At a Glance
Quick Product Summary
| Product Type |
Split-system wine cellar cooling system |
| Model |
S-WKBT-4000-220 |
| Condenser |
220V High Efficiency air-cooled condenser |
| Airflow Options |
Ducted, ductless, or hybrid configuration |
| Published Cellar Sizing |
Approximately 1,000 cu. ft. fully ducted or up to approximately 2,000 cu. ft. with deflectors, subject to heat-load calculations |
| Published 85°F Performance Range |
Approximately 3,848 sensible BTU/h to 5,351 total BTU/h, depending on airflow configuration and fan speed |
| Controller |
KDT digital controller with 50-ft display cable and 50-ft liquid-temperature bottle probe |
| Refrigerant |
R-134a |
| Maximum Line-Set Distance |
Up to 100 lineal feet between the evaporator and condenser |
| Line Set Included |
No |
| Installation |
Certified HVAC-R installation required |
Buyer Fit
Who Is the Blow-Through 4000 H.E. 220V Best For?
The Blow-Through 4000 is intended for projects where placement flexibility, concealed integration, and directional airflow are important. It is especially well suited for:
- Custom residential wine cellars
- Glass-enclosed wine rooms
- Built-in wine walls and display cellars
- Wine cellar soffit installations
- Custom cabinetry and millwork
- Restaurants and tasting rooms
- Hospitality and commercial wine displays
- Projects where visible through-the-wall equipment is not desirable
- Installations requiring flexible supply and return airflow directions
- Projects where the condenser must operate in extreme outdoor ambient conditions
System Advantages
Key Features and Benefits
Hidden Cooling Integration
The Blow-Through Series is designed for concealed installations. The evaporator can be positioned in a soffit, attic, cabinet, adjacent room, or mechanical area so the wine collection remains the visual focus of the space.
Ducted, Ductless, or Hybrid Airflow
The required airflow kit determines how supply and return air move between the evaporator and cellar. Duct plenums, directional deflectors, or a combination of both allow the system to accommodate a wide range of cellar layouts.
220V High Efficiency Condenser
The included 220V H.E. condenser is designed for efficient operation and extreme-climate performance. It can operate in ambient temperatures from approximately -20°F to 120°F when installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Liquid-Temperature Bottle Probe
The standard KDT control system uses a bottle probe to measure liquid temperature rather than reacting only to short-term changes in cellar air temperature. This helps the cooling system respond to the temperature of the stored wine more consistently.
Remote Digital Display
The KDT touch display includes a 50-ft communication cable, allowing the controller to be installed in a convenient location away from the evaporator. The controller provides system operation information and Advanced System Protection alerts.
Built-In Condensate Pump
The evaporator includes an internal condensate pump to assist with moisture management. A properly routed drain line is still recommended, and condensate drainage must be tested during installation.
Multi-Speed Airflow Control
The Blow-Through 4000 evaporator includes a three-speed fan switch. Lower speeds can reduce sound output, while higher speeds increase airflow and available cooling performance. Fully ducted installations must be configured according to the airflow requirements in the owner’s manual.
Service-Friendly Construction
Dual-side access, removable coil construction, external electrical connections, multiple refrigerant-line knockouts, and upward-facing flare fittings help simplify installation and future maintenance.
E-Coated Coils
The evaporator uses coated coils intended to support long-term performance and durability in the cool, humid conditions associated with wine cellar operation.
Required Selection
Required Airflow Configuration Kit
One airflow configuration kit is required for the Blow-Through 4000. Select the configuration according to the planned evaporator location, supply-air path, return-air path, available ductwork, and cellar layout.
| Configuration |
Included Components |
How It Works |
Best Application |
| Ducted Airflow Kit |
Two duct plenums |
Both supply and return air are routed through insulated ductwork. |
Maximum concealment and installations where the evaporator is separated from the cellar openings. |
| Ductless Airflow Kit |
Two directional airflow deflectors |
Supply and return air are directed from the evaporator without full duct runs. |
Soffits, cabinetry, and concealed in-cellar installations where direct airflow is practical. |
| Hybrid Airflow Kit |
One duct plenum and one airflow deflector |
One side of the airflow path is ducted while the other side uses a directional deflector. |
Projects where only the supply or return side requires ductwork. |
The deflectors can be positioned to direct air toward the front, rear, or downward, depending on the selected installation arrangement. The configuration guide shows multiple ductless and hybrid supply-and-return layouts.
Duct Design
Ducting Requirements and Best Practices
Correct duct sizing and unrestricted airflow are essential for cooling capacity, sound control, condensate management, and equipment life.
