Split Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units are a great option to use with wine cellars whenever possible. Split systems are a commercial quality option that does not require you to have an adjoining room/space for the heat to exit. With Split System cooling units, the condenser is separated from the evaporator coil and fan that provide the actual cooling to the cellar. The two are connected by a refrigerant line and there is no ducting involved. The condenser, with its noise, vibration, and heat output is placed outside and away from the wine cellar where it will have less impact on the home or business.

Split Cooling Systems Features

• Condenser is separate from the Evaporator Fan/Coil
• Maintenance and operation can impact the wine collection less
• Longer lifespan
• More powerful units available
• Price range: 9K-$15K
• Requires a licensed HVAC contractor for installation and maintenance (semi-annual)
• More Powerful
• Split systems are typically more powerful than self-contained units. There are commercial grade split systems that have a maximum cooling power of 30,000 – 50,000 BTUs and have longer lifespans. With much more cooling power, these wine cellar cooling units are also more expensive – costing in the $9K-$15K range.

On the plus side, you’re going to have a wide variety of options for integrating split systems into the design of the wine cellar. Ideally you want to design the wine cellar and the wine racking around the split system rather than vice versa.  

Highly Versatile

There are many different units, size options and configurations offering great versatility. You can always find ways to hide the unit, either recessing it in the ceiling or integrating it into the racking. You can also choose to display the unit.

Service and Maintenance

Split systems do require an HVAC contractor for installation and maintenance. The fact that they can be maintained, repaired and serviced on site is a big advantage. It is best practice to have your cooling system serviced every six months. Note: With split systems, you also have to take into consideration where you’re located. If you’re near the coast, the salt air can damage the compressor quite quickly (within six months in some cases) – you get pinholes in the compressor and leak refrigerant. In a beach community, or even close to the coast, the coils should be coated for added protection. Pouring alkaline water on the compressor coils, usually every month, also helps prevent corrosion.”