If you’ve noticed a couple of issues with your wine cooler, don’t be so quick to get rid!
There is usually a logical reason behind any of the problems you might be facing, but there is no need to panic.
We’ve decided to write a quick guide to troubleshooting any problems you may be experiencing with your wine cooler and provide some insight to fixing these issues.
Keep reading to figure out how you can quickly and easily fix your wine cooler.
My Wine Cooler Won't Turn On
- Check the power outlet and trip board, replace any fuses if required
- The power PCB needs replacing as this regulates the start up of the wine cooler, contact the service department of the manufacturer
My Wine Cooler Isn't Cooling Properly
- Lack of ventilation, see below
- Low on refrigerant, this can be regassed by a professional but may have been caused by a lack of ventilation which may have damaged the compressor
- The ambient temperature may be too high or low for the cooler to operate correctly, ensure the wine cooler isnt installed on under floor heating
- The door is opened too often or the seal has perished, replace the seal
- The ventilation is blocked by dust, remove the dust from underneath the wine cooler
Ensuring the fridge is getting enough cool air is crucial to it’s performance, and is definitely a factor to consider when finding a place for to install your wine cooler.
Freestanding
Freestanding units should have at least 2 - 3 inches around the sides and rear, and should not be enclosed from above.
Failing to allow for adequate air circulation will lead to leaking of the sealed system, which is never a good thing.
Built-In
Built-in units (depending on the size) should not have the grill blocked by the skirting board/plinth, and should be machined into this before installation.
Smaller units such as the 15cm and 30cm wide models require at least 0.5cm around the sides and rear as this is how the warm air is expelled.
Integrated
Fully integrated units require a vent to be put into the skirting board/plinth to allow cool air to be brought up to the rear of the unit while warm air is expelled to the rear of the unit.
To allow the air to escape, a small gap should be incorporated to the rear of the cupboard space
The Wine Cooler Turns On and Off Frequently
- The ventilation isn't, the wine cooler will sometimes automatically shut down if it is over heating
- The ambient temperature is too high so the wine cooler automatically shuts down to cool off
- A large amount of bottles has been added which causes the wine cooler to work quite hard and may therefore need to cool down
- There may be an electrical problem again which is affecting the power input, the Power PCB may need to be changed
- The plug outlet may be faulty
The Wine Cooler Makes a Lot of Noise
If you feel like your wine cooler is producing an unnecessary amount of noise, it could be down to one of these reasons.
Firstly, a compressor based wine cooler will inevitably make some noise when the compressor and fan system kicks in to alter the temperature, just like a normal fridge would.
This should not be mistaken for excessive sound, as this is the standard operating noise and shouldn’t be a concern.
- The wine cooler may not be level which causes unwanted vibrations
- The wine cooler makes a bubbling sound, this may just be the refrigerant passing through the evaporator
- The internal or external fans may be faulty, fans can wobble around and cause a horrible amount of noise and they can also get blocked by small pieces of label from the wine bottles
- The compressor may be working too hard due to a lack of refrigerant
There is a Build Up of Ice/ Water Inside My Wine Cooler
If you’ve noticed a build up of frost or condensation in your wine cooler, don't worry - this is all part of the way the wine cooler manages the humidity.
You tend to find that cooler temperatures play a big part in frost build up. Most wine coolers will only cool to 5°C, but there are multi-purpose drinks and wine fridges on the market that will go down to 2°C.
In the event of a frost build up, turn the appliance off and remove any frost or water and allow to dry out completely with the door open.
Condensation can also be caused by the door not being closed properly, so it’s really important to check all the seals and that the door mechanism is working correctly.
Frost and condensation should be the only source of water coming from the wine cooler, so any other liquids leaking will most likely be from the sealed system.
In the event of this, please contact the manufacturer to arrange for a technician to come out and diagnose the issue.
The Temperature Goes Up and Down Inside the Wine Cooler
This isn't a problem, the wine cooler operates just like a normal refrigerator - so the temperature will go up and down usually within +/-2°C of the set temperature.
This means that the average temperature is always the set temperature and because the wine takes much more energy to change temperature so due to the thermal mass of the wine its temperature stays constant, just like the schematic below:
Other Common Problems With Wine Coolers
- Internal lighting goes on and off, can be caused by faulty lighting PCB or bulbs
- Internal temperature is too high, can be caused by the PTC fan heater being stuck on, which can be rectified by replacing the PTC fan and the control PCB.
