Houston storms can take power out for hours or days, and a wine reserve warms quietly during that time. The first decision is about the bottles, and the second is about the unit. Treat them separately.
Check the Wine First
Wine does not spoil the way milk does, but heat harms it. Feel a few bottles. If they are cool, the cabinet stayed insulated and little harm is likely. If they are warm to the touch, handle them gently, keep them out of direct sun and move them somewhere steady. Look for pushed-up corks or seepage, which are signs a bottle got too warm. Set those aside to drink soon rather than to age.
Restarting the Unit
- Wait until the house power is steady, not flickering.
- Make sure the cabinet door is closed fully.
- Confirm that the display lights and the fan starts.
- Leave the settings as they were.
Expect the display to show a warm reading at first. Give it many hours before you decide anything.
Watch for These Afterward
- A reading that does not move toward the set point after a long time.
- A control display that stays blank or flashes.
- Water pooling under the unit.
- Repeated stops and restarts.
What Cannot Be Told From Outside
A unit that came back on may still have been stressed by a surge or a quick restart. A working display does not prove the cooling system is healthy. If the unit is slow to cool, or you used a generator, have it checked before you reload valuable bottles.
If your reserve is slow to recover, book a visit. We confirm a three-hour window, give a written price before work and stand behind repairs for 30 days. See wine refrigeration repair and the service area list.