How to avoid running the my compressor during the winter

CellarTracker Main Site

How to avoid running the my compressor during the winter

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [Cellar Talk] >> General Discussion >> How to avoid running the my compressor during the winter

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

How to avoid running the my compressor during the winter - 1/14/2024 6:04:36 PM

davidandrose

Posts: 16
Joined: 12/31/2006
Status: offline

I have a Wine Guardian D050 ducted unit in the attic above my wine cellar, which is located in the middle of our home. During the winter the ambient temp in our attic is regularly <50 and it drives me batty (no pun intended) to run the compressor when I could just as well run the fan and push cool ambient air into the room. I just penned a note to Wine Guardian and imagine it is what it is, but thought there may be some geeks here who've thought about/experimented with this as well.

I live north of Dallas and while its freakishly cold now its not uncommon to have extended spells when our attic remains in the 50's or below.

Thanks all!

Post #: 1

RE: How to avoid running the my compressor during the w... - 1/15/2024 11:42:50 AM

cellardweller

Posts: 11
Joined: 5/30/2010
Status: offline

I would not try to tinker with the unit. Compressors should cycle on and off as needed dependent on the difference between ambient and target temperatures. I have a Cellar Cool split wall unit in the wine cellar which I custom built in my basement. In the winter, the compressor frequently turns off even though it is set to a low 50 F as ambient temp is already low. (Just like my fridge in the garage)

Please also note that the unit has to maintain a humidity level of well over 50%. In my basement the ambient humidity is barely over 35% in the winter. If I turn off the unit completely then the humidity level will be too low.

If you attach a power meter to your unit you will find you use a lot less electricity in the winter.

< Message edited by cellardweller -- 1/15/2024 11:45:04 AM >

(in reply to davidandrose)

Post #: 2

RE: How to avoid running the my compressor during the w... - 1/17/2024 9:30:49 PM

ericindc

Posts: 2081
Joined: 7/6/2012
From: District of Columbia
Status: offline

You could run a small 3-4" duct for a bathroom fan in reverse to push air into the room. You would need a second, smaller duct to exhaust air from the cellar since you would effectively be pressurizing your cellar. Just wire in a thermostat to turn it on/off. Then add some humidity to the cellar.

The only concern I would have is the humid exhaust air getting into your attic, Might want to just vent through the roof. Obviously, you would need to design it so you could easily install and remove a cap/seal for when the temperature is higher.

< Message edited by ericindc -- 1/17/2024 9:33:50 PM >

_____________________________

-Eric
Just waiting for my Grand Cru to age.

(in reply to cellardweller)

Post #: 3