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Different Types of Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems for Efficient Wine Cellar Cooling

Written by CaliforniaWineCellars on May 21, 2014

Wine Cellar Cooling Units from Arctic

The primary purpose of a wine cellar is to provide a secure and stable environment, conducive to storing and aging wines for a prolonged period of time. Custom wine rooms are properly insulated, sealed, and installed with wine cellar cooling systems, to ensure that the desired climate conditions for long-term storage are achieved and maintained.

Wine cellar refrigeration systems are a crucial component of actively cooled wine cellars. A wine cellar refrigerator is specially designed to help maintain the ideal wine cellar temperature and humidity levels for the proper preservation of wines. For wines to mature to their full potential, the temperature range must be at a constant 50°F to 55°F, while the relative humidity should stay between 60 to 75 percent.

There are three ways to cool a custom wine cellar: self-contained cooling systems, ductless split refrigeration systems, and ducted-split climate control systems. Each refrigeration unit has its own distinct features and advantages, but all are engineered to efficiently stabilize wine cellar temperature and humidity, and reliably cool a wine storage space.

Self-Contained Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems

Self-Contained Wine Cellar Refrigeration System

Self-contained wine cellar refrigeration systems are perfect for wine rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet in size. These cooling units are the easiest to install, and do not require assistance from a licensed HVAC/R technician. Aside from providing ease of installation, self-contained cooling systems are the most affordable refrigeration systems around.

A self-contained wine cellar refrigerator is mounted high on the wall, and vents fan noise and warm air into an adjoining room. The latter must be at least the same size or larger than the wine room itself. Additionally, the room must have proper ventilation, and must not exceed 80°F. If the cooling unit vents through a small, confined space, it will not function as effectively, and will most likely blow hot air into the wine cellar as a result.

These refrigeration units can be installed in an unused area between the entry door and the ceiling, or mounted within the racking frame. Most self-contained cooling products have a depth of 13 inches, so these units will fit snugly within the confines of the wine racking system.

Split Wine Cellar Cooling Systems (Ductless and Ducted Cooling Systems)

Split wine cellar cooling systems separate the evaporator unit from the condensing unit, which not only provides flexibility in installation, but also promotes efficient and silent cooling. Splitting them apart allows the noisiest component of the cooling unit (the condenser) to be placed in a remote location, while the evaporator is installed inside or near a wine room. There are two types of split systems: ductless split refrigeration systems and ducted-split climate control systems.

Split Wine Cellar Cooling System

Ductless split wine cellar refrigeration systems use electrical wiring and small copper tubing to connect the condensing unit to the evaporator unit. Using a line set eliminates venting through an adjacent enclosure or the need for ductwork. For this particular split system, the evaporator is placed inside the wine room, while the condenser is installed in a location that is ideal for effective heat and noise dissipation (e.g. outdoors, the garage, etc.).

Ducted-split wine cellar cooling systems make use of ductwork to distribute cool air into the wine storage space, and to draw warm air outdoors through a return air duct. The cooling system evaporator is placed near the wine cellar or in another location indoors, while the condensing unit is located outdoors. Ducted-split systems eliminate the presence of refrigeration equipment inside wine cellars, thus providing more room for storage and preserving the aesthetic quality of the space.

In order for a wine cellar refrigerator to be efficient in its performance, it must be integrated into the overall wine cellar plans and design. After applying the proper insulation and vapor barrier, and completely sealing the wine room, the right type of wine cellar climate control system must be installed to reach the ideal wine cellar temperature and humidity levels for long-term wine storage.

There are important factors to consider when choosing the best cooling system for a wine cellar space. These factors are: ambient conditions, room size, frequency of door opening/closing, the location of the wine room, and the size of the wine collection.

Wine Cellar in Coto de Caza Installed with a Split Wine Cellar Refrigeration Unit

When building a residential or commercial wine cellar, consulting with professional wine cellar builders is highly recommended. They are experts in designing and constructing a wine storage space that provides the best environment for storing and aging wines. Wine cellar builders will create wine cellar plans based on the design specifications and storage needs of their clients.

Most wine cellar builders not only design and execute wine cellar plans, but also install all wine room components, including wine racking solutions, flooring products, wine cellar doors, and climate control systems. With regard to wine cellar cooling systems, wine cellar builders conduct a heat load calculation to determine the proper cooling system, that will efficiently cool a wine storage space.

