Investing in wines requires a proper storage room where temperature and humidity are regulated at constant levels, and light exposure is kept to a minimum. A wine cellar creates the ideal environment for storing and aging wines for a long period of time. Providing a dark and stable environment protects wines from the negative effects of external influences.
In order for a wine cellar to function properly, it needs insulation to prevent temperature swings and vapor barriers to keep moisture from building up and causing mold growth. More importantly, a wine cellar should be supplied with a proper wine cellar refrigeration unit to achieve the desired climate conditions for wines to mature to their full potential.
Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units by US Cellar Systems
Wine cellar refrigeration systems are specifically engineered to maintain the correct temperature and humidity in the wine cellar environment. These cooling units come in multiple sizes and shapes that can fit various needs and requirements. The three primary types of wine cellar refrigeration units are split system cooling units, through the wall self-contained cooling systems, and ducted air-handler cooling systems.
Split system cooling units consist of two separate components: the condensing unit and evaporator unit. The latter is installed inside the wine storage room while the former is placed outside the room or outdoors. This system is ideal for wine cellars with several limitations and constraints, such as the absence of a ventilation room.
Through the wall self-contained cooling systems are the easiest to install and the least expensive of all refrigeration systems. Both the condensing and evaporator units are housed in one compartment. Through the wall systems are normally mounted on an interior wall of a wine cellar, but there are some models that can be installed on an exterior wall instead.
Ducted air-handler cooling systems make use of air ducts to supply cool air into, and exhaust warm air away from, the wine cellar. This type of setup removes the actual physical presence of the cooling system inside the wine storage room.
Building wine cellars is an expensive home improvement project, and not all wine enthusiasts are financially capable of adding this feature to their home. However, there are alternative wine storage solutions available to the budget-minded wine geek.
Wine Cabinets and Closet Cooling Units
Wine closets or wine cabinets function like mini wine cellars because they are also equipped with climate control systems. Wine cabinets are affordable storage options and they come in various designs and storage capacities. These cabinets are designed to control temperature and humidity, and they can match any room interior.
To ensure performance efficiency, wine cabinet manufacturers only use cooling units of the highest quality, such as the Cabinet Cooler (CC) Series by US Cellar Systems. The CC Series is the unit of choice for wine closets or wine cabinets. They are engineered to facilitate proper air flow in confined and restricted spaces.
Cooling systems for wine cellars and wine cabinets are essential to preserving the taste and flavor of wines. These refrigeration units ensure that temperature conditions remain within 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and that the humidity level is kept within 60% – 75%.
To choose the right wine cellar refrigeration unit for you, click here.