- Use 10-inch insulated supply and return ducting for the Blow-Through 4000.
- Use insulated ductwork with an exterior vapor barrier to reduce cooling loss and prevent condensation.
- Keep duct runs short, straight, fully extended, and properly supported.
- Avoid crimping, compressing, or reducing the duct’s internal diameter.
- Use sweep-style elbows where possible.
- The manufacturer notes an approximate loss of 13 CFM for each 90-degree bend.
- Use no more than two 90-degree bends on each duct run.
- Seal metal seams and duct connections with approved foil tape or duct mastic.
- Install a 12-inch by 12-inch return-air filter grille where required by the owner’s manual.
- Keep registers clear of wine bottles, cases, racking, millwork, and other obstructions.
- Set the evaporator fan to the required speed for the installed duct arrangement.
The owner’s manual permits supply and return duct runs of up to 25 feet each, with a combined maximum of 50 feet. Actual installation performance depends on duct diameter, bends, register design, static pressure, insulation, and total airflow resistance.
Airflow Openings
Register and Louver Airflow Requirements
Decorative registers and custom wooden grilles must provide sufficient free-air area. Restrictive grilles can reduce capacity, increase airflow noise and static pressure, contribute to evaporator icing, and shorten system life.
- Registers and louvers should provide approximately 50% to 65% free-air area across the total face.
- Avoid tightly spaced slats, screens, acoustic foam, mesh, or solid backing materials.
- Account for the effect of stain, paint, sealant, and finishing materials on the final slot dimensions.
- Verify the free-air area before fabrication and installation.
- Maintain consistent openings across the full register face.
Customer-supplied registers that do not meet the manufacturer’s airflow requirements may affect system performance and warranty eligibility.
Control Options
KDT Bottle-Probe Controller or 24V Thermostat Conversion
The standard system is supplied with the WhisperKOOL KDT controller and liquid-temperature bottle probe. A 24V Thermostat Conversion Kit is available for installations that require a customer-supplied third-party thermostat.
| Feature |
Standard KDT Controller |
24V Thermostat Conversion |
| Temperature measurement |
Liquid temperature through the bottle probe |
Air temperature at the thermostat |
| Controller supplied |
Yes |
No; customer supplies the thermostat |
| 50-ft bottle probe |
Yes |
No |
| 50-ft KDT display cable |
Yes |
No |
| Advanced System Protection alerts |
Yes |
Not provided through the third-party thermostat |
| Preprogrammed for wine storage |
Yes |
No |
| Third-party smart thermostat compatibility |
No |
Yes, depending on the selected thermostat |
| Remote app features |
No |
Dependent on customer-supplied thermostat |
| WhisperKOOL technical support for controller |
Yes |
WhisperKOOL does not provide technical support for third-party thermostats |
Important 24V thermostat notice: WhisperKOOL does not supply the smart thermostat. Selecting the 24V Thermostat Conversion Kit means the system will not be built with the standard KDT control or liquid-temperature bottle probe. The customer must source and purchase a compatible 24V thermostat, and WhisperKOOL does not provide technical support for the third-party thermostat.
Sizing Guidance
Wine Cellar Sizing Guidance
Manufacturer cellar-size ratings assume a properly constructed enclosure with complete insulation, an effective vapor barrier, an exterior-grade sealed door, and controlled heat infiltration.
-
Deflector configuration: published for approximately 2,000 cu. ft.
-
Fully ducted configuration: published for approximately 1,000 cu. ft.
These figures are general guidelines and are not substitutes for a professional heat-load calculation. Glass, stone, concrete, exterior walls, ceilings, windows, lighting, door traffic, ambient temperature, duct losses, and inadequate insulation can substantially increase the required cooling capacity.
The published BTU range must not be interpreted as a guarantee that the system will cool every cellar of the stated volume. Undersizing may prevent the cellar from reaching the desired temperature and may contribute to excessive run time or premature equipment failure.
Cellar Preparation
Wine Cellar Construction Requirements
Insulation
The wine cellar walls and ceiling must be insulated. WhisperKOOL identifies R-13 as a recommended minimum, R-19 as preferred for interior walls, and R-30 for ceilings and exterior walls. Higher insulation values can reduce equipment run time and operating costs.
Vapor Barrier
A continuous vapor barrier is required to reduce moisture migration into the cooled enclosure. Penetrations, overlaps, conduit openings, wiring holes, and other breaks must be sealed.
Cellar Door
Use an exterior-grade door with weather stripping on all sides and a sealed threshold or bottom sweep. Air leakage around the cellar door is a common cause of excessive system operation.
