Hi everyone-
Any info would be appreciated - we have a 1/2 ton Wine Guardian ducted system. Cellar is in basement with spray foam insulation and ducted to unit in garage. It’s just over 4 years old and it looks like I’m buying a new one as it’s sprung an internal leak.
Would appreciate any comments if you have one, how long it’s lasted, and your set up. Looks like I’m in the market for something - not sure if I’ll replace it or go a commercial A/C route. Thoughts?
Lori,
My house is 8 years old and I have been through 2 wine guardian units, so 4 years sounds typical to me. Both units developed leaks and stopped cooling, which I was told was fairly common. When I replaced the first unit, I had it repaired (replaced the coils) which cost about $1,000. When the second unit failed earlier this year, I swapped it out for the repaired unit, which is running great. You might want to look into repairing your unit rather than buying a new unit. I used the repaired unit as an emergency backup and might have the second unit repaired as well.
Garrett
No reason to replace it, have the coils (both condenser and evaporator) replaced.
The entire HVAC industry has been plagued with coil leaks (thinner coils=higher efficiency), the manufacturer now has aluminum evaporator coils and we have seen zero issues with these.
I have a client going on the 11th year with their Wine Guardian.
I’d suggest you email Russ at Air Innovations rwar ner@air innovations.c o m (remove spaces) for a recommendation for a local repair shop.
Thread drift: Obviously not limited to AC/refrigeration equipment, but the build quality of so many manufactured items these days is truly appalling.
I still have a very low-end consumer kitchen refrigerator that hasn’t given me a bit of mechanical trouble in over 30 years. In 1982, I bought a then at least 15 year-old washing machine that lasted another 20 years, at which time I bought a brand new, top-of-the-line Maytag that’s been a total p.o.s. that’s given me nothing but trouble.
It’s no longer even surprising when some piece of equipment breaks down way too early in its service life. And we complain about premature oxidation in white Burgundies!
Thanks - we don’t have any local service so are using local AC guys. We had one of the replacement coils (hubby would know which one) shipped from WineGuardian and that’s been installed. About $200. Sure beats $10K replacement if it works - unit is cooling and holding to temp which is a good thing in 90+ degree heat. Fingers crossed.