Preparing The Wine Cellar - N'Finity 3000 User Manual

PREPARING THE WINE CELLAR

The performance and life of your N'FINITY unit are contingent upon the steps you take in preparing the wine cellar. Improperly
preparing your enclosure or incorrectly installing your N'FINITY unit may cause unit failure, leaking of condensation, and other
negative side effects.
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. N'FINITY has 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 loca-
tion may have specific needs which we do not address.
Wall & Ceiling Framing
Build wine cellar walls using standard 2x4 or 2x6 boards and ceiling joists without violating local or state codes in your area.
As a general rule, the thicker the walls and the higher the insulation value, the more consistent your cellar temperature will
be.
Insulation
Insulation is REQUIRED in order to properly use N'FINITY products. It is vital that all walls and ceilings be insulated to
keep the cellar temperature as consistent as possible during the summer and winter months. Standard fiberglass or rigid foam
insulation is normally used in cellar construction; in some cases, "blown-in" insulation is used. The R-value, or quality of
insulation, is determined by the rate at which heat passes through the insulation. The higher the R-value, the more resistant
the insulation is to conducting heat, and the more consistent your wine cellar's temperature will be. Using higher R-values
in insulation will lower your operating costs and N'FINITY unit run time. (R-13 is the recommended minimum; R-19 is
preferred for interior cellar walls, and R-30 for ceilings and exterior walls.)
Vapor Barrier
Water vapor creates its own pressure, separate from the ambient air pressure, and will intrude into colder/drier areas. A
vapor barrier is REQUIRED in order to prevent the intrusion of water vapor and maintain the correct cellar temperature
and humidity. It is recommended that 6-millimeter plastic sheeting be applied to the warm side of the cellar walls. The vapor
barrier must also be applied to the outside walls and ceiling. If it is impossible to reach 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. The ceiling and all of the walls must be wrapped in plastic for a
complete vapor barrier.
In areas of high humidity, such as Southern and Gulf States, the vapor barrier will prevent infiltration of warm moist air.
The moist air can cause mold to form. Standing water in drip trays promotes microbial and fungal growth that can cause
unpleasant odors and indoor air quality problems. If mold is found, remove it immediately and sanitize that portion of the
unit.
NOTE: High humidity significantly increases the heat load on the cooling system.
Any break in the vapor barriers (a cut, a nail hole, overlapping, etc.) will cause a moisture leak and must be sealed. The
electric conduit is a "duct" for vapor to travel in. The conduit should be caulked and sealed on the warm air end.
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