Quicklinks
- Most Common Problems of Glass Wine Cellar
- Best Solution for Glass Wine Cellar
- Best Cooling Systems for Glass Wine Cellars
- Buy Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Have you been considering getting a glass wine cellar? We understand why, they're stunning to look at and a great way to show off your wine collection. Plus, they add a modern and elegant touch to your home. It's no wonder so many wine enthusiasts are choosing to store and display their wines in glass cellars over traditional cellars.
If you already have a glass wine cellar or are thinking about building one, that's cool! They definitely look impressive. However, just remember that the thermodynamic properties of glass can make it a bit challenging to maintain the perfect temperature and humidity for your wine.
But don't worry, as long as you're aware of this and take the necessary precautions, you'll be able to keep your wine stored in the best possible conditions.
In this blog post, we'll explore the best cooling units on the market specifically designed for glass cellars. Don't let subpar cooling ruin your wine collection!
Most Common Problems of Glass Wine Cellar
Let's take a look at the most common problems that glass wine cellars face and learn some tips on how to prevent and address them.
1. Heat and Moisture
The thing is, glass isn't the best material for wine cellars. Glass absorbs and conducts heat much better than insulated drywall, so it can be a bit of a problem when it comes to keeping the temperature consistent.
Think of it this way, the glass acts like a bridge between your climate-controlled wine cellar and the rest of your home. So, if your cellar is at 55 degrees and your home is at 70 degrees, the glass will absorb that heat difference and make it harder for your cooling system to maintain the right temperature. This glass paneling will cool a portion of your home and puts stress on your wine cooling system.
Another issue with glass wine cellars is that they often don't usually have weather stripping on the door. This means that heat and moisture can get into the cellar much more easily than they would in a traditional cellar with weather stripping. It's a small detail, but it can make a big difference. So, when you're planning your glass wine cellar, make sure to include weather stripping on the door to help keep the heat and moisture out.
2. Noise
Another thing to keep in mind with glass wine cellars is that glass doesn't do a great job of absorbing sound.
This can be especially noticeable if you're planning to use your cellar as a place to entertain guests or enjoy your wine. So, when you're choosing a cooling system for wine cellars, it's important to consider the noise level and installation type. We'll provide some recommendations below.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations are one of the most significant issues faced by glass wine cellars. These fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, leading to cork failure and spoilage of the wine. This can happen for a variety of reasons like poor insulation, inadequate wine cellar cooling systems, or even just the placement of the cellar.
But, don't worry! There are ways to prevent this from happening. To keep your wine at the ideal temperature, make sure your glass wine cellar is properly insulated and invest in a high-quality, modern wine cellar cooling unit.
4. Humidity
Wine storage humidity is another critical factor, and glass wine cellars are particularly susceptible to humidity issues. High humidity levels can cause mold and mildew to grow on the labels and corks of your wine, while low humidity can dry out the corks, allowing air to enter the bottle and spoil the wine. To maintain proper humidity levels, invest in a wine cellar humidifier or dehumidifier, and monitor the humidity levels regularly.
5. Lighting
Lighting is another potential problem for glass wine cellars. Direct sunlight or artificial light can cause the wine to become light-struck, leading to spoilage and loss of flavor. Causes of lighting problems may include poor location of the cellar, inadequate window coverings, or insufficient ventilation. To prevent lighting issues, ensure that your glass wine cellar is placed in a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight, and use window coverings or UV-filtering film to block out light.
6. Vibration
Vibration can also be a problem for glass wine cellars, as it can cause sediment to be disturbed, affecting the wine's flavor and aroma. Causes of vibration include heavy foot traffic, nearby construction, or appliances that generate vibrations. To prevent vibration issues, place your glass wine cellar in a location that is away from heavy foot traffic, and keep appliances that generate vibrations, such as washing machines and dryers, away from the cellar.
7. Condensation
Lastly, condensation is another issue that glass wine cellars face with cooling systems. When cold air is blown directly onto the glass, this can cause condensation to form inside your cellar. It can also cause mold and mildew to form on the labels and corks of the wine, which alters the wine's flavor and aroma.
Best Solution for Glass Wine Cellar
No need to worry, we've got you covered with our recommended solutions for glass wine cellars. By addressing these challenges, you can ensure that your wine collection is well-protected and can age and develop its full flavor and aroma.
