Wine storage spaces must maintain consistent temperatures and humidity to preserve wine for proper long-term aging. One of the best solutions to achieve proper aging is installing a wine cellar cooling unit. To get the best results, you’ll want to choose the right model based on your cellar and building layouts and your wine storage needs.
Learn about the different types of wine cooling systems and how to make the right selection, whether it’s a ducted split, ducted self-contained, ductless split, or ductless self-contained solution.
Images courtesy of Wine Cellar Pro
Choosing the Ideal Wine Cooling Systems for Your Space
When looking for the right wine cooling system for your application, there are some key factors that determine what type of system will work in your space:
- The size of your wine storage space or display
- How much glass is being used
- The amount of insulation in the wine space
- How frequently the wine space will be accessed
- The location and accessibility of the place you plan to exhaust heat from the wine cellar
Wine cellar cooling systems can be categorized as either ducted or ductless systems. As the names would imply, ducted systems rely on ductwork to transfer air to and from a wine space whereas ductless systems don’t. However, both types of systems use evaporators and compressors to maintain a consistent flow of cool air. This helps keep your wine in the ideal temperature range for storage.
Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
These wine storage cooling units use ductwork to connect to the wine room or display, allowing for installation inside a mechanical room or other area for reduced noise levels and no obtrusive HVAC equipment in the wine room. Depending on your application, you can choose either ducted split or self-contained cooling systems.
Ducted Split Cooling Systems
These ducted wine cellar cooling systems feature separate condenser and evaporator units. Condensers are installed either outside or in a large mechanical space while the evaporator connects to ductwork closer to the wine cellar, usually within a utility room or another nearby area.
While these systems require professional installation from a licensed contractor, they offer a lot of installation flexibility in applications with limited space, long duct runs, or when condenser air is difficult to exhaust.
Ducted Self-Contained Cooling Systems
For a compact, easy to install solution, consider using a ducted self-contained system. All components including the evaporator, fans, compressor, condenser, and controls are housed within one unit. Since everything is self-contained, installation is relatively simple as there isn’t any copper tubing or plumbing required. This also means that no licensed contractor is required to install the unit, so a handyperson (or a very handy wine aficionado) could install the system all by themself.
Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Ductless wine cooling systems provide optimal temperature conditions to a wine storage room without the use of ductwork. These systems are typically used when running ductwork is not an option. However, they are a great solution for almost any small- to mid-sized wine wall, display, or room.
Ductless Split Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
If your application can’t incorporate ductwork and you want maximum flexibility with your space, split ductless wine cellar cooling units might be best for your needs. Condensers sit in an external space, while a sleek, visible evaporator grille is installed in the wine space. Like their ducted counterparts, these split units are a great option when working with limited space, however, they do require professional installation.
These systems are available in ceiling-mounted or through-the-wall configurations depending on size constraints and budget.
Ductless Self-Contained (Through-the-Wall) Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Another option is the ductless self-contained system, more colloquially known as a through-the-wall (TTW) system. As the name implies, a through-the-wall unit connects directly through an opening within the cellar wall. Despite their smaller size, these systems come with various features, including wireless touchscreen controls, temperature monitoring, and alarms.
While ductless self-contained units are a less powerful system, they provide a more DIY-friendly solution with plug-and-play features that make them easy for almost any wine lover to install. They are also a more cost-friendly unit, making them great for collectors with a modest sized wine space.
Why Choose Wine Guardian Wine Cellar Cooling Units?
Want to keep your wine cellar in peak condition and protect your collection while maximizing available space? Wine Guardian can help you develop the ideal environment for your storage space.
We have over 20 years of experience designing and manufacturing high-quality wine cellar cooling systems with a team of experts available to help you make the right selection for your cellar.
Images courtesy of Wine Cellar Pro
Contact Our Experts Today for the Perfect Wine Cellar Cooling Solution
Whether you’re looking for a ductless or ducted wine cooling system for your cellar, we’re here to help you find exactly what you need.
Contact us today to speak with one of our experts for more information or browse our selection of wine cooling units.
