Loading... Please wait...

  • Technology & Innovation
  • Fundamentals
  • Choosing Your System
  • Build a Cellar
  • About

Technology and Innovation

Cooling systems in their basic form are simple, remove heat from an area that it is not wanted and put it in an area that it does not matter. Cooling a wine cellar adds two very imortant variables to this process, humidity and temperature consistancy. Our systems keep these two variables in check by cooling slowly. We have spent thousands of hours researching and developing the ideal system design and componentry for slow cooling processes.

We are committed to the development of new and unique products that continue to meet the challenges our customers face in different geographic parts of it country and the world in order to make their cellars operate as efficiently as possible while cooling effectively.

UL & ETL Listed

On top of our rigorous testing during development, we proudly carry the UL or ETL mark on all of our products. Products bearing these marks have been independently tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NTRL) to be in compliance with standards prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The marks also indicate that our production site conforms to a range of compliance measures and is subject to periodic follow-up inspections to verify continued conformance.

Though the UL mark is more commonly known, it is not the only Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in the US. ETL is also proof of product compliance to North American safety standards, including UL, ANSI, ASTM, and NFPA standards. Both of these marks are assurance that our products are compliant with safety standards, having been tested and certified by a third-party organization.

Continuous Improvement

Over the past few years we have committed ourselves to the concept of Continuous Improvement. This includes developing new products to meet challenging environmental needs of new cellar designs while at the same time improving our existing product lines to be as efficient as possible based on the size, cost and application of the units themselves. This process is taken on by our research and development team that work extensively with our suppliers to source the best products for each application based on durability and longevity. The net effect is a complete line of self-contained cooling units, split systems and ducted cooling unit applications. This allows a customer to choose from a larger array of products to meet their cellars applications.

Wine Cellar Cooling Fundamentals

Wine Cellar

Learning these key points could save
you money and your wine collection.

  1. Consult a wine cellar professional
    Every wine cellar has a unique set of challenges that need to be identified during construction. A cellar professional will help you to address all of the variables that are associated with creating the most efficient cellar environment.
  2. Cooling units make noise
    Our units are designed to be as efficient as possible, but all cooling units generate noise from the compressor and airflow through the fans. You need to consider the location of the cellar and the cooling unit exhaust, particularly when installing a self-contained unit. If noise in these areas is not acceptable, consider a split or ducted system.
  3. Cooling units run the majority of the time
    The amount of time that any cooling system will operate is dependent on the cellar design, the size of the unit, and the ventilation environment. Because your cellar is comparable to a walk-in refrigerator, the unit will operate as needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your unit will run 50% to 70% of the time on average in order to maintain the correct temperature.
  4. Cooling units generate a large amount of heat
    As the unit cools the cellar by absorbing heat from the air, the condenser must reject the heat created during operation. It is critically important that the heat be dissipated effectively from the unit in order to maximize performance. Failure to provide proper ventilation will compromise the wine cellar environment and shorten the lifespan of the cooling unit.
  5. Temperature differential
    This critical specification for a cooling unit plays a major role in its ability to cool your cellar to the desired 55°F for wine storage. The temperature differential is the difference a unit can cool from the area it is exhausting into. For example, a unit with a 30°F temperature differential will only be able to cool a cellar down to 60°F if the exhaust environment is 90°F. For exterior exhausting applications a 55°F or higher temperature differential is highly recommended.
  6. Insulation affects cooling unit performance
    The more insulation you have, the more efficient your cellar will be. Without insulation, your cooling unit will work harder to maintain the proper temperature. This results in a shorter lifespan for the unit. Note: concrete walls are not appropriate for a wine cellar, as they absorb cooling. Your cellar requires framed walls with insulation.
XLT 4200
  1. Install a vapor barrier
    Just as you need insulation to help regulate cellar temperature, you must install a vapor barrier to help your cooling unit maintain the proper humidity. Lack of a vapor barrier will result in improper humidity and will compromise the wine storage environment. Consult your local regulations and building ordinances for proper vapor barrier installation.
  2. Cooling units eventually require mechanical service
    As mentioned above, cooling units run about 50% to 70% of the time. Consider if other appliances in your house ran almost constantly… how long would they last? With proper installation and maintenance, in a properly designed wine cellar your WhisperKOOL unit should operate for 35,000 hours before mechanical service is required.
  3. Redundant cooling systems for high value collections
    If cooling failure occurs for any reason, a redundant system will keep your cellar environment from being compromised. Redundancy can be a second cooling unit, or the home A/C system can be used. A backup generator is a good idea in case of power failure. You should have some kind of contingency plan in place in case of electrical or mechanical failure in the cellar.
  4. Your cooling unit requires a dedicated electrical circuit
    Running lights or appliances on the same circuit as your cooling unit can cause the unit to underperform and increases the risk of tripping the circuit breaker. Always use a dedicated circuit for your cooling unit. If you have any questions, consult an electrician.
  5. You must connect your drain line
    WhisperKOOL cooling units are designed to maintain proper humidity in your wine cellar. This process involves evaporation and condensation, and creates moisture. Your cooling unit requires a drain line. It is critical that the drain line is connected at all times to ensure that there is no water damage to the walls and other components of the wine cellar. Failure to properly install the drain line will void your warranty and can lead to mold and mildew growth.
  6. Consider an annual inspection service
    In addition to the standard maintenance procedures as outlined in the Owner’s Manual, it is recommended that a certified HVAC/R technician perform an annual inspection of your cooling unit.

