Arctic Metalworks, a member of Wine Cellar Designers Group, completed a project in Laguna Beach, California. The homeowners had existing custom wine cabinets, which they wanted to have a wine refrigeration system installed. With passion, expertise, and knowledge in HVAC refrigeration, David Gype, and his team did an exceptional job despite the challenges they encountered. They did their best to make the homeowners happy and satisfied.   

Custom Wine Cabinets: How HVAC Experts Installed a Wine Refrigeration System in a California Home 

Arctic Metalworks was contacted by the homeowners in Laguna, who needed help with the refrigeration of their four custom wine cabinets. The home is located in Three Arch Bay in Laguna Beach, California. The height of the wine cabinets goes up to the ceiling and are sealed by glass doors and installed with tastefully designed wood wine racks and dramatic lighting. The cabinets are designed with a reach-in style because of the limited space.  

The team of experts is led by David Gype, who has extensive experience in HVAC refrigeration installation and repair. For many years, they have been helping contractors, builders, and designers with high-grade wine refrigeration systems.

The challenge in this project was the small space. They had to find a wine cooling unit that would allow them to use extra thin ducting to vent the air in and out of the wine cabinets. This issue did not stop them from making their clients happy.  

Choosing the Most Suitable Wine Refrigeration System: How Important is it in Wine Storage? 

Every wine storage facility has different requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a professional HVAC technician who has the skills and knowledge in choosing the right type and size of wine cooling system ideal for your project. A climate control unit that is too small or too big for a wine cellar or wine cabinet can cause significant problems.  

The Right Wine Cooling System Will Ensure that the Conditions are Regulated 

Wine must be stored in a stable environment to preserve its desirable characteristics. The temperature in your wine storage room should be kept between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Very high temperatures will accelerate the aging process of the wine and may cause unpleasant tastes and smells.  

Very low temperatures will slow down the aging process of the wine and might cause freezing, which can result in altered flavors because the organic compounds in the wine are crystalized. When it freezes, it expands, causing the cork to be pushed out of the bottle or break the bottle. When this happens, an unwanted amount of oxygen will enter the bottle and mix with the wine. Wine will be oxidized and taste like vinegar.  

The ideal humidity level is from 60 to 70 percent. Excessive humidity will cause condensation build-up and trigger mold growth. Mold can grow on the cork and contaminate the wine. It can also damage the wine labels and structural integrity of your wine cellar and racking.  

When the humidity level goes below 60 percent, it may affect the oxygen level of your wines. It can dry out the cork and cause it to reduce in size. When the cork shrinks, oxidation will take place, losing the true bouquet of the wine.    

It is best to consult a professional who understands the crucial role of a wine cooling system in aging wines. Arctic Metalworks has extensive knowledge in installing and servicing climate-control units.  

Performing a Heat Load Calculation for Proper Sizing 

HVAC experts like Arctic Metalworks always perform a heat load calculation to size wine cooling systems correctly. This process is vital in determining the BTUs required for the installation of the cooling unit. In this wine refrigeration installation for custom wine cabinets in California, the Arctic team and the homeowners agreed to install a ducted split wine refrigeration system.  

They installed the cooling unit outside the custom wine cabinets. They found a way to duct the cool air from the unit into and out of the wine cabinets. They utilized a Unico High Static Pressure Forced Air wine refrigeration unit, which is engineered to utilize high static pressure, allowing the technicians to use smaller types or thin ducts in projects where space is a challenge.    

How Arctic Metalworks Installed the Wine Cellar Refrigeration System for the Custom wine Cabinets  

The pipes used for Forced Air Units (FAUs) are typically a minimum of six inches. However, with the Unico HVAC cooling unit, Arctic Metalworks used 2-inch ducting to allow proper air venting. It is because this type and brand of wine refrigeration system has a built-in high-static fan that makes a stronger supply of pressure.   

David Gype used eight pieces of two-inch duct and installed two pieces of conduits in each of the custom wine cabinets, perfect for reaching the tight areas. The ducts are made of aluminum flex, a more dependable material than the polystyrene type of barrier. It is more resistant to tears and leaks.   

Work with the Leading HVAC Specialist in California Who Offers Reliable Refrigeration for Custom Wine Cabinets and Wine Cellars 

Arctic Metalworks has consistently proven its expertise in providing quality wine refrigeration services for residential and commercial custom wine cellars, and wine cabinets, David Gype and his team will help you! They always want to make sure that their client’s expectations are exceeded.    

If you need help or have questions about wine cellar refrigeration, please call us at +1 (844) 608-4199.  

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