Installing a Wine Cellar – What You Should Be Aware Of
Learning these key points on installing a wine cellar might just save you money and save your wine collection at the same time:
Consult a wine cellar professional
A cellar professional can identify and address the unique set of challenges that are associated with building the most efficient cellar environment.
Cooling units make noise
Regardless of the make, all wine cooling units make noise due to the compressor and the airflow through the fans. A split or ducted system can help if noise in the designated area is not acceptable.
Temperature differential
The ability of a cooling unit to cool your wine cellar to the desired 55F for wine storage depends on this factor.The temperature differential is the difference a unit can cool from the area it is exhausting into.What this means is that if a cooling unit has a temperature differential of 30F and the temperature of the area it is exhausting to is 90F then the wine cellar will only be able to maintain a temperature of around 60F. For exterior exhausting applications a 55°F or higher temperature differential, such as that provide by the WhisperKOOL 8000 Platinum Split is highly recommended.
Insulation affects cooling unit performance
Your wine cellar will be more efficient, the more insulation you have. Without sufficient insulation the cooling unit has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature which will also shorten the life of the unit. Note: concrete walls are not appropriate for a wine cellar, as they absorb cooling. Your cellar requires framed walls with insulation.
Install a vapor barrier
Just as you need insulation to help regulate cellar temperature, you must install a vapor barrier to help your cooling unit maintain the proper humidity. Lack of a vapor barrier will result in improper humidity and will compromise the wine storage environment. Consult your local regulations and building ordinances for proper vapor barrier installation.
Redundant cooling systems for high value collections
If cooling failure occurs for any reason, a redundant system will keep your cellar environment from being compromised. Redundancy can be a second cooling unit, or the home A/C system can be used. A backup generator is a good idea in case of power failure.
You must connect your drain line
WhisperKOOL wine cooling units are designed to maintain proper humidity in your wine cellar. This process involves evaporation and condensation, and creates moisture. Your cooling unit requires a drain line. It is critical that the drain line is connected at all times to ensure that there is no water damage to the walls and other components of the wine cellar.