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems California Installation Projects by Arctic Metalworks

Written by CaliforniaWineCellars on April 21, 2014

Arctic Metalworks is the leading provider and manufacturer of commercial grade quality wine cellar refrigeration systems in Southern California. They offer a complete line of wine cellar cooling systems California, that are specially designed to address the cooling needs and requirements of various applications, from residential wine cellars to commercial wine displays.

Wine cellar cooling systems are crucial to achieving and maintaining a proper wine storage environment. Climate control systems are engineered to help regulate temperature and humidity levels within 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 to 75 percent, respectively. Stable climate conditions are necessary, in order for wines to reach their aging potential.

Arctic Metalworks Wine Cellar Refrigeration Expert

Arctic Metalworks designs and builds custom wine cellar refrigeration units that can accommodate the temperature and humidity requirements of a wine storage space. Their refrigeration systems provide the optimum cooling capacity, which ensures the proper preservation of wines for a prolonged period of time.

They have completed numerous wine cellar cooling installation projects in Southern California. Some of these projects involve replacing existing refrigeration equipment, and/or providing a remedy to inadequately designed and built custom wine rooms. The following refrigeration installation projects will shed light on the intricacies involved in wine cellar construction, and on the importance of wine cellar cooling systems California.

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems Installation in Laguna Beach California

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems

One of their recently completed wine cellar cooling installation California projects took place at Laguna Beach. The project involved replacing the existing LRC evaporator coil with an Arctic 0025 ¼ hp evaporator coil, and upgrading the wine cellar refrigeration system’s small chap pump to an air conditioner condensate pump.

The Arctic team decided to retain the condensing unit, which was not only in good condition, but also operating with an R-134a refrigerant (a green gas alternative). Arctic Metalworks would have replaced the entire refrigeration unit if it had functioned off of an R-22 refrigerant, AKA an ozone depleting substance. A special enclosure was designed and constructed by Jerry from Coastal Custom Wine Cellars, to conceal the cooling unit from sight.

This Manhattan Beach wine cellar cooling installation project shows the importance of locating a condensing unit in a well-ventilated area. The contractor was concerned about placing the cooling system in the yard because of the noise it generated, so they had it installed in a mechanical room, and the Arctic team replaced the existing 4’ ventilation fan with a bigger exhaust fan to help heat dissipate.

The lack of proper ventilation caused the refrigeration unit to perform poorly and inefficiently. So, Arctic Metalworks relocated the condensing unit to the side yard, to keep it properly ventilated, and thus provide optimum cooling performance.

San Clemente California Wine Cellar Cooling Installation Project

Wine Cellar Cooling Installation

As Southern California’s refrigeration gurus, it is not unusual for Arctic Metalworks to take on a project that involves rectifying an improperly constructed wine cellar. For the San Clemente wine cellar cooling installation California project, Arctic Metalworks had to completely tear down the ceiling drywall and apply polyurethane foam, a sealing agent that acts as insulation and vapor barrier.

The original building contractor failed to install vapor barriers around the entire building envelope, which eventually led to drywall damage caused by water leaks. A vapor barrier is an important component of wine cellar construction, as it provides better moisture control.

The Arctic team re-applied drywall and paint, and upgraded the underpowered wine cellar refrigeration unit with an Arctic 5500 split system. The evaporator unit was mounted on the wall, while the condensing unit was located remotely, for ultra-quiet and efficient cooling of the San Clemente residential wine cellar.

Wine Cellar Refrigeration Unit Installation in Corona del Mar, CA

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems Installation

A remedial wine cellar cooling systems project was also done for Motocross superstar Ryan Villapoto, in Corona del Mar, California. The existing wine cellar underwent a major overhaul, courtesy of Arctic Metalworks. The original contractor installed the vapor barrier on the wrong side of the wall, and placed the condensing unit in an enclosed space, which led to the compressor overheating.

The Arctic team took down the wall, applied polyurethane foam insulation, and re-applied the vapor barrier with Italian plaster finish. The condensing unit was moved to the yard, and housed in an A/C style vent to protect it from harmful external factors.

Arctic Metalworks also installed a digital temperature control, to allow easy monitoring of the temperature and humidity inside the wine room.