1. Proper Insulation and Vapor Barrier
We recommend traditional drywall construction with 2x4 or 2x6 studs. It's important to make sure that the walls and ceiling are well-insulated, with a minimum of R-17 for interior walls and R-30 for ceilings and exterior walls.
Additionally, have a vapor barrier in place to prevent water vapor from entering or leaving the cellar. This will help keep your glass cellar in the best possible condition.
If using glass in your entire wine cellar construction, it’s best to use dual-pane insulated glass to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency. If you have a glass door in your wine cellar, make sure to add weather stripping including the bottom sweep to prevent heat and moisture from entering the cellar.
Pay attention to the joints where the glass panels connect. These areas can often be sources of air leaks, which can negatively impact the overall efficiency of your cellar environment. To prevent this, make sure to seal these joints properly to ensure an airtight seal.
2. Upsize the Cooling System
A glass-enclosed cellar will require a wine cooling system powerful enough to keep the heat out and the moisture levels stable. This means oversizing the cooling system.
A good rule of thumb is to go for a wine cooler unit that's 2-3 times bigger than what you would normally use for traditional wine cellars. And instead of going by the size of the cellar, it's better to choose a system based on its BTU rating. This will ensure that your cellar stays at the right temperature and humidity level.
3. Use Fully-Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Fully-Ducted Systems and Ducted Split Wine Cellar Coolers are perfect for glass wine cellars!
They offer efficient cooling in addition to being the quietest wine cellar cooling units. Also, make sure the wine room cooler is not directly blowing toward the glass to prevent condensation from forming. Ceiling-mount wine cellar cooling units are also a great choice.
Best Cooling Systems for Glass Wine Cellars
Our top picks for the best wine cellar cooling systems for glass cellars include:
1. WhisperKOOL Platinum Split Ductless Series
The WhisperKOOL Platinum Split Ductless Series is the perfect solution for your glass wine cellar. With its quiet and efficient operation, you'll never have to worry about disruptive noise while enjoying your collection. And with its 2-speed fan switch, you can easily adjust the BTU/h capacity to your specific needs.
The Platinum Split Series also boasts a 55ºF temperature differential between the cellar and condensing unit air intake temperature, ensuring optimal preservation of your wines. Plus, it has a 220V High-Efficiency Condenser that simplifies installation and provides ultra-quiet operation, energy efficiency, and the ability to operate in extreme climates.
WhisperKOOL Review: WhisperKOOL Platinum Split Systems
WhisperKOOL split systems were recently installed by Ray & Kim from Roseville, CA. They wanted something quiet for the new wine cellar they were developing, so they chose the best because they wanted to ensure the safety of their wine investments.
Upgrade your wine storage game with the WhisperKOOL Platinum Ductless Split Series, the ultimate choice for wine enthusiasts!
Available sizes:
-
WhisperKOOL Platinum Split Twin Ductless Wine Room Cooling Unit - 110V
- WhisperKOOL Platinum Mini Split Wine Room Cooling Units 220V
- WhisperKOOL Platinum Split 4000 Ductless Wine Room Cooling Units 220V
- WhisperKOOL Platinum Split 8000 Ductless Wine Room Cooling Units 220V
- WhisperKOOL Platinum Split Twin Ductless Wine Room Cooling Units 220V
2. WhisperKOOL Quantum Series
WhisperKOOL Quantum Series cooling systems are designed specifically for larger and more challenging wine cellars - yes, including those with glass walls!
As one of our highest-capacity units, you can trust that this cooling system will handle even the most demanding wine storage needs. With interchangeable evaporator airflow panels, you can easily customize this wine storage unit to your specific cellar layout. Plus, the included pump system helps remove excess condensation, ensuring a stable and consistent environment for your wines.
The Quantum Series also features electro-fin coated coils for protection against outgassing that can occur in glass cellars. And it's designed to operate in ambient conditions as low as -15 degrees, making it a versatile option for even the most extreme environments.
Crafted with the highest quality, professional-grade parts, the Quantum Series cooling system is built for longevity and performance. The best choice for serious wine collectors!
Available sizes:
-
WhisperKOOL Quantum SS12000 Wine Cellar Air Conditioner - 110V
- WhisperKOOL Quantum SS9000 Wine Cellar Air Conditioner - 110V
- WhisperKOOL Quantum SS12000 Wine Cellar Air Conditioner - 220V
- WhisperKOOL Quantum SS9000 Wine Cellar Air Conditioner - 220V
3. WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Series
Unlike other cooling systems that blow cold air directly onto the glass, the WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Series offers excellent efficiency by drawing in the warmer air that accumulates at the ceiling and dispersing it throughout the environment.