Choosing the System For Your Application


Self Contained

Self Contained systems are the most economical and easiest to install. They are designed to mount between the studs of an existing wall, and they do not require a licensed HVAC/R installation technician. One end of the system blows cool air in to the cellar, and the other end absorbs heat from the cellar and exhausts the heat into an area adjacent to the cellar. Self-contained units will make more noise than a split or ducted system.

Split System

Split systems are often the most efficient way to cool a cellar. Cooling unit condensers are typically noisy and require significant space for ventilation, in most cases the cellar location does not include an area for these functions. By splitting the cooling system, the condenser can be placed in a space better suited for heat and noise dissipation while the quiet evaporator is inside, or near, the cellar. A licensed HVAC/R technician is required for the installation.

Ducted

Ducted systems can be Self-Contained or Split systems and typically have more installation options/flexibility. The unit may be installed up to 25 ducted feet from the cellar, with the cool air flowing to the cellar and the heat exhaust ducted to the outside of the home. Ducting is also a more aesthetic choice for wine collectors who do not want to see a cooling unit in the cellar. Noise from the unit will be reduced or eliminated, depending on the installation.


Unit Sound Levels

The amount of noise the cooling system makes is very important to consider when selecting your system. Typically Split Systems have the quietest in-cellar operation due to the compressor being located in a remote area. Ducted Systems are virtually silent in the wine cellar. Below is a direct comparison amongst the WhisperKOOL product line.

How to Build a Wine Cellar

Cellar construction is critcal to the proper storing and aging of your fine wines. A properly built wine cellar not only safeguards your wine, but also aloows for efficient system operation. Watch this video for an overview of the process of building a wine cellar.

About WhisperKOOL

WhisperKOOL has been focused on cooling wine cellars and wine cabinets for over 20 years. Based on the concept of providing temperature regulation without sacrificing ideal humidity for the preservation of fine wines. WhisperKOOL has worked with contractors and customers on a wide array of unique, and sometimes challenging, cooling system installations. Through this process, development of new solutions that address the common challenges of noise, heat dissipation, and system durability have prevailed.

  1. Customer satisfaction
    Customer satisfaction is the benchmark we use to define success in our business. We recognize that a satisfied customer is the most important factor in creating the future for our organization. Many issues come into play when dealing with the challenges of providing cooling units for wine cellars. We are committed to providing accurate and thorough information on our products and the proper building of the wine cellar in order to ensure that the customers’ goal of aging wine to perfection can be achieved utilizing our equipment.
  2. Past reviews and what they mean
    Reviews are very important to us. We have learned many things from these comments. They are a measurement of the customer’s perception of our products based on their actual usage in their cellar environments. Since every cellar design is uniquely different, each cellar offers challenges on how to best cool the environment based on a number of fundamental factors including adequate insulation, proper vapor barrier, correct sizing the cooling unit to the environment and proper ventilation of the cooling units condenser (heat dissipation side).

    We take negative reviews seriously and recognize that the customer’s poor experience is a poor reflection of our company. Many of the problematic issues are based on an unclear understanding of the use of the product in the customer’s application. Many factors such as glass doors, windows and concrete walls may add to the aesthetic appeal of the cellar but compromise a cooling unit’s ability to operate efficiently. To narrow the gap between the customer’s perception of our products and the actual usage of our products, we have created a series of videos that better describe the fundamental requirements needed to build an efficient cellar including the features and benefits of each product line, so the customer can make the best decision.

    In addition our customer service department is here to help you every step of the way. Customers can contact us during the design process to receive the support in selecting a cooling unit based on cellars unique characteristics. We also go to great lengths to support existing customers and troubleshoot the cellars to determine what factors play a role in causing the cooling unit to operate inefficiently. Request for photographs often times reveal the hidden or unknown factors, which is compromising the cooling units ability to work efficiently.
  3. Why the Rivets?
    Customers and Technicians sometimes bring this concern to our Customer Service team. The answer is simple, systems are riveted together purely for warranty purposes.
    • This is the best way for us to know that a defective unit has failed from the original “parts and labor” used to build it. 
    • Certified Technicians can drill out the rivets with a 3/32(size) drill bit, a process that takes less than 5 minutes.
    • 6-32 3/8” phillips pan head sheet metal screws can be used to replace the rivets.
    Most importantly, WhisperKOOL does not want owners opening the units for their own safety. Only a certified HVAC or refrigeration technician should work on the units.
  4. Why choose WhisperKOOL?
    We are committed to the philosophy of continuous improvement. Our engineering staff works extensively with suppliers and component manufacturers to source the latest technology to enhance the performance and technology of our existing products as well as development of new products.

    When you choose WhisperKOOL, you gain access to our resources in sales, customer service and engineering. We work extensively with customers before, during and after the sale to assure the cooling unit and cellar environment are working together in an efficient manner to protect your valuable investment.