Aliso Viejo Wine Cellar Cooling Installation in California

Another wine cellar cooling installation California project that involved the replacement of existing wine cellar cooling systems California was the Aliso Viejo residential wine room. The original refrigeration installation team installed a refrigeration system that did not meet the cooling requirements of the wine storage space.

The Arctic team ran diagnostics, and found out that the original cooling system did not have the capacity to maintain the ideal climate conditions for storing and aging wines. Arctic Metalworks replaced the unit with an Arctic 0025 split system.

The evaporator unit was located inside the wine room, and the condensing unit was placed in the yard. To protect the condensing unit from outside elements, it was encased in a custom designed protective housing.

Wine Cellar Cooling Installation California

Split wine cellar cooling systems are considered the best cooling solution for achieving optimum storage conditions. The evaporator and condenser are housed separately, which provides flexibility in installation options, and promotes efficient operation. The evaporator unit and condensing unit are connected by a line set or air ducts.

There is more to Arctic Metalworks than just wine cellar cooling installation. The Arctic teams also carries out the full installation of custom wine cellars, as well as provides quality handmade wine storage and display solutions.

They recently completed a custom wine cellar construction and refrigeration installation project for the former South African tennis player Ray Moore.

The Arctic team installed custom designed wine racking systems to store over a thousand wine bottles. Additional custom drawers were also provided, to hold his rarest and most valuable vintages. All wine racks were made from unfinished black walnut wood.

To achieve and maintain the ideal wine storage conditions, Arctic Metalworks supplied an Arctic 0500 split system. The condensing unit was placed in a 5-car garage, which was large enough to contain heat exhaust without overheating the compressor. The Arctic team utilized an existing 50’ line set that was already installed during the construction of the home.

Arctic Metalworks offers their clients a comprehensive wine cellar cooling system maintenance plan, which includes checking and cleaning the cooling system and lubricating the motor. They also provide a warranty on all parts and labor.

Arctic Metalworks Provides the Best Wine Cellar Refrigeration Equipment

Written by CaliforniaWineCellars on January 25, 2014

Most of the wines bottled by vineyards and sold in liquor or wine stores are ready to drink. These are mostly young wines that are best consumed within 1-2 years of purchase.

The wine’s ability to maintain its flavor, taste, and bouquet depends on the conditions by which they were stored, no matter the length of time. All wines are perishable, which means the liquid cannot be drunk unless it was kept or stored under the right conditions.

Some wines are meant to be aged. Aging wine is both a science and an art. Science explains the molecular and chemical changes that occur inside the bottle, given the right (or wrong) conditions the bottle endures.

Temperature, humidity, light, vibration, and the manner of storage affect the aging process of the wine inside the bottle. The aging of wine can be hastened depending on the environment where it was stored. It is an art since it takes creative minds and hands to create the conditions wherein the wine will reach its maximum potential.

Why Invest in a Wine Cellar Cooling System

One basic, but important, condition is the wine storage temperature which contributes a lot to the quality of wine. Humidity also affects how wine will be enjoyed when served.

These days, some collectors cut corners in storing their wines by using wine racks which are cheap. Others keep their collection under their kitchen cabinets or in boxes.

Major temperature fluctuations and humidity level changes will result in flat or spoiled wines, thus storing your finest wines in areas where they are exposed to external factors is a big mistake. Investing in a California wine cellar equipped with the right cooling system will benefit you.

You can’t just use substandard wine cellar cooling systems. This is non-negotiable as wine depends greatly on the right temperature and humidity levels to maintain its flavor and taste. One should not collect wine and let it spoil as wine collecting and storage obviously cost money.

Arctic Metalworks Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems – a Perfect Choice

Arctic Metalworks provides customers with the perfect choice of refrigeration system for their residential or commercial wine cellar. The company was started in 1962 by Warren Gype, currently operated and run by his sons David and Steve.

They offer wine cellar construction and renovation. Moreover, they install refrigeration systems ideal for the size and the kind of California wine room the client owns.

As an expert in wine cellar refrigeration services, they pride themselves on going beyond selling their products. They provide the much needed repair services if clients ever need it and quality California wine racking that will hold and display any collection securely and beautifully.

Custom wine cellar projects in partnership with Coastal Custom Wine Cellars, a wine cellar builder expert:

Newport Beach CA Residential Custom Wine Cellar

Alisa Viejo California Custom Wine Room

The people behind Arctic Metalworks have set a standard of excellence and are truly professionals in their field. Contact them today at +1 (714) 251-6875 o visit their website at https://www.arcticmetalworks.com for more information.