With its virtually invisible design, this cooling system blends seamlessly into your cellar, and its flare fittings make for easy installation. And with the 2-speed fan switch, you can easily adjust the unit to your specific needs.
The Ceiling Mount series also features a new hex mesh grille with an air filter, which protects the unit from the intake of potentially harmful debris during initial start-up. This feature ensures the longevity and performance of the unit.
WhisperKOOL Review: WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Series
Listen to what Audie Burgan from Clovis, CA has to say about his experience with the new WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount wine room cooling unit he recently installed in his wine cellar.
Buy your WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Wine Cooler Cellar Unit today!
Available sizes:
-
WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Twin 9000 Wine Cooling System - 110V
- WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Mini Split System - Mini Split 220V
- WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount 4000 Wine Cooling System 220V
- WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount 8000 Wine Cooling System 220V
- WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Twin 9000 Wine Cooling System 220V
- WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Twin 12000 Wine Cooling System 220V
4. WhisperKOOL Extreme tiR - Fully-Ducted Series
Say goodbye to cooling problems in your glass wine cellar with the WhisperKOOL Extreme tiR Fully-Ducted Series. These cooling units are designed to perform reliably even under the most extreme conditions.
The cooling unit can be placed up to 25 ducted feet away from the cellar, giving you more flexibility in terms of cellar design and layout. Plus, this unit also comes with a KDT Plus remote controller and thermostat, allowing you to monitor your cellar temperature without needing to enter. The controller can be mounted outside the cellar for convenience and ease of use.
WhisperKOOL Reviews: WhisperKOOL Extreme Series
Let's hear from Scott Marcus from Acampo, CA as he shares his experience with WhisperKOOL Extreme systems for his extensive wine cellar remodeling project.
Always choose the best for your glass wine cellar. Upgrade your cooling system today!
Available sizes:
- WhisperKOOL Extreme 3500 tiR Ducted Wine Cooler Cellar Unit
- WhisperKOOL Extreme 5000 tiR Ducted Wine Cooler Cellar Unit
- WhisperKOOL Extreme 8000 tiR Ducted Wine Cooler Cellar Unit
5. WhisperKOOL Phantom Series
Experience the perfect balance of power and flexibility with the WhisperKOOL Phantom Series. This powerful fully ducted unit is a must-have for any glass wine cellar!
The WhisperKOOL Phantom Series offers numerous ducting options, giving you the freedom to choose the best installation method for your cellar. Plus, it comes with a remote KDT Plus controller/thermostat, allowing you to easily monitor and adjust your cellar temperature from a distance.
The Phantom Series is also built to perform in ambient temperatures up to 110°F. If you want to ensure your wine collection is stored at the perfect temperature, WhisperKOOL Phantom Series gets the job done.
Available sizes:
- WhisperKOOL Phantom 3500 Wine Cooling Units
- WhisperKOOL Phantom 5000 Wine Cooling Units
- WhisperKOOL Phantom 8000 Wine Cooling Units
The Final Word
Keeping the ideal temperature and humidity levels in a glass wine cellar can be tough. But with the right cooling system, you can effortlessly maintain the perfect conditions for your wine collection.
Some of the top cooling systems for glass wine cellars available now are:
- WhisperKOOL Platinum Ductless Split Series
- WhisperKOOL Quantum Series
- WhisperKOOL Ceiling Mount Series
- WhisperKOOL Extreme tiR Fully-Ducted Series
- WhisperKOOL Phantom Series
Each of these units offers unique features and benefits that cater to the specific needs of glass wine cellars, ensuring that your wine collection is stored in the best possible conditions for years to come!
BUY WINE CELLAR COOLING SYSTEMS AT WINE COOLERS EMPIRE!
Looking for more options? Feel free to browse through our WhisperKOOL Wine Cellar Cooling Units. And don't forget to match your wine cooling system with the best wine racks from Ultra Wine Racks.
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Wine Coolers Empire is your authorized and trusted dealer of commercial wine cellar refrigeration systems, residential wine cellar coolers, wine cabinet cooling units, and portable wine coolers from the best brands like WhisperKOOL, CellarCool, and Breezaire! Just call us at 1-888-407-7770 or email us at support@winecoolersempire.com for inquiries.
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