Glass Cellars
Glass has a lower insulation value than a conventional insulated wall. Glass-enclosed cellars require a detailed heat-load calculation and may require more cooling capacity than a similarly sized insulated room.
Evaporator Insulation
The supplied exterior insulation blanket must be installed on the evaporator before it is mounted. Evaporators installed in soffits, attics, ceiling cavities, or warm adjacent spaces also require additional fiberglass insulation of R-19 or higher around the exterior surfaces, as specified in the owner’s manual.
Condenser Overview
220V High Efficiency Condenser
The 220V H.E. condenser is intended for installations requiring efficient performance, reduced operating sound, and operation across a wide ambient temperature range.
- 220V electrical configuration
- Approximately 0.6 HP compressor
- Engineered operating range of approximately -20°F to 120°F
- Sound level published as low as approximately 48 dBA at 6 ft.
- Can be installed up to 100 lineal feet from the evaporator
- Designed for direct outdoor installation when installed according to the owner’s manual
The optional exterior enclosure and condenser ducting kit listed for the OMEGA 110V condenser are OMEGA-specific accessories. They are not required for the 220V H.E. condenser included with this model.
Professional Installation
Installation Requirements
- Installation must be completed by a qualified, certified HVAC-R technician.
- The evaporator and condenser electrical supply must match the voltage shown on each equipment label.
- A dedicated 15-amp circuit is required for the applicable components.
- Do not use a GFI outlet or GFI breaker where prohibited by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a surge protector where recommended.
- Run an 18-5 thermostat wire communication cable between the evaporator and condenser.
- The refrigerant line set is not included.
- The line set must be sized according to total distance and vertical rise.
- The suction line must be fully insulated and sealed.
- A drain line must be installed and tested.
- The evaporator must be level and structurally supported.
- Maintain at least 12 inches of front service-panel clearance.
- Maintain adequate airflow and service clearances around the evaporator and condenser.
- The warranty checklist must be completed by the installer and submitted for approval.
Refrigerant Piping
Refrigerant Line-Set Requirements
The system does not include a refrigerant line set.
| Maximum Distance |
Up to 100 lineal feet between the evaporator and condenser |
| Liquid Line |
1/4-inch OD |
| Suction Line, Less Than 50 ft. |
1/2-inch OD |
| Suction Line, Greater Than 50 ft. |
5/8-inch OD |
| Refrigerant |
R-134a |
| Connections |
Flared refrigerant connections |
Final refrigerant charge, superheat, subcooling, TXV adjustment, pressure testing, evacuation, leak testing, and startup readings must be completed and recorded by the installing HVAC-R technician.
Technical Data
Technical Specifications
| Brand |
WhisperKOOL |
| Product |
Blow-Through 4000 H.E. 220V Split Wine Cellar Cooling System |
| Model / SKU |
S-WKBT-4000-220 |
| System Configuration |
Split-system evaporator and air-cooled condensing unit |
| Airflow Configuration |
Ducted, ductless, or hybrid; required airflow kit selected separately |
| Published Cellar Size, Deflector |
Approximately 2,000 cu. ft. under qualifying cellar conditions |
| Published Cellar Size, Fully Ducted |
Approximately 1,000 cu. ft. under qualifying cellar conditions |
| Evaporator Voltage |
220V model configuration; verify the equipment label before installation |
| Condenser Voltage |
210V–230V |
| Dedicated Circuit |
15 amps |
| Evaporator Running Amps |
Approximately 1.4 amps in deflector specification; approximately 2.2 amps in fully ducted specification |
| Condenser Electrical Ratings |
LRA 10.7 amps; RLA 2.7 amps; FLA 3.1 amps |
| Condenser Horsepower |
0.6 HP |
| Refrigerant |
R-134a |
| Evaporator Dimensions, Deflector Configuration |
Approximately 35.75 in. L × 14.125 in. W × 12.75 in. H |
| Evaporator Dimensions, Fully Ducted Configuration |
Approximately 22.1 in. L × 22.5 in. W × 15.5 in. H |
| Condenser Dimensions |
Approximately 31.18 in. L × 10.75 in. W × 21.18 in. H |
| Evaporator Weight |
Approximately 45 lbs |
| Condenser Weight |
Approximately 55 lbs |
| Fan Speeds |
Low, medium, and high |
| Evaporator Airflow |
Approximately 262 CFM low, 352 CFM medium, and 430 CFM high |
| Evaporator Sound Level |
As low as approximately 46 dBA low, 53 dBA medium, and 59 dBA high at 6 ft. |
| Condenser Sound Level |
As low as approximately 48 dBA at 6 ft. |
| Duct Diameter |
10-inch supply and 10-inch return |
| Maximum Refrigerant Line Distance |
100 lineal feet |
| Liquid Line |
1/4-inch OD |
| Suction Line |
1/2-inch OD under 50 ft.; 5/8-inch OD over 50 ft. |
| Condensate Management |
Built-in condensate pump with drain connection |
| Standard Controller |
KDT digital display with 50-ft cable and 50-ft liquid-temperature bottle probe |
| Temperature Setting Range |
Approximately 50°F–70°F |
| Target Cellar Condition |
Designed to maintain approximately 55°F under qualifying design and ambient conditions |
| Condenser Ambient Range |
Approximately -20°F to 120°F |
| Line Set Included |
No |
| Installation |
Certified HVAC-R technician required |
| Warranty |
Limited two-year parts-and-labor warranty, with up to an additional one-year grace period for installation, subject to registration and approval requirements |
Specifications are configuration-dependent and may be revised by the manufacturer. The installer should confirm all dimensions, ratings, electrical requirements, airflow requirements, and line-set sizing against the current equipment labels and installation manual before beginning work.