Wine Cellar Cooling System, Wine Cellar Doors and Other Wine Cellar Design Elements

Written by CaliforniaWineCellars on January 23, 2014

Passionate wine collectors spend a great deal of time and money on growing their wine collection. Hence, it is only right to invest in a wine storage room equipped with the proper wine cellar refrigeration system, to ensure that the quality of their wines are well-preserved for a prolonged period of time.

Wine Cellar Design with Wine Cellar Cooling System

A wine cellar cooling system is one of the most important components in cellaring wines. This unit is designed to maintain a balanced wine storage environment, wherein the temperature range is between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity level is within 60 to 75 percent. An efficient refrigeration system will help wines age to their full potential.

When deciding on a wine cellar project or selecting the right type of wine cellar cooling system for a custom wine cellar, it is important to know the different variables involved in helping to achieve the ideal climate conditions for storing and aging wines.

What is it Important to Keep Wine Cellars Insulated?

Your Wine Cellar Builder Must Ensure Proper Insulation

One of the most important variables in wine cellar design and construction is proper insulation. An experienced wine cellar builder will ensure that insulation is applied to all wine cellar walls, in order to protect the storage room from unnecessary climate fluctuations, help stabilize temperature and humidity levels, and prevent the cooling system from working beyond its limit.

What is the Function of a Vapor Barrier?

Wine Cellar Design with Vapor Barrier

During the wine cellar design phase of a custom wine cellar, an expert wine cellar builder will make sure that the entire wine cellar envelope is installed with vapor barriers ,to create a storage environment that is conducive to the wine aging process.

A vapor barrier is usually a foil sheet or plastic designed for moisture control. It prevents warm air from the outside from seeping through the wall surface, as this can cause condensation build up in the walls. The proper way of installing vapor barriers is by placing them on the warmer side of the walls.

Condensation build up can promote mold and mildew, which can cause a great deal of damage to the entire wine collection as well as to the wine cellar structure if left untreated. The presence of vapor barriers provides moisture control that is essential to maintaining a climate controlled wine storage environment.

Wine Cellar Doors – Creating a Tight Seal for the Cellar

What is the Purpose of Wine Cellar Doors?

Another important variable in a climate controlled wine cellar design is wine cellar doors. It is designed to provide a complete seal to custom wine rooms that will help the wine cellar cooling system in its efficiency in providing the best wine storage conditions.

An experienced wine cellar builder will see to it that the wine cellar doors of wine cellars are exterior grade doors. Doors with exterior grade quality are able to hold out against weather changes and prevent warm air from coming into the custom wine cellar.

In order for wine cellar doors to be efficient, they must have the following features: automatic door bottom, threshold, weather stripped on all sides and around the jamb, and perimeter seal.

Custom Wine Cellars Corona del Mar California – Residential Refrigeration Project

Written by CaliforniaWineCellars on November 25, 2013

Ryan Villopoto – Motocross Star

Arctic Metalworks recently embarked on a wine cellar renovation and installation project for Motocross superstar Ryan Villopoto. The project required major overhauling of the existing custom wine cellars Corona del Mar California in order to create a storage environment that provided optimal conditions, wherein wines can mature to their full potential.

The original wine storage area was built and installed by the general contractor of the home. However, the lack of knowledge on proper wine cellar construction techniques on their part rendered the Villapoto’s wine room ineffective in its purpose. The Arctic team found the vapor barriers on the wrong side of the insulation, while the condensing unit of the residential refrigeration was crammed into a drywall box, which led to the severe overheating of the compressor.

A carefully constructed wine cellar takes into account all important prerequisites of converting any designated room to a climate controlled wine storage space, such as insulation, vapor barriers, and wine cellar refrigeration systems Corona del Mar. When properly installed, the presence of these key components will create the perfect storage conditions for aging wines for a prolonged period of time.

Custom Wine Cellars Corona del Mar California Project

It is important to enclose the entire structure of the wine storage space with insulation, as this will help in maintaining the appropriate temperature levels and promote better moisture control. The vapor barrier must be installed on the warm side of the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces, to prevent moisture migration and eliminate the chance of mold growth.

