Whether you have a rare wine collection or you enjoy having a glass of wine from time to time, having a wine cellar can make keeping your bottles at the perfect temperature. When the wine cellar cooling unit is not functioning properly, it can have a detrimental effect on your wine. This makes it critical to recognize any problems with the unit early on so that you can address the problems before further damage ensues.
Common Wine Cellar Problems
Several problems can cause a wine cellar cooling unit to malfunction. Recognizing some of the common problems is critical to getting your unit back up in working order. The issues that you may experience can depend on the type of unit you have.
Thermoelectric Problems
Several thermoelectric problems can cause your cellar not to work correctly. These include the following.
Not Keeping the Right Temperature
Thermoelectric wine cellar problems can make it nearly impossible for your cellar to maintain a stable temperature. This can have a damaging effect on the wine that you store. Troubleshooting this issue can help you determine what is causing the wine cellar cooling unit to fail to keep your cellar temperature within range.
Malfunctioning Fans
Another common problem associated with thermoelectric wine coolers is defective fans. This type of wine cellar cooling unit uses a fan system to move the hot air out of the room and circulate cool air. If there are any clogs from debris, breaks, disconnects, or other issues, it can severely impact the function of the fans. It is important to inspect the fans to determine where the problem exists. In some cases, simply reconnecting the connectors or clearing off debris can make a big difference. However, a professional replacement may be needed if no quick solution is found.
Problems With the Compressor Cooler
Several compressor cooler problems can cause your wine cellar cooling unit not to work correctly. These include the following.
Defective or Faulty Thermostat Unit
There are instances where the wine cellar cooling unit does not keep a steady temperature in the room, which can compromise the wine that is stored. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat rather than a defective unit in itself. The thermostat plays a critical role in providing power to the components that are charged with adjusting and controlling the temperature. When this does not work correctly, it can cause the interior of the unit to get either too hot or too cold.
Unfortunately, this is not a problem that is able to be fixed. Instead, you should reach out to our professionals to have the thermostat replaced. Thankfully, with all of the advances in technology, this can provide you with the ability to monitor and control your wine cellar remotely, providing you with comfort and peace of mind.
Improperly Working Evaporator
If the wine cellar in your home is not cooling properly, it could be due to an evaporator that is broken or malfunctioning. In some instances, this can be caused by ice that is building up over the evaporator itself. In other cases, an improperly-working evaporator can be caused by dirt. Either way, a blockage can severely impede the wine cellar cooling unit and its ability to function correctly.
To fix this problem, you will need to clean up debris from around the fan or other affected components. If there are bends or breaks on the fan, they will need to be replaced in order to restore proper function. Melting the ice is the best way to remove it to clear the clog and get the unit functioning again.
Malfunctioning Fans
Another common problem that causes the wine cellar cooling unit to malfunction is defective fans. When the fans do not spin correctly, it can cause serious problems with air circulation. You should check if there is any debris present and remove it if you do fund it. Cleaning dust that prevents the fan from spinning is the easiest way to restore function. However, there are other problems with the fans that can cause further issues. Having a professional diagnose the problem can make a big difference.
Other Problems That Can Prevent a Wine Cellar Cooling Unit From Functioning Correctly
In addition to the aforementioned problems with either thermoelectric or compressor coolers, there are some general issues that can severely impact a wine cellar. These include the following.
- Airflow issues: This is by far the most critical aspect of any unit operation. If the unit does not have the ability to properly move air across all of its coils, then it will fail to properly exchange heat. Ensuring proper cleaning is critical.
- Exhaust ventilation problems: It is important to have proper ventilation for your wine cellar cooling unit. This ensures the unit is able to cool up to the specified temperature.
- Problems with the installation: If the unit is not installed correctly, it can have a significant impact on its performance. It is crucial to install Through-the-wall units no lower than 18 inches below the ceiling line. For Split Systems, they should be positioned no lower than 6 inches.
- Defective unit door: When the door does not seal correctly, it can result in humid air from outside entering the cool environment and causing problems. Ensuring the door functions correctly and is properly sealed can help combat this potential issue.
After discovering that your wine cellar is not functioning correctly, it is important to identify the problem and make the needed repairs as soon as possible. A small problem can quickly turn into a costly and complicated situation. If you are not experienced in correcting problems with your wine cellar cooling unit, it is best to reach out to professionals for help.
Contact Schneider Mechanical Today
If you are experiencing problems with your wine cellar cooling unit, it is important that you act quickly. Our team at Schneider Mechanical can come to your location and troubleshoot the problem. After identifying the issue, we will take quick action to fix it for you! Contact our team now to get started!
