For a wine enthusiast, having a wine cooler to store your
prized collection is a must. Wine coolers are similar to refrigerators and are
designed to store wines at a certain temperature and humidity to preserve its
flavours and quality. Generally, wine coolers are low-maintenance appliances
but there are a few things you can do to keep your wine cooler running without
any hiccups.
Placement
The right placement or location of a wine cooler is extremely important as it determines how well
the appliance will function. A wine cooler must be placed on an even floor and
have adequate space around it for ventilation. Avoid placing a wine cooler on
carpeting. If your wine cooler has front ventilation, you can place the wine
cooler under a counter or a cabinet. Otherwise, keep up to 4 inches of space on
each side for proper ventilation.
The wine cooler should also be situated away from direct
sunlight and heat sources such as windows, ovens, and dishwashers.
Installation
Now that you’ve found the right place for your wine cooler,
the next step is installation. If the cooler has not been in an upright
position, let it stand in the upright position for up to 24 hours before you
plug it in (check your manufacturer installation guide for the specific time
period). Install the wine cooler as per instructions provided with the
appliance and ensure that all attachments are installed securely. The wine
cooler may take some time before the cooling process starts. Wine coolers are
typically designed to store wine between 55 – 80◦F and you should check the
temperature setting once the cooling process starts.
It is imperative that the wine cooler is not overloaded. Overloading the wine cooler can affect the way it maintains the inside temperature. Consistent
temperature and humidity are a must when storing wine. Before you close the wine cooler door, make
sure that none of the bottles is hanging out and that the door closes tightly.
Cleaning
Keeping the wine cooler clean is an important part of its upkeep.
Before you clean the wine cooler, make sure you switch it off and disconnect it
first. Remove all of the wine bottles and shelves. Wipe clean the interior and
exterior with a non-abrasive cloth. You can also use a mild solution to clean. Air the unit out before you place the bottles
back in the wine cooler and switch it on.
Maintenance and Repairs
Some wine coolers have a carbon filtration system that may
need to be changed every few months. Typically, the parts that may need repair
in a wine cooler are parts such as lights, wiring, rubber gasket, or compressor.
During your cleaning process, check to make sure everything is running
smoothly. Even if there are small gaps in the rubber gasket around the door,
for example, cold air can escape from inside the cooler and affect the
temperature inside.
Correct placement, installation, and maintenance are key to
keeping your wine cooler running smoothly. With regular cleaning and checks,
your wine cooler can store your wine collection adequately and preserve its
quality.