Required Configuration
Required Selection
Select one airflow configuration kit:
- Ducted Airflow Kit: two duct plenums
- Ductless Airflow Kit: two airflow deflectors
- Hybrid Airflow Kit: one duct plenum and one airflow deflector
System Options
Optional Add-Ons
24V Thermostat Conversion Kit
Converts the system from the standard KDT bottle-probe controller to operation with a customer-supplied 24V thermostat. Selecting this kit removes the standard KDT controller and bottle probe from the system configuration.
OMEGA Exterior Enclosure
This accessory is intended for an OMEGA condenser used outdoors. It is not required for the 220V H.E. condenser included with this product.
OMEGA Condenser Ducting Kit
This accessory is intended for an OMEGA condenser installed indoors. It is not used with the included 220V H.E. outdoor-capable condenser.
Package Contents
What Is Included?
A complete system purchase generally includes the configured Blow-Through evaporator, 220V H.E. condenser, selected airflow components, installation hardware, insulation components, power connections, drain fittings, documentation, and the selected controller package.
With the standard KDT controller configuration, the documentation identifies:
- Blow-Through 4000 evaporator
- 220V H.E. condenser
- Selected airflow kit components
- Evaporator insulation components
- Installation hardware
- Drain fittings and plugs
- KDT display
- 50-ft KDT display cable
- 50-ft stainless-steel bottle probe
- Wall-mount and flush-mount controller hardware
- Owner’s manual
- Split-system warranty checklist
Not included: Refrigerant line set and third-party smart thermostat.
Ongoing Care
Annual Preventative Maintenance
Annual preventative maintenance is essential for dependable performance and reduced risk of unscheduled cellar downtime. Maintenance must be performed by personnel qualified to inspect refrigeration, electrical, airflow, and condensate systems.
Recommended maintenance points include:
- Inspecting insulated ductwork and vapor barriers
- Cleaning supply and return registers
- Cleaning or replacing air filters
- Inspecting and cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
- Checking coils and refrigerant connections for leaks
- Cleaning the condensate pan, pump reservoir, drain line, and water sensor
- Performing a condensate drainage test
- Checking electrical connections, relays, and contactors
- Confirming fan operation
- Measuring operating voltage and amperage
- Checking refrigerant pressures, superheat, and subcooling
- Inspecting the sight glass and moisture indicator
- Checking controller probes
- Cleaning the bottle probe and replacing the water inside the probe bottle
Warranty
Product Warranty
WhisperKOOL provides a limited two-year parts-and-labor product warranty for qualifying split systems, with up to an additional one-year grace period allowed for installation.
The warranty begins from the purchase date but is not activated until the completed split-system warranty checklist has been submitted, reviewed, and approved by WhisperKOOL.
The checklist requires installation and startup information such as:
- Installer name, company, and contact information
- Equipment model and serial numbers
- Line-set length, diameter, and vertical rise
- Pressure and temperature readings
- Superheat and subcooling measurements
- Refrigerant charge weight
- Operating voltage and amperage
- Condensate drain test results
- System startup date
Installation by an unqualified technician, restricted airflow, improper cellar construction, inadequate insulation, incorrect electrical supply, missing maintenance, or failure to follow the installation manual may affect warranty coverage.
Official Documentation
Product Resources and Downloads
Product Information
Installation and Configuration
Airflow and Ducting
Controls and Refrigeration
Maintenance
Professional Guidance
Professional Buying Guidance
The WhisperKOOL Blow-Through 4000 H.E. 220V is a strong choice for a professionally designed wine cellar where the evaporator must remain hidden and the project requires control over supply and return airflow directions.
