Choosing a Cellar Cooling System

Ceiling-Mounted Wine Cooling System

The temperature within these caves is 55 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 60%; perfect for the aging of wine. If you are not lucky enough to own an underground cave in France (most of us are not), then the alternative solution is to add a cooling system to your cellar.

Some cellar owners may be tempted to purchase a standard air conditioner to cool their cellar, but this is strongly discouraged. In general, an air conditioner does not maintain humidity; creating a dry environment that can dry out corks, allowing air to leak into the bottles.

Wine cellar cooling systems are like special air conditioners for cellars. They have the basic parts; an evaporator coil to cool the air and condense as well as a condenser coil which uses a compressor to remove the heat in the room. Programmed to operate within a designated range, they turn on when the room is too warm and switch off when the temperature is low. Hot air is exchanged for cool air, allowing wine to age gracefully at the right temperature. Below we explore the different types of wine cellar cooling systems.

Self-Contained Wine Cooling System by Wine-Mate

Self-contained professional-grade cooling systems by Wine-Mate are affordable and easy to use. Their sleek design will complement any wine cellar or cabinet while maintaining an environment perfect for the long-term storage of wine. This type of cellar cooling system is engineered to function with the condenser and evaporator combined inside one appliance which allows for quick installation. Vinotemp carries over a dozen versatile self-contained units with capacities as small as 90 cubic feet up to 2000 cubic feet.

Split Wine Cooling System by Wine-Mate

Wine-Mate’s Split Cooling Units are known for their efficiency and longevity. Each unit is designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity in spaces where proper ventilation is not feasible. The evaporator is installed inside and the condensing unit can be placed as far as 75 feet away. Since it exhausts outside, split cooling systems operate quietly and reduce vibration inside the cellar, which is believed to negatively affect the quality of wine.

Ducted Cooling Systems

Powerful ducted cooling systems allow you to create the perfect environment for long-term wine storage without the eyesore of a visible cooling unit inside the cellar. Using ventilation ducts, the wine cellar cooling system is installed outside. Ducted systems also produce the least amount of vibrations making them the safest and quietest choice for your wine cellar.

All of Vinotemp’s cellar cooling units are proudly designed and assembled our Henderson, Nevada facility.

Additional Resources:

• Wine Room Heat Load Calculator
• Wine Cellar Cooling Systems Gallery

Find more information about our cellar cooling systems. If you have any questions, please contact us with our Contact Form.