage Temperature

Written by Comments Off on Basic Types of Wine and Their Required Wine Storage Temperature

Click here to learn about wine storage!

Wines, Grapes and Wine Storage

Wines are produced by converting grape juice into alcohol through the process of fermentation.  Yeast strains are responsible for turning sugars in grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide.  Wines are usually made with grapes from the Vitis Vinifera grape genus varieties.  Different grape varieties and yeast strains can yield different types of wine.

There are over a hundred varieties of wines, but they can all be classified into five types:  red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines.  Each type has its own unique characteristics, and requires different wine storage temperatures.

 

Wine Storage Temperature for Red Wines

Red wine is an alcoholic beverage made from black grapes.  Its distinctive red and deep purplish color comes from grape skins which are included during the fermentation process.  The color of red wine may vary depending on the grape variety and the way it is fermented.  The ideal temperature range for storing red wines is 50 – 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more about proper wine storage here!

Red Wines – Proper Wine Storage

 

Common types of red wine are Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel.  The flavor characteristics of red wine improve

further when allowed to aerate before serving.  They are best served below room temperature or between 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Wine Storage Temperature for White Wines

Learn More Proper Wine Storage Techniques here!

White Wines – Proper Wine Storage

White wines are made from black-colored or green-colored grapes.  When red grapes are used, the skins are removed before fermentation in order to keep the clear white color.  They are best paired with white meat, such as fish and poultry.

 

The optimal wine storage temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  Some well-known types of white wine are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Petite Arvine.

Wine Storage Temperature for Rose Wines

Rose Wines - Wine Cellar Refrigeration

Rose Wines – Wine Cellar Refrigeration

Rosé wines have a pink color, derived through the skin contact method, wherein grape skins are allowed to come in contact with the juice for a

very short period before being discarded.  This type of wine can also be produced by combining red and white wines.  The temperature range for Rosé wine storage is between 45 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Wine Storage Temperature for Sparkling Wines

Check out our wine cellar refrigeration systems now!

Sparkling Wines – Proper Wine Storage

Sparkling wines have a bubbly and fizzy texture produced by significant amounts of carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is usually produced

during the process of actually making the wine.  A very popular type of sparkling wine is Champagne, from the Champagne region of France.

 

The sweetness level of sparkling wines can be described as brut (dry) or doux (a term used to denote the very sweetest of Champagnes).  The required storage temperature for sparkling wines is between 43 – 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Wine Storage Environment for Fortified Wines

Learn some Practical Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems Installation now!

Fortified Wines

Fortified wines are also known as dessert wines.  They are produced by adding a distilled beverage or spirit during fermentation.  Fortified wines are quite sweet which is why they are best paired with dessert.  Unlike other wines, they do not require storage in a controlled environment.  Port, Sherry, and Madeira are some of the most popular types of fortified wines.

 

Proper wine storage is important in maintaining the taste and flavor of wines.  The right storage environment should have minimum temperature fluctuations and the right level of humidity.  Installing a wine cellar cooling unit inside the wine storage room will help maintain the desired climate conditions.

 

Regardless of the types of wine you have in your collection, wine cellar refrigeration systems will make sure that the temperature range stays at 50 – 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels remain within 50% – 60%.  A climate controlled environment is integral to preserving the quality of your wine collection over time.

 

To view the various types of wine cellar refrigeration systems that you can use for your wine storage room, click on these links:

 

Various Features of Ducted and Ductless Wine Cooling Units

Written by Comments Off on Various Features of Ducted and Ductless Wine Cooling Units

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.

 

Click here to see more wine cellar cooling units

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

Written by Comments Off on Wine Cellar Construction and Commercial Wine Cellar Cooling

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.