Through-the-wall wine coolers are self-contained, which means all the components are contained within the system. It’s why they’re also sometimes called “all-in-one” or “single-piece” units. These units vent into an adjacent room or outside the building and typically have both a cooling and heating option. If you are storing wine in a place with freezing winters, look for a through-the-wall unit that provides both heating and cooling.
As the name suggests, ducted cooling systems work by gently circulating air through insulated ductwork. These units can be installed anywhere, including above or below the wine cellar or wine room. Ducted systems can cool a room of up to 1,500 cubic feet. For larger spaces, you may need more than one unit.
Qualified DIYers may be able to install a ducted system on their own; however, professional installation by a qualified HVAC contractor is recommended, due to the size of these systems.