Troubleshooting Wine Cooler Problems

Many wine cooler problems can be solved easily without having to pay for a service call from a professional.

Storage Problems

Storing all of your wine horizontally with the label facing upward will make it less likely that the label will be damaged, and it will also allow you to easily identify the wine. It will ensure that the wine will have constant contact with the cork, keeping it wet. A dry cork will shrink and will allow air into the bottle. Air can turn a good wine into a bottle of vinegar.

Temperature Problems

The wine should be stored at a constant temperature between forty and sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. If you are unsure of the temperature in your wine cooler, place a digital thermometer inside to detect the temperature level.

If the wine cooler temperature is too warm, check the temperature control to be sure it has been set properly. Stabilize the cooler by turning the temperature control to a lower level for a few hours. Be sure the door and door gasket to the cooler is sealing properly. Check the electrical outlet to see if the unit is connected.

If the temperature is too cold, check the temperature control. Stabilize the temperature by adjusting the temperature control to a warmer level for a few hours. Make sure the cooler is standing on a level surface. If necessary, use a shim or move the cooler to a more level location.

Humidity Problems

Moderate humidity is also important to your wine. The humidity level in your wine cooler should range between fifty and eighty percent. If the humidity is too low, the cork will dry out and will allow air into the bottle, even when it is stored horizontally. The air can potentially permanently damage the wine. If your corks are drying out, you can add humidity to your wine cooler by placing a pan of water inside. The water will evaporate and the humidity level will increase. High humidity levels will not damage the wine, but it could cause the bottle labels to disintegrate.

Moisture that forms on the inside or the outside of the cooler could be caused by the door being left open slightly for a long period of being left open too long at one time. Check to be sure it is closing properly.

Lighting Problems

Wine needs to be stored in a dark place. Light can permanently damage your wine. Both clear and colored glass can be negatively affected by ultraviolet light. The UV rays can change the compounds that create the aroma, flavor, and character of the wine. Fluorescent lights emit large levels of UV rays. If you have a wine cooler with a clear glass front, consider moving the cooler to an area without fluorescent lights or covering or replacing the glass door with darker material.

Technical Problems

If the wine cooler is not working, make sure it is plugged in. Check the fuse box to be sure the breaker to the outlet providing power to the cooler is operating properly. A door that does not close properly may be on a surface that is not level or the door gasket may need cleaning. If the wine cooler is emitting vibrations, turn off the power by unplugging it. Contact the manufacturer of your cooler if you are unable to solve a problem.