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Contractors and HVAC professionals need to connect flexible ductwork in configurations that suit a space. It is challenging to exhaust air in all-glass wine walls and rooms. A Word About Climate Control SolutionsĪn application with four glass walls limits the type of cooling unit one can choose from and requires more ingenuity to conceal the components. A robust enough cooling unit is needed to restore balance quickly. In contrast, the air in residential wine enclosures will be disturbed far less often. Glass wine spaces in restaurants are likely to be opened multiples per day. For instance, a space with a lot of sunlight streaming in will need a higher-capacity solution than one of the same size without the extra heat generated by lighting.Īnother consideration is how often one will access a display. These elements are more likely to disrupt a closed system when composed of four glass walls. Calculating the heat load depends upon several factors, including the cubic footage of the space, ambient temperatures outside the enclosure, exposure to sunlight, and artificial light. The first step in identifying the most appropriate cooling system is calculating the heat load. Glass Wine Cellar by Genuwine Cellars Identify a Robust-Enough Cooling System If possible, insulating the floor and ceiling will shore up the integrity of a glass wine enclosure. However, insulated, double-paned glass-versus plate glass-and exterior-grade doors and thresholds are a step in the right direction towards creating an air-tight space. Construction ConsiderationsĪ traditional wine cellar starts with a vapor barrier and insulation to keep out moisture and ambient temperatures, which are not options when designing with glass. Levels below 50% can dry out corks and cause liquid in the bottles to evaporate.Įnsuring pristine climate control conditions depends on two factors: proper construction and a robust enough cooling unit, which can be more complicated in all-glass spaces than in traditional wine cellars. Humidity levels above 70% can cause mold and degrade labels and glue. Humidity is also a critical component in wine preservation. When the temperature drops, the air outside a bottle rushes in and compromises the flavor and aroma. A wine’s aroma ends up slowly leaking out through the cork, jeopardizing its quality. As the temperature in a bottle goes up, the wine expands and causes pressure in the bottle. Temperature fluctuations compromise and prematurely age wine. Wine is best preserved in 50 to 70% relative humidity and 55 to 58℉. However, mini-splits were designed to keep humans cool and comfortable around 72℉, not wine collections. Some may be tempted to use a comfort cooling AC unit to keep temperatures low.
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Most wine lovers know that they should maintain their collections in a relatively cool environment. Glass Wine Cellar by Vineyard Wine Cellars Why Climate Control Matters Awareness of several considerations and technical requirements will ensure a better outcome when glass is the predominant design element. However, as exciting as it is to design and build a contemporary wine enclosure, a display must be able to maintain pristine climate conditions. They add a bold statement to any space, regardless of size and scope. All-glass wine enclosures can delineate open concept spaces or be large enough to entertain a handful of guests. Glass enclosures can store and age modest collections or they can display hundreds of vintages and maintain two separate temperatures for storing and serving. Wine displays made entirely of glass lend an air of sophistication and elegance to any home or commercial space.
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