WhisperKool 17-1103, XLT User Manual

XLT

WhisperKOOL

Owner’s Manual

®

Protecting Your Investment In Fine Wines

Copyright ©1998-2004 Vinothèque Wine Cellars All rights reserved.

This manual, the product design, and the design concepts are copyrighted by Vinothèque Wine
Cellars, with all rights reserved. Your rights with regard to the hardware and manual are
subject to the restrictions and limitations imposed by the copyright laws of the United States
of America. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, reproduced, translated,
transmitted, or reduced to any printed or electronic medium or to any machine-readable form,
for any purpose, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Vinothèque Wine Cellars.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.
Vinothèque Wine Cellars is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

Vinothèque Wine Cellars reserves the right to make corrections or improvements to the
information provided and to the related hardware at any time, without notice.

Vinothèque, and WhisperKOOL are registered trademarks, and ECE is a trademark of
Vinothèque Wine Cellars. All rights reserved.

Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an
endorsement nor a recommendation. Vinothèque Wine Cellars assumes no liability with regard
to the performance or use of these products.

Rev. 17-1103

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

What Is the WhisperKOOL

®

System?..................2

How Does the WhisperKOOL System Work?

.............2

Receiving and Unpacking .....................3

Quick Start Guide ............................4

Preparing the Wine Cellar ....................5

Mounting the Unit ..............................6

Ventilation...................................7

Cutting the hole for the WhisperKOOL unit .............8

Installation ................................10

Electrical Needs ..............................11

Sizing Unit to Room ............................11

Placement of Unit ..............................13

Installing Thermostat ............................13

Using the WhisperKOOL System ..............13

Condensate Evaporator Switch

....................13

Drain Line

................................13

Liquid Measuring Thermostat System .......14

PDT JR. Operating Instructions

............15

PDT Operating Instructions

................16

Normal Operation

.........................17

Maintenance

...............................17

Humidity Control

............................17

Troubleshooting Guide ....................18

Solutions to Common Problems ..................18

Troubleshooting Checklist .................23

Temperature Differential Testing

...........25

Technical Assistance

.....................28

How to Contact Customer Service.................28

Warranty Clarification .....................29

Limited Warranty

...........................31

-1-

NEW OWNERS PLEASE NOTE…

ALWAYS PLACE UNIT IN UPRIGHT POSITION

Do not start or plug-in your new unit for 24 hours after delivery. . .

Units are sometimes accidentally tipped onto their sides during
shipping which may allow compressor oil to escape their
reservoirs. . .

Premature starting—before the oil has had a chance to
resettle—can cause damage to the compressor and result in a lack
of cooling.

A DEDICATED 20 AMP CIRCUIT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED FOR OPTIMUM OPERATION!

-2-

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the WhisperKOOL®wine cellar temperature and
humidity maintenance system.

Please take the time to read through the owner's manual so you understand
the correct operations of the WhisperKOOL unit.

What Is the WhisperKOOL System?

The WhisperKOOL system is a specialized piece of equipment designed to
absorb heat from a cellar and discharge it through the rear of the unit into
an adjacent room. The unit will operate 75 to 80 percent of the time in

order to maintain an ideal temperature and humidity in a wine cellar.

Essentially, it will operate as needed to absorb the heat that naturally
permeates the cellar. It is important to follow the cellar construction guides
provided within in order to maximize effectiveness based on the quality of
efficiency in the vapor barrier, therefore reduce the operating time of the
cooling unit itself.

How Does the WhisperKOOL System Work?

• The WhisperKOOL system is designed to maintain humidity, while
measuring and maintaining the wine temperature in the cellar. This is
achieved by gently cooling rather than by quick-chilling.

• Temperature Setting: The WhisperKOOL unit can be set at any
temperature within the acceptable wine-aging range of 50°F -to- 70°F. It is
designed to cool 30°F cooler than the ambient temperature of the space it
is exhausting to.

• Humidity Control: There are no separate controls for maintaining proper
humidity. Humidity is managed through the design and engineering of the
unit. As the temperature begins to drop within the wine cellar, the relative
humidity will rise, while the absolute humidity will stay the same. For more
information about this process, see Normal Operation on page 17.

