Wine Guardian SS018 Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Wine Guardian SS018 Ductless Split Wine Cellar Cooling System (2,800 BTU)

The Wine Guardian SS018 Ductless Split Wine Cellar Cooling System is designed to maintain stable temperature and humidity conditions in small to medium wine cellars where ductwork is not practical. With a maximum cooling capacity of 2,800 BTU/h, the SS018 is suitable for wine storage rooms up to approximately 1,200–1,500 cubic feet, depending on insulation quality, glass exposure, and ambient conditions.

The system uses a ductless split configuration, placing the evaporator (fan coil) inside the cellar and the condensing unit outside the room. This design allows for quiet operation, flexible installation, and efficient heat removal, making the SS018 a practical choice for residential wine rooms, glass wine walls, and retrofit cellar installations.

Wine Guardian systems are engineered specifically for wine storage environments and help maintain the stable temperature and humidity levels required for proper wine aging and preservation.

Is the Wine Guardian SS018 Right for Your Wine Cellar?

Choosing the correct wine cellar cooling system depends on cellar size, insulation quality, and installation constraints.

Best Applications

The SS018 works well for:

• Wine cellars up to 1,200–1,500 cubic feet
• Residential wine rooms
• Glass wine wall displays
• Condominium or apartment wine storage
• Retrofit wine cellar projects
• Installations where ductwork is not feasible

When a Larger System May Be Required

Consider a larger split or ducted system if:

• The cellar exceeds 1,500 cubic feet
• The room contains large glass surfaces
• The cellar is in a high heat-load environment
• The installation requires concealed ducted airflow

Performing a professional heat load calculation before selecting a cooling system is recommended.

Key Features and Benefits

Ductless Split System Design

The SS018 consists of two primary components:

• Evaporator (fan coil) installed inside the wine cellar
• Condensing unit installed outside the room

This configuration allows heat to be removed from the cellar while keeping compressor noise outside the wine storage area.

Quiet Operation

Because the compressor and condenser are located remotely, the SS018 operates with minimal noise inside the wine cellar, helping maintain a calm storage environment.

Flexible Installation Options

The evaporator can be installed in several ways depending on the cellar layout:

• Surface-mounted installation
• Through-the-wall mounting
• Above doorways
• Integrated into wine racking layouts

This flexibility allows the system to work in both new cellar builds and retrofit installations.

Precise Temperature and Humidity Control

Wine Guardian systems are designed to maintain stable cellar conditions.

Control system features include:

• Room-mounted thermostat and humidistat
• Temperature accuracy of ±1°F
• Humidity accuracy of ±10% RH

Stable environmental control helps prevent cork drying, oxidation, and label damage.

Low Ambient Operation

The SS018 condenser includes Xtreme Low Ambient Protection, allowing operation in outdoor temperatures as low as -20°F.

This feature makes the system suitable for colder climates where standard condensers may fail.

Optional Humidity Control

An optional humidifier can be installed to maintain ideal humidity levels.

Recommended for:

• Glass wine cellars
• Dry climates
• Cellars with frequent door openings

What’s Included

The Wine Guardian SS018 system includes the primary components required for installation.

Package contents:

• SS018 evaporator (fan coil)
• Matching outdoor condensing unit
• Installation instructions
• Mounting brackets and hardware

Installation must be performed by a qualified HVAC-R technician to ensure correct system operation and warranty compliance.

Optional Accessories

Several optional components are available to expand system capabilities.

Electric Heater

Provides supplemental heat when cellar temperatures drop below the desired range.

Heating capacity: 1000 Watts

Standalone Humidifier

Helps maintain humidity levels between 50–70% RH for proper cork preservation.

Remote Monitoring Sensors

Wireless sensors allow cellar conditions to be monitored remotely.

Corrosion-Resistant Upgrade

Recommended for installations in coastal areas or environments where outdoor equipment may be exposed to corrosive conditions.

Ductless Split vs Through-the-Wall Cooling Systems

Wine Guardian SS018 Technical Specifications

Recommended cellar size: 100–1,200 cubic feet (up to ~1,500 cubic feet depending on insulation)

Cooling Capacity Performance

Fan Coil (Evaporator) Specifications 

Condensing Unit Specifications 

Electrical Requirements

Brochures & Manuals

• Ductless Split Datasheet
• Ductless Split Manual
• Ductless Split Quick Start Installation Guide
• Ductless Split Specifications Sheet
• Ductless Split CAD Drawing

Certifications

• ETLC (North America)
• CE (Europe)

Installation Considerations

The SS018 must be installed by a licensed HVAC-R professional.

Proper installation ensures:

• Correct refrigerant charging
• Proper drainage configuration
• Correct electrical connections
• Compliance with manufacturer warranty requirements

Because every wine cellar is unique, a heat load calculation should always be performed before selecting a cooling unit.