- The display is faulty including any buttons, replace the control PCB
- The temperature is too high or low inside the cabinet, the temperature probe may be faulty and should be swapped out
- The internal temperature is different from the top and bottom, the internal fans may be faulty
Things The Warranty Offered by Manufacturers May Not Cover:
- Damage occurred in transit when moving your appliance
- Any misuse or damage caused by negligence, improper use, improper installation/ service or for use otherwise described in the product manual
- Damage from power failure
- Faulty installation or modification to the wine cooler when installing the item
- Damage caused by unauthorised repair
- Any damages resulting from force, fire disaster or natural disaster.
- Alterations to the product without express permission from the manufacturer.
- Parts such as light, removable shelves, or plastic.
- Any spoilage or damage to wines or any other contents incidental or consequential to possible defects of the unit.
If your current wine cooler continues to break, we recommend you look at our Dunavox storage unit collection. Having a suitable wine cooler for your bottle collections is essential - Dunavox is well-known within the industry, designing some of the best products on the market today.
Dunavox is quickly becoming one of the most favoured manufacturers of wine coolers.
With both freestanding and built-in models available across our site, you’ll be able to find your dream cooling unit in no time. If you’d like any additional information about our Dunavox range, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team today.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any more questions or require more information about wine coolers, we are more than happy to help. Feel free to get in touch today.
23 comments
Mel P
Hi there, my wine cooler is freezing drinks but the temperature reading states 35 – we usually have it set at 5 but every time I try put it down to that it just goes straight back up to the 35. We only noticed the frozen lager last night.
Beth Thomas
I have just bought a wine cooler but it doesn’t appear to be cooling the wine, how cold does a wine cooler get. I’ve never had one before.
Bob. Richardson
I have logik cooler mod number LWC59B12 has stopped working there was a smell of plastic burning.Tray on top of motor has just disintegrated from the heat .The light still works inside.Does this mean the motor has packed in or could it be something else Thanks
Mick
I have a husky hus-hn12 wine cooler,it lights up on the door but it’s not getting cold inside,one thing I’ve noticed is the compressor is very warm can you help please
Sheryl Mire
My glass looks dirty but its in between the glass…..is it gas sealed ? Or how can I clean it ? Thanx
Elaine
Hi, my Culina wine cooler is freezing up my drinks, the temperature is reading 35 degrees.What is going on!!x
Terry
Mine wine cooler run all the time but do not get cool it in my outside bar which gets really hot
Susan Buckland
Have wine cooler temp 25 and when I try to reduce to 4 it stays on 25 ? Any suggestions please
Diane Wright
After putting my wine cooler on after storing it ,l have got a really strange strong smell coming from it ,like plastic burning ,cant explain the smell ha,d to turn it off ,as l think it could be deadly any ideas
JoAngela Pulley
Mines was set at 55-57 and although it’s still on now this is what’s in the temperature – - what does that mean? Thank you.
Jane Elizabeth Rix
I have a 15cm wine cooler by cookology and the blue led light has stopped working. Where is the bulb and how do I get it out?
Richard
Good afternoon. My wine cooler temperature started dropping to very low temperature. what can be the cause?
Alexandra
Hi. My wine cooler started freezing up my drinks, is very cold inside but temperature display is flashing 27 degrees plus. What is possibly wrong with that?
Heat Pumps Auckland
Thank you so much for sharing this information about troubleshooting your wine cooler . This is very nice and inspiring!! Thanks for sharing and look for more in future!! I hope you keep update us with such great tips and information in future too. This is a great post; I will share as much as I can.
kathleen draper
My Cata wine cooler is 6 years old and only chills the bottom 2 shelves and the temperature keeps jumping up form 5 to 13 degrees. Which part should be replaced? Thank you.
Jose
I have a cuisinart DWC-2400SA, that never stop running. You can hear the motor running always!
Yamina Viviers
I have a built in wine cooler that has worked for around 4 years without issues but all of a suddenly displays a temperature of 25 degrees and keeps jumping back up when put down to say 4 degrees. Not sure what is wrong with it. Any suggestions?thx
Guy Boily
I have the same problem as some people above. It starts, hums and stops after 30sec, approx. Any suggestions as to what the problem could be. Thanks. Guy Boily
Michael Hasler
The temperature is flashing HI in both the red and white sections of my wine cooler and
I can’t change it with the temperature button. Any thoughts?
Alejandro Taylor
My wine cooler has stopped working and I’d like to know which part needs replacing. There is a minor hum when you turn it on. It then cuts out after approx 30secs
Paul clarke
Hi my led lights are showing half the numbers is this easy to fix or dose it matter
Catherine Green
My wine cooler has stopped working and I’d like to know which part needs replacing. There is a minor hum when you turn it on. It then cuts out after approx 30secs
Malcolm Leigh
I have a Lamont Drinks Cooler LAM6911. The blue light flashes all the time. Any thoughts please?
Thank you.