Many things have changed when it comes to commercial wine cellar setup. Nowadays, it’s a choice between a water–cooled commercial wine cellar unit or an air–cooled unit. What makes the other a better option than the other?
From a businessman’s standpoint, budget is a huge worry. The initial installation can be pricey depending on the size of the unit you want to operate. If you have a small to medium-sized wine store, you are probably anxious that the return will not be able to cover this expense. The same issue may be bothering hotel or restaurant owners. Fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons.
For wines to age gracefully, they must be stored in a wine cellar with regulated heat and humidity. A regular air conditioning system can only cool the wine for consumption, but it cannot entirely do the job. This equipment is meant to provide a cool temperature for comfort, but it does not address the humidity levels, which is a big deal for wine preservation. Wine lovers know a good wine when they taste one and wines kept in a water–cooled commercial freezer are the absolute best.
Wine cellar cooling systems – air- and water-based – both help preserve the integrity of your wine collection. But a water-cooled commercial wine cellar unit functions more quietly. This means no distracting noise during business hours. As well, the high electricity usage for an air-cooled system can put a strain on budgets and costs. High utility bills often count as a major concern because they greatly impact your monthly budget.
A water-cooled commercial wine cellar unit is being implemented more frequently for commercial settings that have water resources available. Businesses and even residential households have taken the first step. Should you finance a water–cooled commercial refrigeration unit as well? Do you want to enjoy the convenience and positive sales impact of having a properly set up wine cellar? First and foremost, you need to know the basics of wine cellar cooling systems.
Water–Cooled Commercial Wine Cellar Unit vs Air–Cooled Commercial Wine Cellar
Various types of wine cooling systems are available in the market: wine cellar cooling units (self–contained, ducted), TTW (through-the-wall) systems, and split systems. They rely on the process of refrigeration to produce cold air in the wine cellar. These units basically have such components as compressor, refrigerant valves, cooling, and an air–cooled or water–cooled condenser. The condenser coils function to reject the heat produced during refrigeration.
Both water–cooled and air–cooled commercial wine cellars are made for one purpose – to provide the right amount of temperature for the proper aging and preservation of wines.
Air-Cooled Commercial Wine Cellar Units
Air-cooled units mainly use a fan to regulate the temperature and humidity in the cellar. They take in air from another source – a part of a structure or outside. They can duct the warm condenser air away from the unit. The fan normally generates vibrations, and as a result, emits noise. Where water is scarce, this is a good option, but the operating cost is higher.
Water-Cooled Commercial Wine Cellar Units
A water–cooled commercial wine cellar unit uses water to avoid condensation. Unlike an air–cooled unit, they don’t rely on fans but rather on coils to transfer heat outside a wine cellar and they don’t require a warm condenser air connection, so it is a good option if air venting becomes an issue.
Because it uses water to reject heat, it runs quietly during operation, which is the reason why most high-rise buildings prefer water–cooled units.
US Cellar Systems’ Water–Cooled Commercial Wine Coolers
A water–cooled commercial air conditioning system is common in a commercial establishment, such as high-rise condominiums, restaurants, hotels, and small-to-large-sized wine stores.
US Cellar Systems has sold a lot of condensing units with water–cooled condensers and heat recovery systems for commercial buildings. A water-cooled wine cooler is the first choice for these establishments because of the consistent water supply. Also, because these systems use water instead of fans, there is less vibration and noise.
We Can Help with Your Water–Cooled Commercial Air Conditioning and Residential Wine Cooling Needs
Is it worth having a water-cooled commercial wine cellar unit?
If the installation cost is making you nervous, consider the huge savings you can make when it starts operating. The initial installation is more expensive than an air-cooled system, but you will be able to save a lot of money by getting 20% of what you saved on electric bills for 10 years! That is way more than enough to cover for your preliminary cash out. It can greatly reduce your utility bills for a decade or so and save more. Businesses and households alike would appreciate the benefits of a water-cooled refrigeration system.
US Cellar Systems specializes in wine cabinets, commercial wine cellars, and wall or ducted cooling systems. Wine cellar refrigeration requires meticulous installation and you want the right people to do the job for you.
Contact us today and we will discuss what cooling system is right for you!