Dead VinoTemp 28

[Throb]

I come looking for help. I have a VinoTemp 28 (VT-28TEDS) that has been running well for over 5 years. Unfortunately it seems the cooling unit has died. I still hear the fan going but the temperature is reading 80! My hygrometers are only reading 75 but that is too close for comfort for me.

I went to the VinoTemp site and they say the cooling units are on back-order until December which leads me to believe they meant 2010 and haven't updated the site.
http://www.vinotemp.com/View.aspx/3340/Replacement-Cooling-System-for-VT-12TEDS--VT-21TEDS-2Z--VT-28TEDS
My questions are:

1: Other than Vinotemp's site, does anyone know where to get a cooling unit? I've checked Amazon, Ebay and Google without success.

2: How difficult is it to replace the cooling unit? Are there instructions somewhere out on the web that I just couldn't find?

3: Is about 5 years typical for a cooling unit (especially in Florida?) or is this more the result of a power surge? My unit is plugged directly into the wall and has no surge protector.

[bvilchez]

Call them up and see what they say. I had an issue with mine last year where we had a power surge and it fried the control board. $35 later I'm back up and running.

BTW are you using it as a humi or for it's original purpose?

If you're using it as a humi don't even plug it in. Throw some beads in there and you'll be fine.

[Throb]

Yes, I'm using it as a humidor, but the room its in gets a bit hotter than the rest of the house especially during the upcoming summer months.

I don't think its the circuit board as the digital readout works along with the internal light.

[earnold25]

Here's a link to their tech support manuals.

link (http://www.vinotemp.com/Service-Support/Troubleshooting-Repair.aspx)

I'd double check your circuit board with a multimeter, just in case you need to order one of those too. If you took a surge or something there's a chance your output for the cooling unit is fried.

I think in those manuals as well there is instruction on how to swap out the peltier, but if not, I've done it and its easy enough. Just a bunch of screws really. I think its actually hard wired into the board as well, but you can either resolder it or use wire nuts / morrets to reconnect.