All units come with a drain line for additional removal of excess condensate,
as a back up system to the Condensate Evaporator which is used to maintain
proper humidity. If the unit is installed in a high humidity area of the country,
it is mandatory to install the drain line attachment for the unit to function
effectively, preventing overflows and leaks from build up of condensate.

Failure to install the drain line voids warranty.

• The WhisperKOOL system is designed to be mounted through an interior
wall into the cellar. The unit will operate correctly in a controlled
environment to properly manage the effective cooling of the cellar. The unit
is not designed to withstand the elements of an outdoor climate where
summer temperatures exceed 85 degrees or in winter environments where
temperatures reach freezing. The components are not designed for these
extreme conditions and premature failure may occur.

Note: Improperly preparing your enclosure or incorrectly installing your
WhisperKOOL system may cause unit failure, leaking of condensation, and
other negative side effects. Protective housings can be purchased to prevent
premature failure in cases where the unit is installed through an exterior
wall.

-3-

Please examine the WhisperKOOL packaging for any damage
to the carton. Note any damage on the bill of lading, shipper’s
receipt, or airbill. Damaged merchandise should be accepted.
Contact Vinothèque Customer Service immediately.

Do not attempt to install any unit with cosmetic damage. This
includes (but is not limited to) bent flange and/or brackets. A
representative will file a claim with the shipping company,
arrange for a replacement unit to be shipped to you and for the
original unit to be picked up. In some instances, an inspection
must take place at the point of receipt, in which case you will
be contacted by the shipping company to schedule an
appointment to inspect the damaged goods.

Please leave the WhisperKOOL System in its original box until
you are ready for installation. This will allow you to move the
product safely without damaging it. When you are ready to
remove the product from the box, see Installation on page 10.

Note:

Save your box and all packing materials. They

provide the only safe means of transporting the unit.

Contents:

• Owner's Manual

• By-Pass Plug

• Registration/Warranty Card

• Insulation Foam (4 strips)

• 8 - 1 3/4" Screws (18 for WK 6000 & 8000)

• Power Cord

• Drain Line

• Thermostat

RECEIVING AND UNPACKING

-4-

This guide is meant to serve as a quick reference for installation of the
WhisperKOOL unit. The remainder of this Owner’s Manual will provide more
detailed information and instructions.

Upon receiving the WhisperKOOL unit:

QUICK START GUIDE

1. Inspect the unit before installation. If damage is found, please contact your
distributor or Vinothèque Customer Service at 1.800.343.9463 ext 799.

2. The unit should remain in an upright position for 24 hours prior to
operation.

3. The unit is designed to gently cool down the temperature of the cellar over
time by cycling cooler and cooler air throughout. Test the unit prior to
installation. With power off, attach the “by-pass plug” (included in accessory
bag) to the open plug located on the unit, where the PDT thermostat will need
to be installed. Operate unit for twenty minutes. While the unit is running and
working properly, the air discharged from the front should be 10 - 15°F
cooler than the air in the room. This means that in an environment where
the air is 80°F, the unit will discharge air that is 68°F.

4. The WhisperKOOL unit requires a dedicated 110-volt 20-amp circuit (or 220-volt
depending on the unit). Use a surge protector with the WhisperKOOL unit. Do not
use a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) line.

5. For your convenience, the Whisperkool unit has two power sockets, one on the
side of the unit and the other on the back. Both sockets come covered. Remove

the cover from

only

the desired power socket in order to plug the unit in.

6. After testing, remove the “by-pass plug,” mount unit to desired location, and
install the PDT thermostat into the plug. There is a five (5) minute delay on

initial start up of the unit.

7. In areas of high humidity, put the condensate evaporator switch to the
“ON” position. It is also necessary to install the drain line to remove excess

condensation from the unit.

8. The WhisperKOOL unit is intended for use in properly designed and
constructed wine cellars. Hire a professional wine storage consultant with a
valid contractor’s license to build your wine cellar. Refer to the “How to Build a
Wine Cellar” video available on the Vinothèque website at www.vinotheque.com.

