What is the most important factor to consider when selecting a wine cellar cooling unit?
Along with the information above, it is important to get the proper type of unit for the climate that you are in. Some cooling units cooling units work on a 30 degree differential, meaning that the intake on the condenser side (Exhaust or Hot Side) cannot exceed 85 degrees in order to cool the cellar to 55 degrees. Another major consideration is noise level, if your cellar is right below a bedroom having a through the wall unit might not be the best choice. Ventilation is critical for a cooling unit, it will exhaust hot air, if it is not well ventilated or the exhaust area is limited then a through the wall unit would not work well unless it comes with a specially designed ducting option that isolates and removes that hot air. There are so many thing to consider when selecting the proper unit, price should be the last thing you think of. You need to make sure that it is going to be able to keep the cellar consistently cool to the temperature that you select, with the noise level you can live with.
Why have a collection that is valued at $100,000 or more, in a stunning custom cellar and entrust a bargain basement cooling unit to protect it? Take your time, do research,make sure you learn all about the differences. The web is wonderful but it is full of inaccurate information, reviews from people that have all kinds of bad things to say but without knowing how their units are installed it is highly possible that it is not done properly. Call the manufacturer of the units that you are considering, get all your questions answered, chances are if you cannot reach the manufacturer when you are shopping for a cooling unit, you will not be able to reach them when you have a problem with it.
In all cases, quality should be a primary consideration. A cheap initial price will soon be forgotten when the unit fails and stresses your wine, not to mention your nerves in trying to get it serviced. Quality should be “built-in” at the factory using commercial/industrial grade components that meet safety and reliability standards. Exposed sheet metal components should be aluminum with a powder-coated finish to prevent corrosion in the cold and high humidity conditions of wine cellars and basements. The manufacturer should have a reputation for quality and reliability; not only in the product but also in the service it provides its customers. Buy only units that have met the ETL/UL/CSA safety standards and are so labeled.
