Get Your Cooling System Ready for the Season Ahead

As spring arrives and vineyard life begins to bloom again, it’s the perfect time to wake your chiller from winter hibernation. A smooth startup now means reliable cooling when you need it most — whether you’re cold-soaking rosé lots or prepping for bottling.

Below is a helpful step-by-step guide to safely and efficiently hook up and prepare your chiller for winery use this season:

Spring Chiller Startup Checklist

1. Clean the Condenser Coils

• Spring debris like cottonwood, pollen, and leaves can restrict airflow.
• Use a soft brush or coil-safe cleaner to remove buildup. For heavy grime, a gentle rinse with water may help — just avoid damaging the fins.
• Straighten bent fins with a fin comb if needed.

2. Remove Winter Protection

• Take off tarps, overhangs, or insulation used for winter protection.
• Ensure there’s no trapped moisture, which can lead to rust or mold.

3. Inspect Power & Electrical Connections

• Confirm that electrical wiring is intact and connections are tight.
• Check breaker panels, disconnects, and look for any signs of wear or corrosion.
• Only turn on power after all visual inspections are complete.

4. Check Fluid Levels & Glycol Concentration

• Test glycol levels for proper freeze protection.
• Top off fluid if needed and inspect for leaks or degradation in the reservoir or lines.
• Clean out any sediment or gunk in the tank before cycling fluid.

5. Reconnect Hoses & Inspect Fittings

• Reattach any process or return lines.
• Check for dry rot, cracks, or loose hose clamps. Replace or tighten as needed.
• Confirm all fittings are sealed and properly aligned.

6. Run the Chiller in Manual/Test Mode (if applicable)

• Power on in manual mode to monitor startup behavior.
• Listen for any unusual sounds, check for error codes, and monitor pressure levels.
• Run for 10–15 minutes to ensure system stability.

7. Verify Pump Operation & Flow Direction

• Confirm coolant is flowing freely through your tanks, heat exchangers, or jackets.
• Bleed air from the lines if your system is prone to airlocks.
• Look for smooth, consistent flow — surging could indicate a clog or air pocket.

8. Review Set Points & Controls

• Recalibrate temperature settings to match your current winemaking needs.
• Double-check programmable schedules, alarms, and remote monitoring setups if used.

9. Perform a Final Walk-Around Inspection

• Look for signs of leaks, oil spots, or corrosion.
• Ensure all safety covers and panels are secure.
• Verify emergency shutoff switches are labeled and accessible.

Questions about your system or planning an expansion?

Give us a call or shoot us an email — we’re happy to help you optimize your chiller setup and keep your winery running cool all year long.

If you have any technical questions about your chiller or have any future expansion plans, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or Contact us.