Split System Installation Guidelines

General Installation Guidelines and Instructions

Vinothèque requires that a certified HVAC technician install and pipe the Split System unit modules. Please take a moment to review State and City building codes to insure the safe and proper installation of the unit.

Installing Condensing Unit

The condensing unit can be mounted inside a utility area of the home or outside utilizing the required outdoor condensing unit housing. The system will operate on a 70 degree temperature differential. This means that the unit will keep the wine cellar at 55 degrees when the outside temperature is 125 degrees and will have the capacity to produce cool air into the cellar as long as the ambient temperature does not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit, non-GFI. Make sure there is a minimum three-foot horizontal clearance in front and rear of the unit. The unit may either be hard wired or plug-in depending on local electrical codes.

Internal Condensing Unit Installations. Internal (i.e., inside the building) installations require special consideration by having adequate ventilation to dissipate the heat created during normal operations. An exhaust port with fan may need to be installed to assure that heat is effectively removed from the utility room. A return grille or provision for 500 - 600 cfm of cool air to enter the room to replace the exhausted air will accomplish this. Unobstructed airflow to and from the unit is a critical factor in the unit’s overall performance. Make sure there is a minimum three-foot horizontal clearance in front and rear of the unit. This will assure that the unit can move the air around the room in an efficient manner.

Outdoor Condensing Unit Installations. You must utilize the exterior condensing unit housing for outdoor installations. Place the condensing unit on a solid foundation in a location with adequate ventilation. There should be three feet for clearance in the front and rear of the unit and one foot on each side. The unit should be elevated 18 inches in order to avoid any possible flooding or damage by animals, and should be clear of leaves, dirt, and other debris.

Mounting Evaporator Unit

The evaporator unit should be mounted level and the top of the unit needs to be 6” inches or less from the ceiling of the cellar in order to deliver sufficient cooling. As the room cools down, warm air will rise to the ceiling, which is then captured into the cooling unit in order to create a consistently cool environment. Mounting the unit low in the room will result in a temperature variation due to cold air puddling on the floor and the unit’s inability to draw warm air down from the ceiling into the unit itself.

Unobstructed Airflow

Unobstructed airflow to and from the unit is a critical factor in the unit’s overall performance.

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