Install the foam strips along the inside edge of the unit’s flange to assure a
proper seal against the wall.

Never try to open the WhisperKool unit, repair it yourself, or use a
service company without Vinothèque’s authorization. This will void your
warranty.

If you encounter a problem with your WhisperKool unit, please refer to the
Troubleshooting Checklist on pages 23-26. If you have any further questions,
concerns, or need assistance, please contact Vinothèque Customer Service at

1.800.343.9463 ext. 799. Please be sure all testing has been completed prior to
contacting Customer Service. Please have your results ready for your
representative.

Wall & Ceiling Framing

Build wine cellar walls using standard 2x4 or 2x6 construction methods and ceiling joists
following the guidelines of local and state codes in your area. The general rule for a cellar
is the thicker the walls, the higher the insulation factor, the better the cellar remains at a
consistent temperature.

Insulation

Insulation is REQUIRED

with the use of the WhisperKOOL product; Standard “Fiberglass”
or “Rigid Foam” insulation is normally used in cellar construction, or in some cases,
“blown in” insulation is used. It is very important that all walls and ceiling

be insulated to
keep the cellar temperature as consistent as possible during the summer and winter months.
The R factor or thickness of insulation is determined by the thickness of the walls and
ceiling. For example, fiberglass insulation of R13 is designed to be used in a 2x4 wall.R19
is used in a 2x6 wall. It is important to use the correct insulation for the wall thickness.

-5-

PREPARING THE

WINE CELLAR

The performance and life of your WhisperKOOL System are contingent upon the steps you
take in preparing the wine cellar.

It is highly recommended that you obtain the assistance of a wine
storage professional.

Wine storage professionals work with licensed contractors, refrigeration technicians, and
racking companies to build well-insulated, beautiful, and protective wine cellars. In some
areas of the country, these professionals are not available. We have put together some
useful tips to assist in the installation process.

Our recommendations are meant to act as a guide in the process of building a proper
enclosure. Your intended location may have specific needs that we do not address.

Vapor Barrier

Vapor barrier is REQUIRED

if a climate control cooling unit is installed to keep the cellar at

the correct temperature and humidity. 6mm plastic sheeting is applied to the warm

side of the
cellar walls.The vapor barrier must be either applied to the outside walls and ceiling, or if it
is impossible to get to the outside, then the plastic must be applied from within the cellar. The
most common method is to wrap the entire interior, leaving the plastic loose in the stud cavity
so the insulation can be placed between each stud. All walls and ceiling must be wrapped in
plastic for a complete vapor barrier.

In areas of humidity, such as the southern and gulf states, the vapor barrier will prevent
infiltration of warm moist air. The moist air can cause mold to form. The cooling unit will strip
excessive moisture from the air and create water, which will need to be dissipated back out
of the cellar using the Condensate Evaporator system or drain line. In dry climates, the vapor
barrier will provide more control over retaining the higher correct humidity within the cellar.

Ducting

The unit is designed to exhaust into an open area. In situations where ducting may be
necessary, Vinothèque Wine Cellars provides a specially designed ducting accessory kit for
the XLT unit. Please contact Customer Service to order the ducting accessory kit by phone
[phone]. Using any other ducting system voids warranty. Sheet rock must be
applied in the exhaust room with no vapor barrier or insulation exposed. Failure to
complete the wine cellar voids the warranty.

-6-

Unobstructed Airflow

Unobstructed airflow to and from
the unit is a critical factor in the
unit’s overall performance.
Make sure there is a three­foot horizontal clearance in the
front of the unit. This will assure
that the unit can move the air
around in an efficient manner.
Avoid the attempt to camouflage
the unit by installing racking in
front of the unit. This will restrict
airflow and thus the unit’s ability
to work efficiently.

Mounting the Unit

The unit should be mounted
within 18 inches of the top of
the room in order to achieve
sufficient cooling. As the room
cools down, the warm air will
rise to the ceiling. Mounting the
WhisperKOOL high in the room
will create a consistently cool
environment by capturing the
warm air and replacing it with
cool air. Mounting the unit low in
the room will result in a
temperature variation in the
room due to the unit’s inability to
draw warm air from the ceiling of
the cellar to the unit itself.

