Your aging or service wine cellar is not working anymore
Are you facing an issue with your wine cellar? Don't panic! This article will help you understand the problem and possibly fix it. Whether you're storing or serving wine, a malfunctioning wine cooler is frustrating. Let's take a look at some of the common causes of this problem and see what you can do about it.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:
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Incorrect location
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Defective thermostat
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Faulty temperature sensor
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Malfunctioning fan
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Cut resistance
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Defective electronic card
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Insufficient refrigerant gas
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Malfunctioning compressor
WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of electric shock.
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything.
There is a risk of getting cut or injured.
The wine cellar's location is not optimal
Some wine coolers are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. If you have placed your wine cooler in a garage or basement, make sure the room temperature corresponds to the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer. For instance, if your wine cooler requires a temperature between 10 and 30 degrees to cool your bottles and it's only 8 degrees in your garage during winter, your wine cooler might refuse to start. Check the climate class of your wine cooler before purchasing it. You can find this information on the user manual or label.
The thermostat is defective
The thermostat regulates the temperature in the wine cooler. If it's not functioning correctly, it can prevent the wine cooler from working. To test the thermostat, you need a multimeter calibrated to the 200 Ohms position. If the multimeter displays a low value, the thermostat is not the problem. However, if it shows "OL" or "1," you need to replace it.
Buy a thermostat for your wine cellar
The temperature sensor is no longer working
If your wine cooler doesn't have an adjustable thermostat, it probably has a temperature sensor inside. If the sensor's operating range is no longer consistent, it can prevent the wine cooler from cooling. Its value varies by model, but it usually ranges in several kilos Ohm. Feel free to inquire about the operating range of your temperature sensor so that you can test it. If it displays inconsistent values, it will need to be replaced. Keep in mind that not all temperature sensors are replaceable. Our services can provide you with information on the repairability of your appliance.
Buy a temperature sensor for your wine cellar
The fan is not working
Certain wine coolers are equipped with one or more fans that serve different functions based on the type of wine cabinet. They can help achieve a more homogeneous temperature or cool the cooling plate if your wine cooler has a Peltier effect. If one of the fans stops working, it can prevent the appliance from functioning properly. In such cases, you will have no choice but to replace the fan to restore proper cooling for your bottles.
Buy a fan for your wine cellar
The resistance is broken
Some high-end models are equipped with a resistance element. It helps maintain the temperature inside the wine cellar when the room temperature falls below the desired level for preserving your bottles. Unfortunately, if the resistance is cut, it will no longer be able to maintain the temperature. To test it, follow the same procedure as with other resistances. Set your multimeter to the 200 Ohm or Ohmmeter position, and touch each of its terminals with the multimeter probes. If you obtain a value between 20 and 60 Ohm, your resistance is functional. However, if you get "OL" or "1," it needs to be replaced.
The electronic card is faulty
The electronic card is an expensive component to replace. It is also the last replaceable part that you can handle on your own. If all other components have been rigorously checked and the problem persists, the issue might lie with the electronic card. In such cases, you will have no choice but to replace it in order to repair your appliance.
Buy an electronic card for wine cellar
The refrigerant gas is missing from the circuit
For models equipped with a compressor, your wine cooler requires refrigerant gas to cool the bottles. Unfortunately, over time or due to rough handling during transportation, the circuit can develop leaks. This causes the gas to gradually escape, resulting in reduced cooling capacity. This is an intervention that you cannot perform yourself. You will need to contact a refrigeration technician to seal the circuit and recharge the gas in your appliance.
The compressor is malfunctioning
The compressor is responsible for circulating the gas within the appliance. It is essentially the engine of your wine cooler. Sometimes, the piston inside the compressor may become stuck, preventing proper functioning. Not only will you no longer hear the compressor running smoothly, but if you listen carefully, you may also notice a clicking noise every 5 to 10 minutes. This indicates a malfunctioning compressor. Only a refrigeration technician is authorized to address this issue.