Cooling unit advice; another one biting the dust

[Warren_Taranow]

I got an error message on the thermostat of my WhisperKool 4200. It’s been running fine for seven years. Temperatures stayed steady, and I replaced the thermostat. However, the unit is running much more than in the past, and it’s probably reaching the end of it useable life. Considering risks/benefits, I’m going to replace it before it fails.

The Whisperkool 4200 was discontinued. The online ratings and comments regarding its replacement (4000i) are abysmal. It reportedly generates two gallons of water weekly due to a new evaporator, and in some cases fails to cool to the level of the 4200 (I keep a constant 55 degrees). It has the same dimensions as the 4200, so installation would be a breeze.

I’m also looking at the CellarPro 4200, but it’s far more expensive and would need a carpenter to install due to its larger size.

Any WB experience with this problem or these units?

Thanks,

Warren

[George_Chadwick]

@Warren Taranow

I got an error message on the thermostat of my WhisperKool 4200. It’s been running fine for seven years. Temperatures stayed steady, and I replaced the thermostat. However, the unit is running much more than in the past, and it’s probably reaching the end of it useable life. Considering risks/benefits, I’m going to replace it before it fails.

The Whisperkool 4200 was discontinued. The online ratings and comments regarding its replacement (4000i) are abysmal. It reportedly generates two gallons of water weekly due to a new evaporator, and in some cases fails to cool to the level of the 4200 (I keep a constant 55 degrees). It has the same dimensions as the 4200, so installation would be a breeze.

I’m also looking at the CellarPro 4200, but it’s far more expensive and would need a carpenter to install due to its larger size.

Any WB experience with this problem or these units?

Thanks,

Warren

look on ebay for a rehabbed unit. I do that and I’m very happy with it.

[Steven_Miller]

There have been a few discussions that cover far cheaper alternatives like doing some simple conversion work on a cheap sears or LG AC unit.

Here’s one:

http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=943286

[Chris_Kravitz]

Either system would suit you just fine, I prefer the CellarPro and think it is a better built product and the fan speed adjustment allows it to be very quiet (assuming it has enough capacity to run low/med).

The only way a system could produce that much condensate is in a room that has air leaks, I recently swapped out an old style XLT for a new SC…no issues.

ALL the systems now REQUIRE a condensate line if you don’t already have one.

If you have extended run times it’s most likely it has a refrigerant leak (the most common issue).

[Mark_C]

@Chris Kravitz

Either system would suit you just fine, I prefer the CellarPro and think it is a better built product and the fan speed adjustment allows it to be very quiet (assuming it has enough capacity to run low/med).

The only way a system could produce that much condensate is in a room that has air leaks, I recently swapped out an old style XLT for a new SC…no issues.

ALL the systems now REQUIRE a condensate line if you don’t already have one.

If you have extended run times it’s most likely it has a refrigerant leak (the most common issue).

This. Find a local HVAC shop that will look at it, if the unit has fittings for access to the coolant is pretty straight-forward to top it off (just have to get the correct coolant), and if there is no fitting, they can add one easily. All-in should be a few $100 at most…I was talking to the tech from our HVAC company while he was doing the preventative maintenance on our home AC this spring, and he offered to look at my cellar unit as a “side” project if/when I need it (which I haven’t, touche du bois).