Quicklinks
- Differences Between Ducted and Ductless
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Shop for Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
If you are in the process of designing or building a wine cellar, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is how to cool your space. There are two main options to consider: Ducted and Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Units.
Wine Coolers Empire, with the advice of experts, recommends that you choose wine cellar cooling systems that best suit your specifications and cellar needs, such as the location, size, and other factors.
What type of wine cellar cooling system is the best? Is your wine cellar equipped with the right wine cooler cellar unit? Is there a way to figure out which type of cooling system is perfect for your wine cellar? As the saying goes, a little knowledge goes a long way. So in this article, we are going to differentiate between the two common types of systems: Ductless and Ducted Wine Room Cooling Units.
Differences Between Ducted and Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Ducted and ductless are the two most common types of installation. Each cooling unit has its own set of characteristics and capabilities. Your preferences, cellar needs, and storage constraints will play a role in deciding the cooling system to install in your wine cellar.
Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Units
Let’s start with ductless systems. Small cables and a refrigerant line connect these units to a wine cellar unit and an indoor or outdoor condenser. One of the benefits of this type of installation is the flexibility to locate the condenser remotely indoors or outdoors. Ductless units are also cost-effective. Therefore, they are ideal for beginners or smaller wine cellar projects.
So, are you capable of installing your own ductless wine cellar cooling system? It's unlikely. This unit must be installed by a qualified HVAC professional. One of its significant drawbacks is that it usually vents to a nearby room. Furthermore, this cooling unit takes up storage capacity.
A ductless wine cellar cooling unit is perfect for wine cellars with small spaces or space constraints that do not allow ductwork. This unit can be either self-contained or split.
Self-Contained Ductless vs Ductless Split Systems
Self-Contained Ductless
The most common Self-Contained Ductless unit is also known as Through-the-Wall Wine Cooling System. And, as the name implies, this unit is mounted through an existing wall. On one end of the system, cold air is blown into the cellar, while heat is blown out into an area adjacent to the cellar. It is the simplest and most affordable of all wine cellar cooling systems to install. However, the noise it makes within your wine room is a downside.
Shop Ductless Self-Contained or Through-the-Wall Units
Ductless Split Systems
Ductless Split Systems do not require venting. The condensing unit and the evaporator unit are the two mechanical components. The "split" refers to the two main components that are located in different locations. The evaporator is located inside the wine cellar, while the condenser is located outside. It makes no noise since the condenser, which is located in a separate and remote area, produces all of the noise, vibration, and heat.
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Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units
Ducted wine cellar cooling units connect a cooling system to a wine cellar via ductwork. They can be ducted up to 25 feet away and are installed in a remote location. With this type of installation, not only does it reduce noise in the wine room, but it also provides greater storage space. That’s why they are perfect for larger wine cellar projects.
Ducted units can be self-contained and split systems. Both the evaporator and condenser are placed in one unit in a self-contained system. While the evaporator and condenser of a split system are housed in separate compartments and must be installed by a licensed HVAC professional.
Ducted Self-Contained vs Ducted Split Systems
Fully-Ducted Self-Contained System
A Fully-Ducted Self-Contained System may be installed up to 25 ducted feet from the cellar. Usually, the evaporator and condenser are located in the same unit, which is quite convenient. Most self-contained ducted units feature ductwork on one side, allowing you to either direct cool air into the wine cellar or warm air ducted outside or to an adjacent room.
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Ducted Split System
The above-described unit is very similar to the Ducted Split System. The main distinction is that the wine cellar is completely enclosed and has no visible unit. The wine cellar is cooled by ductwork that runs to and from it. If you have a ducted split system, you'll find the evaporator and condenser separately, both outside the wine cellar, where the condenser can be put in an area that's better for heat and noise dissipation, and the evaporator ducted near the cellar.
A Ducted Split System may be expensive to install, but it gives plenty of benefits to your wine cellar. The cooling unit is located away from the wine room, providing extra storage space and a quiet atmosphere.
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Advantages and Disadvantages: Ductless Systems vs. Ducted Systems
Both ductless and ducted systems have their pros and cons, but which is the best for your wine cellar? We'll break them down for you...
Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Advantages:
- Flexible mounting options – their units can be mounted on the ceiling, wall, or floor.
- No ductwork is required, which means less intrusive and easier to install
- Cost-effective in the long term
- Most units have a quiet operation
Disadvantages:
- Sizing can be difficult or complex
- Despite their small size, the indoor units are visible.
- It's not easy to find experienced installers.
Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Advantages:
- Convenient and efficient
- Helps in air dehumidification
- It's ideal for cooling pretty much the entire cellar
- Doesn't take up a lot of space.
Disadvantages:
- Ductwork is required.
- Cost of installation is expensive
- Some units are not always quiet
- Energy loss through ducting is a possibility
Final Word
Both ductless and ducted wine cooler units have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Ductless units are relatively easy to install and maintain, a good choice for small home wine cellars and those located in or near living spaces. Ducted units, on the other hand, are better suited for larger modern wine cellars due to their flexibility, quiet operation, and energy efficiency, but they are more expensive and require more installation and maintenance. Ultimately, the best choice for your wine cellar will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Shop for Wine Cellar Cooling Systems at Wine Coolers Empire!
Wine Coolers Empire is your authorized and trusted dealer of specialty wine cellar air conditioners, wine cabinet cooling systems, commercial wine cellar refrigeration units, and residential wine cellar coolers from top brands like WhisperKOOL, Breezaire, and CellarCool.
Proper wine storage is very crucial when you’re investing in wines to preserve their taste and quality. This entails storing them in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. If you need a guide on how to build a wine cellar, here’s an article about it: A Guide For Building Your Own Wine Cellar.
Wine cooler units are specifically designed to control the temperature inside your wine storage. Getting the right one will be worth it because it's all about preserving wine for optimum enjoyment.
Want to know our best-selling wine cellar cooling units? See our Top 10 Best Wine Cellar Cooling Units. Impress your guests with a sleek and stylish wine rack from Ultra Wine Racks.
Feel free to call our customer service at +1-888-407-7770 or email us at support@winecoolersempire.com if you have any questions or require our assistance.
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