Wine is more forgiving than milk, but a cooler that drifts several degrees warm for days can still age bottles faster than you want. Before assuming the cooling system has failed, work through the causes that do not need tools.
Start With Safety
If you smell burning, see scorch marks on the cord or hear loud electrical buzzing, unplug the cooler and do not use it until it has been inspected. For every check below, leave the covers and back panel in place.
Owner-Level Checks
- Power: plug the cooler directly into a working wall outlet. Extension cords and power strips can cause problems for compressor-based units.
- Location: compare the room temperature with the range in your owner’s manual. Garages, sunrooms and spots next to an oven can be too warm for the unit to keep up.
- Clearance: a freestanding model that has been pushed into a cabinet or tight alcove may not be able to release heat. Only models the manual approves for built-in installation should be enclosed.
- Door: make sure no bottle or shelf is pushing the door open, and check the gasket for gaps or tears.
- Settings: on dual-zone models, confirm each zone is set where you expect and that the display is showing the zone you think it is.
Give It Time After Loading
Adding a case of room-temperature bottles raises the load considerably. The cooler can take many hours to recover. Keep the door closed and check again the next day.
When to Book a Repair
If the cooler is correctly installed, the door seals and the temperature still will not come down, the fan, temperature sensor, control or cooling system needs testing. Book a wine cooler repair visit and have the model number ready.