As a simple way to illustrate this phenomena imagine a clear, sealed box. Inside the box is a thermometer and a hygrometer (a device to measure relative humidity). When the box is sealed the thermometer reads 75° F and the hygrometer reads 50%. Now, place the box in a large walk-in refrigerator. (Remember that it’s sealed, no air or moisture can leave or enter the box.) As the temperature begins to drop the relative humidity will rise. When the temperature reaches 55° F the relative humidity will be 100% and the box will begin to fog up as moisture condenses on the walls. This is because colder air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air; therefore, the bottom of the fraction has become smaller and the percent relative humidity goes up. If the box is removed from the refrigerator and allowed to return to 75° F the moisture will re-evaporate and the relative humidity will return to 50%. Air conditioners and refrigeration units are designed to chill the air to a very low temperature as it passes through the unit. This removes as much moisture as possible for the comfort of people or the prevention of ice formation. If these systems were used in a well-sealed enclosure the relative humidity would be reduced to an extremely low level, very bad for wine. Breezaire cooling units are designed to chill the air only enough to remove the excess moisture, leaving enough moisture to keep the wine healthy.

In the wine cellar, desired conditions are generally around 55° F and 50% to 75% relative humidity. If the cellar is closed and the cooling unit is originally turned on when conditions are at 75°F and 50% relative humidity it will be necessary to not only cool the cellar but to remove some moisture. If moisture were not removed the relative humidity would reach 100%, mold and mildew would form on the bottles and walls and labels would fall off. Additionally, if warm moist air infiltrates into the cellar, the excess moisture must be removed or the relative humidity will rise to unacceptable levels. The cooling unit will be overworked and the excess water could overflow from the unit, making a mess.

All BREEZAIRE cooling systems are specialized designs that create the kind of carefully controlled environment demanded by products that are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. They are not intended for use in standard refrigeration applications. For assistance in specifying the best system for your unique requirements and in creating the ideal storage environment, contact your authorized BREEZAIRE dealer.