FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All WhisperKOOL systems require a bottle probe to be installed in order to operate correctly (unless you’ve purchased a 24V thermostat conversion kit). The bottle probe works by measuring the liquid temperature in your cellar, not the air temperature.

Yes, unless you have purchased a 24V Thermostat Conversion Kit, all WhisperKOOL systems require a bottle probe to be installed in order to function properly. The bottle probe system works by reading the liquid temperature of your wine, not the ambient air.

If you have a Mini Platinum Split system, there should be a conduit on the bottom of the evaporator system that the probe screws on to. For the larger 4000 and 8000 Platinum Split models, you will need to make this connection inside of the evaporator system.  Reference your owner’s manual or contact WhisperKOOL customer service for details.

A bottle probe has many advantages, particularly in extending system life as it prevents units from short cycling and turning on and off more than necessary. Using a bottle probe gives the most accurate and useful temperature reading for your cellar as the liquid temperature fluctuates at a lower rate than the air in your cellar, allowing the system to operate more efficiently.

The ideal storage temperature for wine is 55°F and 60% relative humidity (RH). This temperature and RH level will allow your wines to mature slowly and prevent corks from drying out. (Please note that this temperature and humidity level are only achievable under ideal conditions. If you live in a hot or humid area or have cellar walls that are not properly insulated or are made of glass or stone or some other material, your unit may not be able to maintain these conditions.) Higher temperatures and humidity levels can result in mold, label damage, and other problems.

Temperatures should remain constant. Extreme fluctuations in temperature can stress the wine and cause the liquid in the bottle to expand and contract, putting extra pressure on the cork, and potentially causing leakage and oxidation.

No, our units do not regulate humidity. As our cooling units operate, they remove moisture from the air. Some of that moisture condenses on the evaporator coils, where it is then blown back into the cellar by the units’ fans. Excess moisture collects in the units’ drip trays and is removed from the unit by external drain lines. In this way, WhisperKOOL units do more to conserve moisture in the cellar environment than traditional AC units do. The best thing to ensure that humidity levels in your cellar stay constant is to install a complete and proper vapor barrier during your cellar’s construction.

The main types of cooling systems are Ductless Split, Ducted Split, Fully Ducted – Self Contained, and Self Contained, each with its own pros and cons depending on the design and layout of your cellar.  Find out which one is best for you HERE.

Self Contained systems can be installed without a licensed HVAC-R technician. All other systems must be installed by a licensed HVACR technician.

On new Split systems equipped with Copeland condensing units, both the evaporator and the condenser need to be hard-wired. The condensing unit needs its own dedicated circuit with a 20-amp breaker. The evaporator does not need a dedicated circuit

20 amp dedicated circuit. Single appliance surge is also recommended.

You must always connect your drain line. During cooling, a unit will produce condensate. The excess condensate will drain out of the unit through the drain line. It is critical that the drain line is connected at all times to ensure that there is no water damage to the wine cellar. Failure to properly install the drain line will void your warranty and can lead to mold and mildew growth.

This is not recommended.

Cooling units generate heat as they cool. It is not uncommon for a cooling unit to vent exhaust air that is 90-100°F. You must ensure that the unit has adequate ventilation and enough obstruction-free space to exhaust this hot air. If the area you have is small, then you should consider using ducting to vent the hot exhaust air to a safe area. If the hot exhaust air will be vented into an area that is consistently 78°F or higher, you should consider an Extreme unit or a split system. The Extreme Series can effectively cool in ambient temperatures of 95-100°F and can be installed through an exterior wall or in an insulated room like a mechanical room or garage. Cooling units also produce noise. If noise is an issue, you may want to consider a fully ducted unit, or the Extreme Series with three-speed fans, or a split system.