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We'd like you to know more about Vigilant as a company. Here are answers to some of the questions we're commonly asked. If you would like more information, call us on 888-812-4427, email us at: [email protected] or submit your question or feedback on our support form and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
What are the construction specifications for a conditioned wine cellar?
The wine cellar must be properly constructed to promote proper wine storage conditions and energy efficiency and also to prevent potential damage to your home or building from potential condensation issues. Walls: Should be 2″ x 6″ wood or metal frame construction. If cement or block walls are part of the design, these walls must be well insulated with vapor barrier. Insulating Walls: R-19 minimum to R-30 Insulating the Ceiling: R-30 minimum to R-45 Vapor Barrier: 6 mil polyethylene, sealed rigid foam or blown insulation in all walls and ceilings. All joints must be well sealed and taped. If using polyethylene sheeting, the sheeting must be located between the insulation and the warm side of the wall to prevent potential condensation issues. Sheathing: 1/2″ moisture resistant green board with mildew resistant paint or a hardwood tongue and groove wood paneling such as mahogany. Flooring: Brick, tile, stone or wood are all acceptable flooring products for you conditioned wine space. Cellar Door: An exterior grade insulated door with complete weather stripping and double insulated glass is a must to ensure the proper temperature and humidity levels of your wine room are sealed within the space and efficiently maintained.
Do I need an actively conditioned wine cellar?
In general, actively conditioned wine cellars, those highly insulated with proper construction, are better for storing fine wines than passive wine cellars which rely on natural cooling and moisture. Proper wine storage requires constant temperature and humidity control that a passively cooled wine cellar might not always be able to deliver. A high-quality mechanical cooling system will maintain a constant cool temperature and assist with humidity control to promote the proper aging of your wine. Learn more about the ideal conditions for storing wine.
Do I need a cooling system for my wine cellar?
The basements of most modern homes are too warm and dry to passively provide the ideal conditions for wine storage. In most cases, it is necessary to actively condition the environment inside the wine cellar. The most common conditioning unit on the market is a through wall system that is similar to a common room air conditioner. These units remove heat from the cellar space and blow it into a room on the other side of the wall. A workroom or utility area in your basement is ideal for this. More sophisticated ducted and ducted split cooling systems allow for more flexibility and remote heat exhaustion.
I purchased a cooling system. Shouldn’t that control the humidity in my wine cellar?
Unfortunately, most wine cellar cooling systems such as the Breezaire™ or WhisperKOOL™ and Wine Guardian do not have integrated humidification options.
Can I use humidification floor fountains and other water devices sold by other companies?
No, these passive humidification systems cannot accurately keep your wine cellar at the optimal level of 60-65% RH. Only an active system that is integrated with digital controls that will trigger the turn on and off of the system when those levels are met.
How can I tell what the humidity level is in my wine cellar?
A hygrometer is a sure way to make sure you are maintaining the optimal humidity levels. If you do not have one and would like to know your cellar’s humidity level, contact a Vigilant sales consultant today at 888.812.4427 and for a small fee, one can be sent to you that you can keep in your wine cellar to constantly monitor your humidity levels.