Could the precious wines in your collection be going up in smoke? Many people overlook the essential role humidity plays in the wine cellars In dry climates, this overlooked wine storage factor can quickly result in the loss of wine through evaporation.
Why Are Humidity Levels So Important?
There’s more to wine storage than merely keeping things cool. When wine is bottled after fermentation and sealed with natural cork, moisture is essential to maintaining a tight seal. In dry, hot environments, cork can shrink, compromising its seal to allow for oxygen exposure and resulting in off-flavors and aromas, and ultimately, spoiled wine. Humidity control in your wine cellar is therefore essential to preventing this disastrous occurrence from effecting your entire collection.
There’s more to wine storage than merely keeping things cool. When wine is bottled after fermentation and sealed with natural cork, moisture is essential to maintaining a tight seal. In dry, hot environments, cork can shrink, compromising its seal to allow for oxygen exposure and resulting in off-flavors and aromas, and ultimately, spoiled wine. Humidity control in your wine cellar is therefore essential to preventing this disastrous occurrence from effecting your entire collection.
Your Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Is Not Enough
Many wine aficionados mistakenly assume their carefully constructed cellar confines, combined with their wine cellar cooling systems, are enough to maintain the environment essential to preserving the premium flavors of their coveted collection. Unfortunately, a cooling unit alone cannot add moisture or humidify wine cellar air. Worse, cooling units also have the tendency to exacerbate this problem, removing humidity from the air as part of normal operation. An integrated humidifier is necessary to ensure the optimal level of relative humidity (RH) for wine – ideally around 60 to 70% RH.
Many wine aficionados mistakenly assume their carefully constructed cellar confines, combined with their wine cellar cooling systems, are enough to maintain the environment essential to preserving the premium flavors of their coveted collection. Unfortunately, a cooling unit alone cannot add moisture or humidify wine cellar air. Worse, cooling units also have the tendency to exacerbate this problem, removing humidity from the air as part of normal operation. An integrated humidifier is necessary to ensure the optimal level of relative humidity (RH) for wine – ideally around 60 to 70% RH.
Do I Need a Humidifier in My Wine Cellar?
For those that care about the quality of their collection, wine cellar humidity control and temperature must both be addressed. If you live in a dry region of the U.S., the addition of a wine cellar humidifier is indeed necessary. This is especially essential to preventing spoilage in hot, dry climates.
For those that care about the quality of their collection, wine cellar humidity control and temperature must both be addressed. If you live in a dry region of the U.S., the addition of a wine cellar humidifier is indeed necessary. This is especially essential to preventing spoilage in hot, dry climates.
What to Look for in a Wine Cellar Humidifier
(Built-in) Wine cellar humidifiers distribute moisture evenly in the air circulated by your cooling unit. To ensure adequate protection and optimal performance, look for options with…
(Built-in) Wine cellar humidifiers distribute moisture evenly in the air circulated by your cooling unit. To ensure adequate protection and optimal performance, look for options with…
- Adequate Capacity
Your humidifier must be sized specifically to the dimensions of your wine cellar, taking into account its construction, bottle capacity, and other storage characteristics. A humidifier with a capacity rated at the temperature of the wine cellar (not room temperature or discharge temperature) is highly recommended. - Precise Control
To ensure stable humidity levels, an automatic humidifier, set to self-regulate moisture levels, is ideal. - Durable Construction
Your chosen humidifier should be rust and corrosion proof, given the ideal humid wine cellar environment. - Ease of Maintenance
Avoid options that require manual filling, which could lead your humidifier – and corks – to run dry. Units with built-in drains and automatic flushing likewise reduce maintenance needs, with superior systems requiring only annual or biannual maintenance. - Safe Operation
‘Wetted pad’ designs releases humidity via vapor, eliminating the introduction of bacteria and dust into the air of your cellar.
Ensure the Right Cooling & Humidification System to Protect Your Prized Collection
Trust in the experienced wine cellar installation and maintenance services of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule a wine cellar site or existing cooling system evaluation today.
Trust in the experienced wine cellar installation and maintenance services of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule a wine cellar site or existing cooling system evaluation today.
