Thanks Doug, do you run that system year round? The reason I ask is fall through spring temps remain fairly stable. I was wondering if you can simple unplug/turn off that unit etc. and maybe this might add some longevity to the cooling unit. My current racking system can go upto 120 bottles and I'm thinking about atleast doubling that. anyway that 2500hzd may fit my budget and the dimensions are fine.

quote:

Originally posted by napaccoast:
Thanks Doug, do you run that system year round? The reason I ask is fall through spring temps remain fairly stable. I was wondering if you can simple unplug/turn off that unit etc. and maybe this might add some longevity to the cooling unit. My current racking system can go upto 120 bottles and I'm thinking about atleast doubling that. anyway that 2500hzd may fit my budget and the dimensions are fine.

I do run it year round, even though we're only 500 yards from the ocean and it stays pretty cool here most of the year. But the high was over 70 today, despite being quite cool in the evenings (lows in high 40s). I just figure it doesn't work as hard in the winter and spring as it does in the summer and fall, when the daytime highs can reach the 90s and the evenings stay well above 60.

In any case, I have about 500 bottles down there with an average purchase price of over $30, and current values of probably double that or more, and I'm more concerned about the wine than the possibility of having to replace the cooling unit a couple of years earlier than I might otherwise.

I also have to wonder if leaving it off for extended periods might be bad for it. I keep a fan in the workroom that's adjacent to the cellar -- I run it all the time to blow the hot exhaust from the cooling unit out the window (the exhaust blows into the workroom, which is nice In the winter). The first year we were here I turned the fan off during the winter, and it wouldn't restart when the weather heated up the next spring -- it had locked up from not being used, even though it was less than a year old. A little WD40 and some elbow grease got it going again, and I've left it on since without any problems. Something to consider.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RDCollins,

I just checked the temp. where I store my wines and its 58 degrees, 65% humidity. I live an hour west of chicago, kinda balmy right now at 32 degrees outside, its usually colder this time year! Anyway you bring up a good point about wine value vs cooling unit value. My current ambient conditions I feel are acceptable its just the temp swings hot and humid in the summer months. I'm at a point now were I have a few cases of wines that are age worthy and I'm concerned about that 70-75 degree summer temp. range. Initially I thought I'd be able to maintain a passive cellar with these conditions but now I'm leaning towards a cooling unit. The vast majority of my wines may be considered QPR's and weekend wines, better than your everyday drinkers but not age worthy. Anyway the room is set just need a somewhat reliable/cost effective cooling unit.