For licensed HVAC
Install packet for Panthaire APEX
A factory-charged ducted unit. The contractor sets it in a conditioned space, runs insulated supply and return, drains condensate, and leaves the cellar with grilles only. The install packet is the sequence that keeps the installation within warranty conditions.
Licensed HVAC · Wine Cellar Cooling Specialists
Reviewed · September 1, 2026
Panthaire APEX is a factory-charged, fully ducted wine cellar cooling unit. Installation consists of setting the unit in a conditioned space at 50–77°F (10–25°C) with published clearances, running insulated 8 in supply and return ducts (10 in return on APEX 7000) of 25 ft maximum per run, sloping the condensate line to an approved receptor, connecting a dedicated 115V/60Hz circuit (15A for APEX 3500 and 5000, 20A for APEX 7000), and commissioning to 55°F (13°C). No refrigerant work is performed on site.
On the job
Takeaways
- 01Review the installation guide and the ductwork guide before bidding labor.
- 02Ambient at the unit must stay between 50°F and 77°F (10°C and 25°C). It is a design requirement.
- 03Trade pricing is enabled after license verification. A project quote can be requested in the meantime.
- 04Contractor introductions on Panthaire projects are made through the job inbox.
- 05Use the job inbox to confirm availability for a specific installation.
Wine cellar cooling installation sequence
- 01Confirm the mechanical space is conditioned to 50–77°F (10–25°C) year-round before bidding.
- 02Set the Panthaire APEX unit with published clearances. Do not enclose it.
- 03Run insulated supply and return within the lengths in the ductwork guide (25 ft maximum per run).
- 04Slope the condensate line to an approved receptor. Prime the trap.
- 05Dedicated 115V circuit: 15A for APEX 3500 and 5000, 20A for APEX 7000.
- 06Commission to 55°F (13°C). Review the ambient range with the owner. Modifications after commissioning by unlicensed persons void the warranty.
Specifications
Panthaire APEX specifications
| Model | Cooling capacity | Cellar volume (R-20 envelope) | Circuit | Supply and return ducts | Airflow (low/high) | Dimensions L x W x D | Weight | Ambient at unit | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APEX 3500 | 3,353 BTU/h | up to 900 ft³ (25 m³) | 115V/60Hz, 15A | 8 in and 8 in, 25 ft max per run | 260 and 290 CFM | 28.4 x 12.2 x 12.2 in | 79.4 lb (36 kg) | 50–77°F (10–25°C) | 2 years |
| APEX 5000 | 4,462 BTU/h | up to 1,200 ft³ (34 m³) | 115V/60Hz, 15A | 8 in and 8 in, 25 ft max per run | 360 and 420 CFM | 33.9 x 13.8 x 13.8 in | 88.2 lb (40 kg) | 50–77°F (10–25°C) | 2 years |
| APEX 7000 | 6,346 BTU/h | up to 2,000 ft³ (57 m³) | 115V/60Hz, 20A | 8 in supply, 10 in return, 25 ft max per run | 470 and 530 CFM | 40.2 x 15.8 x 15.8 in | 95.9 lb (43.5 kg) | 50–77°F (10–25°C) | 2 years |
All models: R290 refrigerant, factory-charged, 5/8 in condensate drain, cellar operating range 50–70°F (10–21°C), wired control panel. Source: APEX Owner's Manual, Section 8.
Panthaire APEX warranty conditions
Ambient range
Garages, attics, and crawlspaces do not meet the 50–77°F (10–25°C) condition. The unit will not hold 55°F outside this range.
Licensed installation
The warranty requires installation by a licensed HVAC contractor. State it on the ticket.
Airflow
Closed grilles, crushed flex, and decorative screens over the return reduce capacity and present as compressor faults.
Install packet
APEX sequence for licensed HVAC
Install packet
Panthaire APEX is a factory-charged, fully ducted wine cellar cooling unit. The contractor sets it in a conditioned space, runs insulated supply and return, drains condensate, and leaves the cellar with grilles only.
- 1. Confirm 50–77°F (10–25°C) ambient before bidding.
- 2. Published clearances on the unit.
- 3. Insulated supply and return within published lengths.
- 4. Sloped condensate to an approved receptor.
- 5. Dedicated 115V. 15A on 3500 and 5000, 20A on 7000.
- 6. Commission to 55°F (13°C). Review the ambient range with the owner.
Definitions
- Ambient range:
- The temperature of the air around the Panthaire APEX unit, 50–77°F (10–25°C), required for heat rejection and warranty validity.
- Commissioning:
- Powering the unit, setting the control panel to 55°F (13°C), confirming supply airflow and condensate drainage, and reviewing the ambient range with the owner.
- Equivalent duct length:
- Duct run measured with fittings included: each 90-degree elbow adds 5 ft and each 45-degree elbow adds 2 ft toward the 25 ft maximum per run.
FAQ
- How do I get Panthaire APEX trade pricing?
- Apply with license details. Accounts are reviewed individually. In the meantime, request a project quote and Panthaire prices the job.
- Are contractors listed publicly?
- Introductions are made through the job inbox on active projects.
- Is there refrigerant work on a Panthaire APEX installation?
- No. The unit ships factory-charged and sealed. Installation is ducts, condensate, electrical, and commissioning.
- What voids the Panthaire APEX warranty?
- Installation by unlicensed persons, operation outside the 50–77°F (10–25°C) ambient range, non-insulated ducting, and modifications after commissioning.
Back to Panthaire Pro. Related: Before You Build, BTU calculator, Documentation.
Specification documents support the design team. Final sizing and installation are confirmed by the licensed HVAC contractor on site.