Cellar Maintenance

We exclusively utilize WhisperKOOL wine cellar cooling systems. They recommend their customers to regularly inspect their unit’s filters every 90 days by performing regular filter preventative maintenance is key to your cooling unit’s longevity, and keep your cooling system running in top shape.

The filter’s location will vary depending on your type of cooling unit. The following information will give a simple overview of how to properly maintain your cooling unit’s filter: 

Platinum / Mini Splits

• These units have a wall-mounted evaporator that has a detachable front grille. Beneath this grille is a filter. The filter can easily be cleaned with a vacuum, compressed air, or the use of soap and water and then replaced inside the evaporator unit.

Extreme TiR

• Clogged duct filters hamper the efficiency of a unit and shorten its lifespan. The filters can be located at the ductwork on the unit and require regular replacements. Replacement filters for Extreme tiR units are available on our website. 

Phantom Systems 

• These systems use filters that are located at the wall register inside of your cellar. Since wall register sizes may vary we do not provide replacement filters and therefore must be purchased separately. We recommend filters with a mean efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 4 or better.

Check out these other helpful tips should help you keep your cooling unit running at maximum capacity and safeguard your investment in fine wine.

Tip #1: Ensure that the unit has adequate ventilation.

Ventilation is absolutely vital to the proper function and longevity of a wine cellar cooling unit. The unit must have adequate airflow or it will run more frequently, run less efficiently, and may even prematurely malfunction. Make sure that the unit has at least five feet of clearance on all sides.

For self-contained units (mounted through walls), make sure that the front and back of the unit have at least five feet of clearance, and the unit is mounted no more than 18 inches from the ceiling.

For split systems, ensure that the condensing unit has five feet of clearance on all sides, whether it's mounted in an uninsulated room (such as a utility room) or outdoors. Even something as simple as tall grass or cobwebs can impair airflow to the unit and cause long-term damage. Simple preventative maintenance to the area where the unit is installed will save time and trouble.

Tip #2: Clean the evaporator and condenser coils.

The efficiency and operation of the cooling unit also depend on the cleanliness of the evaporator and condenser coils. Dust and other debris collects on the coils over time and can negatively impact the cooling capacity of your unit. For this reason, it's important to clean the coils on a regular basis (every few months). You can spray compressed air through the coils while the system is running. Or you can turn the system off and use a vacuum hose with a brush attachment to clean the coils.

Tip #3: Verify that the drain line is free of obstructions.

Cooling units naturally produce condensate during operation. Your unit's drain line helps direct excess condensate (water) away from the unit to a safe disposal area. If the drain line becomes fouled by mold, insects, or other debris, it can become clogged, causing water to overflow the drain pain inside your cooling unit. This can potentially cause water damage to your unit, your racking system, your wine bottle labels, and your cellar itself.

To avoid condensate overflow, make sure that your drain pan and drain line are clear of all obstructions and build-up. Every three months, inspect the drain pan and drain line for mold, bugs, and other clogging agents. Drop pan tabs into the drain pan to help combat mold growth, and detach the drain line and clean with soapy water.

Tip #4: If the unit is ducted, replace the filters regularly. 

Clogged duct filters can also hamper the efficiency of a unit and shorten its lifespan. It's a good idea to replace these filters on a quarterly basis.

Tip #5: If the unit is ducted, inspect the ductwork for cracks or leaks. 

Ductwork is subject to wear and tear. The slightest leak or tear in the ducting can have the unpleasant side effect of reducing the cooling capacity of the unit. This may cause the unit to run an excessively long span of time. To protect your wines, it's a good idea to regularly inspect all ducting for leaks or cracks.

Tip #6: Remove the grille and wash the filter with soap and water (Platinum 4000, 8000, and Mini Split only).

This tip refers to WhisperKOOL units specifically, but may also apply to other wall-mounted split systems. WhisperKOOL units with wall-mounted evaporators have a detachable front grille. Beneath this grille is a filter. As with the paper filters on the ducted units, it's a good idea to inspect this filter on a quarterly basis and make sure it's clean. The filter can be cleaned with soap and water, dried, and replaced inside the evaporator unit.

By following these simple filter preventative maintenance tips, your cooling unit will continue to run at optimum capacity while protecting your investment in fine wine for years to come.

If you have any more questions regarding your unit's filters or any more preventive maintenance tips, please feel free to reach out to the WhisperKOOL customer support team at 1-(800)-343-9463 ext. 801 and they will be more than happy to assist.