Door

An exterior grade (1 3/4”) door must be installed as a cellar door. It is very important that weather stripping
is attached to all 4 sides of the doorjam. A bottom “sweep” or threshold is also required. The door must have
a very good seal to keep the cool cellar air from escaping out of the cellar. One of the most common problems
with cooling units running continually is due to the door not sealing properly. In cases where glass doors are
used and the room size is close to the recommended unit size, the next larger size WhisperKOOL should be
used. This will compensate for the insulation loss due to the inefficient door.

Exhaust Room

Front of

Exhaust

WhisperKOOL

Intake

Wine Cellar

-7-

Ventilation

The necessity of dissipating heat away
from the unit is critical to the unit’s
performance and cannot be overstated.
As the unit operates and cools, a greater
amount of heat is generated on the
exhaust side of the unit. Adequate
ventilation is required in order to
dissipate heat away from the unit. If
ventilation is inadequate, the exhaust will
heat up and adversely affect the unit’s
ability to cool. In some cases, it may be
advisable to install a vent fan to dissipate
heat within the exhaust area on the
backside of the unit. However, you must
have a fresh air inlet as well. If your unit
requires ducting, please contact
Vinothèque Wine Cellars Customer
Service to obtain a specially designed
ducting accessory kit for the XLT unit.
Using any other ducting system voids
warranty.

Unobstructed Airflow

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
from the rear of the unit as well as a
minimum three foot clearance in front of
the evaporator fans. This will assure that
the unit can move the air around in an
efficient manner.

Ambient Temperature Factor

The cooling system has the ability to cool a
maximum of 30°F below the ambient
temperature in the room it is exhausting
to. Therefore you want to exhaust the unit in
a room which will not exceed 85°F.
Otherwise the unit will not have the
capacity to keep the wine at a desirable
55°F.

Back - Exhaust Room

Exhaust Fan

85ºF

Front - Wine Cellar

WhisperKOOL

(side view)

55ºF

Cellar Wall

Air Intake

-8-

Cutting the hole for the WhisperKOOL
unit

Locate the center of the room. Using a
stud finder, locate two adjacent studs in
the walls, and mark them with vertical
lines.

Using a level and a pencil, mark a
horizontal line on the wall between the
two studs, approximately 1.25 inches (or
as close as possible if more than 1.25”)
from the ceiling. Using a ruler or
measuring tape, measure 16 inches down
(22.75” for the 6000 and 8000 models),
and mark another horizontal line parallel
to the first one.

Using a saw, cut along the uppermost
horizontal line until your saw reaches the
stud. Turn the saw around, inserting it
into the cut you have just made, and cut
toward the opposite stud so that you have
a clean horizontal cut between the two
studs. Be careful not to cut into the studs
themselves. Now make the second
horizontal cut from stud to stud on the
line 16 inches below the first cut (22.75"
for the 6000 and 8000 models).

Tools Needed

Mark the horizont al
lines with a level.

Phillips

Screwdriver

Saw

Level Hammer

Cut horizont al
lines from stud to
stud.

-9-

Once the horizontal lines have been cut,
make vertical cuts using the inside edge
of the studs as a guide. Once you have
made both vertical cuts, you should have
a rectangular hole in the sheetrock. Now
you have to make the same hole on the
other side of the wall. Since you already
have one hole, this is an easy process.
Using a nail, mark all four corners of the
first hole by making nail holes through the
sheetrock. Then on the other side of the
wall, connect the holes with a pencil mark
and cut.

Sheetrock alone cannot support the
weight of a 65-pound (or more) cooling
system. Therefore, it is necessary to
frame the hole that you have just cut with
upper and lower supports. Using two two­by-fours 14.5 inches in length and eight
6d nails, secure the upper and lower
supports to the right and left studs, just
inside the sheetrock. Make sure that the
internal height remains at 16" for the
1600, 3000 and 4200 models and 22.75"
for the 6000 and 8000 models so that the
WhisperKOOL system will fit snugly
through the framed cut-out.

Cut vertical lines
along the inside
edge of the studs.

Frame the hole with
two-by-four support s.