Before ordering, confirm the required airflow kit, cellar heat load, electrical service, condenser location, refrigerant line-set route, evaporator mounting space, service access, duct layout, register free-air area, drain routing, and preferred controller type.
For glass-intensive cellars, long duct runs, high ambient temperatures, unconditioned attic installations, or spaces containing stone and concrete, a professional heat-load calculation is particularly important. Free wine cellar design planning can help identify the appropriate equipment configuration, but final refrigeration sizing and installation must be verified by qualified project professionals.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WhisperKOOL Blow-Through 4000 H.E. 220V?
It is a split wine cellar cooling system consisting of a concealed Blow-Through 4000 evaporator and a 220V High Efficiency air-cooled condenser. The system supports ducted, ductless, and hybrid airflow configurations.
What size wine cellar can the Blow-Through 4000 cool?
The manufacturer publishes an approximate rating of 2,000 cu. ft. for a deflector configuration and approximately 1,000 cu. ft. for a fully ducted configuration. These ratings assume a properly insulated and sealed cellar with a complete vapor barrier. A heat-load calculation is required for accurate sizing.
Why is the fully ducted cellar rating lower?
Ductwork adds airflow resistance and thermal losses. Duct length, bends, register design, static pressure, and insulation can reduce the amount of effective cooling delivered to the cellar.
Which airflow kit is required?
Every system requires one airflow kit. Choose the ducted kit for two duct plenums, the ductless kit for two directional deflectors, or the hybrid kit for one plenum and one deflector.
Can the evaporator be hidden?
Yes. The Blow-Through evaporator is designed for concealed placement in soffits, cabinetry, wine walls, attics, adjacent mechanical areas, and similar spaces. Proper insulation, structural support, drainage, access, and airflow must be provided.
Can the 220V H.E. condenser be installed outdoors?
Yes. The 220V H.E. condenser is designed for direct outdoor operation when installed according to the owner’s manual. It is engineered for ambient temperatures from approximately -20°F to 120°F.
Does the system include a refrigerant line set?
No. The refrigerant line set must be supplied and installed by the HVAC-R contractor. The required line diameters depend on total length.
How far can the condenser be installed from the evaporator?
The manufacturer permits up to 100 lineal feet between the evaporator and condenser when the line set is properly sized and installed.
Is a communication cable required?
Yes. An 18-5 thermostat wire is required between the evaporator and the 220V H.E. condenser. Only the required conductors are connected according to the wiring instructions.
What does the bottle probe measure?
The standard KDT bottle probe measures the temperature of liquid in a water-filled wine bottle. This allows the controller to respond to liquid temperature rather than short-term fluctuations in cellar air temperature.
Can I use a smart thermostat?
A customer-supplied smart thermostat may be used only when the system is ordered with the 24V Thermostat Conversion Kit. The smart thermostat is not supplied by WhisperKOOL, and WhisperKOOL does not provide technical support for third-party thermostat operation.
What is removed when I select the 24V Thermostat Conversion Kit?
The system will not be built with the standard WhisperKOOL KDT control, KDT display cable, or liquid-temperature bottle probe. The customer must supply a compatible 24V thermostat.
Does the system include a condensate pump?
Yes. The evaporator includes an internal condensate pump. A properly installed drain line and successful drain test are still required.
What duct size is required?
The Blow-Through 4000 uses 10-inch insulated supply ducting and 10-inch insulated return ducting.
Can decorative wooden grilles be used?
Yes, provided they meet the manufacturer’s airflow requirements. Registers and grilles should provide approximately 50% to 65% free-air area and must not include restrictive mesh, screens, foam, or backing.
Does the evaporator require exterior insulation?
Yes. The supplied insulation blanket must be installed before mounting. Additional R-19 or higher fiberglass insulation is required around evaporators installed in warm soffits, attics, ceiling cavities, or adjacent spaces, as directed in the owner’s manual.
Who can install the system?
A certified HVAC-R technician must install and commission the system. Refrigerant charging, evacuation, leak testing, TXV adjustment, electrical work, airflow verification, and warranty documentation require professional completion.
How is the warranty activated?
The installing technician must complete the split-system warranty checklist and submit it to WhisperKOOL. The warranty is not active until the checklist has been received, reviewed, and approved.
What maintenance is required?
Annual preventative maintenance should include cleaning coils and registers, inspecting ductwork and insulation, checking refrigerant performance, testing the condensate system, inspecting electrical connections, checking fan operation, and cleaning the bottle probe.