For this custom wine cellars Corona del Mar California project, the Arctic team had to revamp the whole wine cellar interior. After a moisture test confirmed that the vapor barrier was installed incorrectly, the material was removed in its entirety, along with the residential refrigeration equipment, drywall, and the racking systems.

Prior to installing the vapor barrier with Italian plaster finish, the Arctic team treated the interior walls with spray polyurethane foam insulation. Spray foams are said to be 50 times better than traditional insulation materials in controlling temperature and moisture and reducing noise. After reapplying both the insulation and the vapor barriers, the racking systems were reinstalled.

Arctic Metalworks supplied this custom wine cellars Corona del Mar with a ductless split system. The quiet evaporator is placed inside the wine cellar, while the condenser was placed in the yard to allow the residential refrigeration equipment to remain cool at all times. To connect both components together, the Arctic team pierced a small hole through the wall and ran their electrical wiring and copper tubing through it, to where the compressor was located.

Residential Refrigeration with Temperature Control

Additional technological features were integrated into the wine cellar refrigeration systems Corona del Mar, such as a digital temperature control system. This device allows wine collectors to monitor thermostat data, and receive alerts regarding critical changes in the wine cellar’s temperature. This equipment is compatible with most mobile devices (e.g. iPhone, Blackberry), thus making things easier for wine collectors who are always on the go to check on the status of their wine collectibles at any time.

Ryan Villopoto races for the Kawasaki Racing Team in the AMA Supercross series and the AMA Lucas Oil Motocross series. He currently resides in Mennifee, California.

Shady Canyon Project for Ray Moore – Wine Cellar Refrigeration Installations Irvine California

Written by CaliforniaWineCellars on November 15, 2013

Raymond Moore Tennis Player

Arctic Metalworks is California’s leading manufacturer, provider and installer of commercial grade wine cellar refrigeration systems. Aside from being the premier wine cellar refrigeration installations Irvine California specialist, Arctic expanded their business activities to include wine cellar designs and construction, and handmade wine racking.

A recently completed wine cellar refrigeration installations project demonstrates Arctic Metalworks’ expertise in creating a fully functional residential wine storage application. This elegant wine room with highly customized features was designed and built for the South African tennis star Raymond Moore.

This custom residential wine cellar is approximately 8’ x 12’ and can house more than 1,000 wine bottles. In order to achieve the right temperature and humidity levels inside this medium sized wine enclave, Arctic Metalworks installed an Arctic 0500 split system.

Wine cellar refrigeration installations involving a ductless split system requires a line set, consisting of copper tubing and electrical wiring to connect components that are, in this case, split into two separate parts. The part of the system that generates noise and heat can be located in a different area of the home, thus creating a storage environment completely devoid of fan noise and heat exhaust.

Wine Cellar Refrigeration Installations Irvine California

For this particular wine cellar refrigeration installations Irvine California project, Arctic Metalworks placed the condensing unit in a large 5-car garage, which was spacious enough to contain the heat produced by the compressor. The condenser was connected to the evaporator unit by a 50’ line set that was already embedded in the walls prior to the installation of the custom wine room. The entire wine cellar refrigeration installations were completed by the Arctic team in 10 hours.

A residential wine room is not complete without custom wine racking systems; they provide an efficient storage method within which wine collectors can organize and display their liquid collectibles in a visually enticing way. Wine racks are made from many different materials and come in a variety of styles that can address storage needs and enhance wine cellar designs.

The wine racking solution for this wine cellar refrigeration installations Irvine California project was handcrafted from black walnut wood. The wood material is known for its attractive grain pattern and exceptional durability. Although stain and lacquer finish options are available, the client opted to go with the unfinished look. This is why the finished product casts a rather pale appearance.

Custom Wine Racks Wine Cellar Designs

To accommodate the client’s most valuable wine collections, like a 1982 Chateau Haut-Brion and a 1986 Chateau Lafite, Arctic Metalworks added drawers with individual bottle cradles. The customized compartments provide a safe haven, wherein the rarest and finest wine bottles can age in private. As all the racking systems were handmade, completion of the product took about six weeks.

Arctic Metalworks not only provides custom wine cellar designs, proper cooling equipment and racking solutions, they also conduct proactive maintenance of refrigeration units to maintain reliability of the machinery or equipment. Their proactive maintenance plan includes three annual onsite inspections, to rid the outdoor unit of dirt and debris, check the overall performance of the equipment, and re-oil the motors.