The warm, dry climate in Nevada and Arizona is often cited as a draw for visitors and new residents alike, but this same weather can present challenges to the serious wine collector. To age properly, most wines need consistent temperature and humidity, which can be tricky to achieve without special equipment. The air conditioning repair technicians at Ambient Edge can guide you through choosing the right approach for cooling your wine cellar in the desert heat.
Why You Need a Cellar Cooling System
For wines with natural corks, it’s critical to keep them from becoming too dry or too damp. When there isn’t enough moisture in a room, the corks can dry out, allowing too much oxygen into the bottle and oxidizing the wine. If the humidity is too high, mold and fungus can develop, ruining your investment.
Likewise, the ideal temperature of between 50 and 59 degrees keeps wines from maturing too quickly or losing flavor. The cooling system in your wine cellar must dependably maintain both temp and humidity. You can’t just rely on your home AC system to do this. You also cannot put in a window AC unit or a portable cooling device in the room.
Instead, you need a system that is designed for cooling and maintaining a smaller space within a narrow range. These cellar cooling systems come in three main categories: through-wall, split, and ducted. Your Ambient Edge technician can come to your home and help you determine which system will work best for you.
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Through-Wall Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
A through-wall wine cooling system mounts between the studs on a wall of the wine cellar. They can be one of the most energy-efficient ways to manage temperature and humidity. They are self-contained, do not involve additional ductwork, and can be installed quickly with the help of a skilled HVAC technician.
A high-quality thorough-wall system will come with an integrated humidifier and easy-to-read panel so you can adjust the settings as needed. They are an excellent choice for those with a smaller collection who need a fast solution. They’re also a good choice for anyone who wishes to reduce their costs but still be able to maintain their wine quality.
One drawback to a through-wall system is that it can be noisy within the cellar, potentially decreasing the pleasing ambiance you enjoy there. Also, these units can take up more room than a split or ducted system. Finally, unless you install an exhaust duct, any odors will be vented back into the cellar.
Split Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Split wine cooling systems are named that because it has components installed in two different places in your home. The evaporator collects moisture inside the cellar space, sending it to the condenser. The condenser is located outside the home, often as far as 75 feet away.
This distance means less noise and vibration within your wine cellar space. Vibration is another enemy of wine because it disturbs the sediments in the bottle. Split cooling system evaporators can also be installed in the wall, ceiling, or floor, giving you greater flexibility in terms of function as well as aesthetics.
Split systems also produce less heat than a through-wall cooling unit. This is because the condenser is located outside or away from the cellar. Depending on the recommendation of your Ambient Edge professional, you can choose from water-cooled or air-cooled split systems.
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Contact Us Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
The next step up in protecting your investment is to consider a ducted wine cellar cooling system. Inside your cellar, you only have discreet HVAC duct vents, with the evaporator and condenser installed away from the room. This reduces the level of heat, noise, and vibration near your wine racks.
Ideal for larger spaces, a ducted system can be self-contained or split, depending on your needs and where your wine cellar is located. When you work with a qualified professional from Ambient Edge, we help you choose the right location for the components. We ensure they are protected from excessive wear and tear so your system lasts a long time.
By removing the eyesore of a cooling system from your wine cellar, you increase the peaceful atmosphere for enjoying your collection there. With less heat and vibration in the room, you can take those worries off your mind. Finally, automatic, adjustable control over the temperature and humidity in your wine cellar means you don’t have to worry about losing precious quality when the summer weather hits.
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Comparing Ducted and Ductless Wine Cooling Systems
The choice of using a ducted or ductless (through-wall) system often relies on deciding how the pros and cons apply to your needs. Through-wall systems that don’t require extensive ductwork can be easy to mount in an existing cellar, less expensive, and a good investment for smaller spaces. However, they can affect the overall look of your wine cellar, and it may be challenging to find the right location inside the room.
Ducted systems, including split systems, are more effective in maintaining both temperature and humidity. They take up less space and can cool a larger space more efficiently. However, they are also more expensive and can lose some energy efficiency if there needs to be a substantial amount of ductwork.
In the end, the smart move is to schedule a free estimate from a licensed professional installer at Ambient Edge. We are dedicated to helping you solve all your residential and commercial HVAC needs, including keeping your wine investment in top condition for years to come. Contact us today to discuss your options and learn more about our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
