Wine Cellar Buying Guide: Cooling Systems

One of the most important elements to consider when purchasing a wine cellar is the efficiency of the unit's cooling system. A wine cellar's cooling system is responsible for proper temperature stability within the unit as well as in charge of creating an ideal humidity range. With temperature and humidity playing such an important role in the aging process, you want to insure you purchase a wine cellar with a cooling system that is as quiet as it is efficient. With so many wine cellars from different manufacturers all with different cooling systems, how do you know which one will best fit your wine aging and storing needs? The best way to determine the right wine cellar with the right cooling system is by taking into consideration the following cooling system features.

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems and What You Should Look For

The cooling system in your wine cellar is arguably its most important feature. After all, the reason you are buying a wine cellar in the first place is to ensure your wine ages in an environment with an exact temperature range of 55°F to 59 °F with humidity around 70%. With proper temperature and humidity in mind, what exactly should you look for in your wine cellar's cooling system?

How the Cooling System Works: The vast majority of wine cellars employ a self-contained cooling system known as forced air cooling which utilizes two fans. One fan will circulate cool air inside the wine cellar while the other forces air through condenser coils on the outside of the wine cellar. The fan also works to exhaust heat that may have risen to the top of the wine cellar. This method is extremely effective if your wine cellar is located in an area where temperature outside the unit may vary 30° either above or below the appropriate wine aging range of 55°F to 59 °F.

Electronic Temperature Control & Digital Display: Wine cellar cooling units with electronic temperature controls and digital display are not only a sign that your wine cellar is coming from a quality manufacturer but also that you will have optimum and precise control over your cabinet's temperature and humidity. Electronic temperature controls are precise and accurate and prevent temperature fluctuations. Digital displays are nice because they allow you to easily read and gauge your wine cellar's environment at all times.

Noise Level: One of the major factors to take into consideration with your wine cellar's cooling system is its noise level. Today's wine cellar manufacturers are dedicated to creating a cooling system that is quiet and will not disturb the ambience of your home. Brands such as Le Cache have ultra-quiet, vibration-free units that are top venting and thus quieter than units that vent to the back. Wine cellars by Dometic employ a patented absorption technology that does not use a compressor or generate vibrations. With no moving parts, cooling systems in Dometic wine cellars are extremely silent and a great option for living environments.

Ease of Repair or Replacement: Purchasing a wine cellar is as much as an investment as your wine collection. You will want your wine cellar in your home, aging your wine efficiently and effectively for years and years to come. For this reason, you will want to be sure an purchase a wine cellar whose cooling system is self contained and easy to access and replace if it happens to break or wear down. Replacing a cooling system is a lot more cost effective than replacing an entire wine cellar.

Additional Buying Guides

• Protecting Your Wine With A Wine Refrigerator
• Aging Your Wine With A Wine Cellar
• Should I Buy A Wine Refrigerator or a Wine Cellar?
• Wine Refrigerator Buying Guide
• Wine Racks Buying Guide
• Wine Cellar Buying Guide: Wine Cellars & Your Budget
• Wine Cellar Buying Guide: Wine Cellars & Bottle Capacity
• Wine Cellar Buying Guide: Wine Cellars & Racking Options
• Wine Cellar Buying Guide: Where to Place Your Wine Cellar