"Why does my fridge keep freezing up?"
"Why is my freezer cold but not my fridge?"
"How to prevent vegetables from freezing in refrigerators?"
Do these phrases ring a bell? Are you having dilemmas with your Sub-Zero fridge as it is not optimally working as it should? We know that a Sub-Zero refrigerator is not inexpensive. They certainly position themselves as luxury appliances for commercial use and high-end kitchens. However, these contemporary kitchen appliances are susceptible to wear and tear, causing them to malfunction and not work as they should. And one of the most common problems for a Sub-Zero fridge is freezing up, or the freezer is not cold enough.
It's troublesome to open your refrigerator in the morning and discover that the bottle of milk you put in there yesterday has frozen solid. Your initial reaction may be that the milk has gone bad, but you notice, "also, the fridge is freezing my vegetables." And this can increase your grocery bill and is a definite indicator that something is wrong with your refrigerator. You may find your Sub-Zero fridge is warm, but the freezer is cold, or the fridge is not getting cold, but the freezer is.
Here are lists of what to check why your Sub-Zero refrigerator is freezing food and how to fix them:
Temperature is Too Low
Temperatures between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, or less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, are optimal for storing fresh food. If your food is freezing, you may set your refrigerator's temperature too low. And this is a common problem that can cause your refrigerator to freeze food.
How to fix: First, check the temperature dial on the fridge. Refrigerator dials aren't always accurate, but you can determine if the temperature is excessively high. Increase the temperature, which should be between 38 and 42°F. If your fridge becomes too warm, all your food will rot, and bacteria will thrive. Purchase a separate thermometer, such as an analog unit or an external digital wireless gadget that shows the inside temperature, for an older refrigerator.
Dirty or Dusty Coils
The heat exchanger, condenser, and evaporator coils are positioned outside your refrigerator. These coils are required to allow the refrigerant fluid to execute its heat exchange function. If your refrigerator's coils are unclean or dusty, the compressor must work harder and longer to keep the freezer temperature at freezing. Regrettably, this can occasionally result in overcooling and the symptoms of winter inside your refrigerator.
How to fix: Your refrigerator's coils should be cleaned. Remove the refrigerator from the wall and clean the coils using a canister vacuum. Rest assured that the coils are pretty simple to clean; you can find instructions in your owner's manual, and it is a good idea to clean them regularly to minimize future issues.
Leaky Door Seals or Gaskets
The gasket is a liner for the refrigerator door that creates a seal for the compartment and prevents heat from escaping between the room and the inside. If a gasket has gotten broken and is leaking, your refrigerator will run continually to compensate, causing everything within to freeze. A simple test for a poor gasket is to trap a piece of paper in the door and then try to take it out without opening it. If the paper readily slides out or fails to stay in place, you have a faulty gasket that needs to be changed.
How to fix: If you believe your refrigerator doors are leaking, clean and examine the door seals or gasket. Replace them promptly if they are ripped, deformed, or worn. With these Sub-Zero replacement parts, you will not only prevent your refrigerator from freezing food but also save electricity.
Food is Too Close to the Vents
Because the rear, bottom, and in front of the vents are the coldest parts of the fridge, you should avoid storing food there. Food with high water content (such as meat, fruits, and vegetables) is more prone to freeze if put near the vents. Instead, keep these products in their allocated drawers.
How to fix: At all times, the vents require 2 inches of space. So if you have a side-by-side refrigerator with a vent that feeds freezing air into the fridge side, you may also rearrange the shelves.
Blocked Air Vents
Refrigerators employ air vents to circulate cold air and keep the temperature constant throughout the storage compartment. Allowing for appropriate air movement between the freezer and refrigerator compartments is essential for maintaining the correct temperature. If food blocks these air vents, it will be exposed to more cold air and may eventually freeze. Blocked vents might also make it difficult for your freezer to keep its temperature stable.
How to fix: Check that the food in your refrigerator does not come into contact with any air vents. You may also try to distribute food throughout the refrigerator equally.
Faulty Thermostat
Thermostats are programmed to activate cooling as needed. When the desired temperature is reached, the refrigerator should shut off automatically. And this is required to keep the desired and stable temperature. When your thermostat develops a malfunction, it may fail to turn off, causing it to run indefinitely.
How to fix: There might be a very easy solution if your refrigerator is excessively chilly. The first thing you should do is double-check that you haven't mistakenly turned the thermostat too low. You may also give it a short repair by returning it to the manufacturer's suggested temperature and leaving it for 24 hours to stabilize. You will need to replace the thermostat if this does not resolve your issue.
Damper Issues
You may be familiar with a damper if you own a refrigerator or freezer. And this is the assembly required to control the quantity of cold air entering the refrigerator from the freezer. If the damper fails, extra air might flow into the refrigerator compartment, causing the temperature to drop gradually. Also, most auto dampers employ an electronic temperature sensor to drive the motor that moves the damper's shutter or gate. The sensor will frequently include a connection that allows it to be plugged in.
How to fix: To begin diagnosing and repairing the damper problem, make sure there are no mechanical difficulties with your damper. If you've confirmed that there are no mechanical difficulties, the temperature sensor is the next item we could suspect. It is simple to replace a temperature sensor. Hardwired sensors require manufacturers to easily cut the leads and solder in new ones.
Defective Main Control Board
The main control board works as the brain of your refrigerator, regulating all of the appliance's components and operations. When the board fails, the fridge has issues with chilling, defrosting, and the water dispenser and ice maker. Aside from that, the board may have burnt odors or symptoms, and its components may lack electrical continuity.
How to fix: Before ordering a new control board, try the more typical faulty pieces first. If none of these faulty components are, try replacing the main control board.
BONUS: Maintenance Checklist
Sub-Zero refrigerators are well-known for being dependable, trouble-free alternatives with lengthy lifespans. Even with high-quality parts and assembly, though, regular maintenance may help them survive as long as feasible - and work as effectively as possible.
If you want your Sub-Zero fridge to run as effectively as possible, the best thing you can do is:
- Replace the air and water filters once a year. Depending on the model of your Sub Zero, you may need to charge the air and water filters. If you have these filters, you should change them at least once a year. Your unit has a digital readout that will alert you when it is time to replace them, or you can rely on a professional technician to design a maintenance program for you.
- Perform deep cleaning regularly. It is also prudent to perform your maintenance in addition to the maintenance required by your local appliance repair provider. And this should include cleaning the shelves completely. Keep in mind that any spills or debris can cause aromas and poor flavors in the foods and beverages you keep in your refrigerator.
A contemporary kitchen like yours would be incomplete without a well-operating refrigerator, yet your Sub-Zero fridge must be operational. You can ensure it does by getting it serviced by a factory-certified expert who can handle practically all common refrigerator problems. Having a competent home appliance repair specialist can provide effective and long-lasting solutions. So speak with a professional home appliance repair provider for all your refrigerator repair needs.
Contact Home Alliance Today!
Are you wondering, "who should I call for a Sub-Zero fridge repair?" Look no further than Home Alliance! We have been providing exceptional appliance repairs on all major brands of appliances, including Sub-Zero. We are committed to excellence and ensure we get every service job done right the first time, so don't wait to book our services today. Book your service today by choosing your location here!
