Category Archives: Refrigerator Repair

3 Common Causes Of Refrigerator Problems

Refrigerator Repair, , , ,
The refrigerator is easily one of the most important appliances in your home. Since it’s constantly running around the clock, the chance of  breaking down is high. While most refrigerators have fairly long lifespans, you will probably encounter the need for minor repairs from time to time. If your fridge is leaking or cycles too often, don’t panic! A lot of problems can be fixed at home or for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. Here are three of the most common problems that people experience with their refrigerators and how you should handle them.

Problem: It’s Cycling Too Often- Having a refrigerator that is constantly running, is not only annoying to listen to, but can leave a dent in your wallet. Refrigerators are one of the most power-hungry appliances in your home, and ones that cycle often will send your energy bill sky high!

Cause & Solution: Typically a buildup of dirt and debris in the condenser coils is to blame here. If vacuuming your condenser coils don’t do the trick, make sure to give the professionals a call!

Problem: It’s Leaking- While it’s never a good sign to see a pool of water forming under your fridge, it’s actually very common.

Cause & Solution: When food particles and other debris clog the drain hose, it leads to an ice buildup. That eventually causes the water to spill out of the freezer and refrigerator. Flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, or using a pipe cleaner to remove the clog can be effective ways to fix this watery worry!

Problem:There’s Ice Buildup In the Freezer- You’ll obviously want some ice in your freezer, but seeing a winter wonderland upon opening the door is a sign that there could be trouble.                                                                                                                                                              Cause & Solution: Leaving your freezer door open for a prolonged period of time can raise the humidity level, causing this icy buildup. A simple solution is to be mindful of how long you are keeping the door open and make your trips to the freezer short! A faulty seal could also be to blame. Try cleaning your seal with soap and warm water, thoroughly dry it and close the door. If you notice that your door isn’t staying closed, turn to the professionals for help! Afterall, we wouldn’t want you to risk that chocolate ice cream spoiling!

Are you experiencing refrigerator problems? The experts at Speedy Subzero are just a phone call away. With over 75 years of experience in the Long Island area, don’t trust anyone else to fix your refrigerator or freezer. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City. Call us today to schedule your appointment with one of our licensed technicians at 866-782-9376.

What Is The Perfect Temperature For Your Refrigerator?

Refrigerator Repair, , , ,

 Refrigerators are here to keep your food cold, right? But can it be too cold? If your fridge temperature is set too low, those celery sticks will soon become celery popsicles. And if the temperature isn’t set low enough, your food can spoil and the risk of food related illness will greatly increase. The key, like most things in life, is finding the right balance. So what is the  ideal temperature for your refrigerator to be set to? Let us help!

What’s The Right Temperature?

When thinking of the ideal fridge temp, it helps to think in terms of Goldilocks’ principle: not too hot, yet not too cold. Bacteria growth starts to triple around the 40°F mark, yet freeze around 32°F, making the ideal temperature range between 35 to 38°F.

How Do I know If It’s At The Right Temperature?

A refrigerator thermometer is the most accurate way to get a temperature reading. Some newer fridge models come with a digital temperature display, but for older ones, a freestanding thermometer is crucial. Older models come equipped with a dial, but the numbers don’t translate to actual temperature, and are typically not too helpful.

**Added bonus of the freestanding thermometer–if the power goes out, you’ll still have an accurate gauge on if your food is safe to eat or not!

What Are Some Ways To Keep The Right Temperature?

We’re glad you asked! If you’re having trouble keeping your refrigerator’s temperature consistent, these could be to blame:

  • You open the door too often: Opening the door multiple times in a row can affect your fridge’s temperature. If you’re planning a recipe, try to grab all of your ingredients at once to avoid keeping the door open for a prolonged period of time.
  • Your seal could be broken: The seal on your door should be airtight. Even the slightest opening can change the temperature. Check to make sure your gasket doesn’t need to be replaced.
  • Your food is too hot to handle: Making sure your food is cooled down prior to putting it into the fridge will not only expand the life of the food, but will avoid heating up the fridge, making it unsafe for all of the other foods in there.

Worried that your refrigerator is too warm or too cold? The refrigeration experts at Speedy SubZero are here to help! Serving Long Island and New York City for more than 75 years, there is no make or model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler that we can’t fix. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau County and Suffolk County, call us today at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed technicians.

3 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Refrigerator

Refrigerator Repair, , , , , , ,

View of expensive kitchen in modern house

The average refrigerator has a lifespan of approximately 15 years, but there are certain things you can do to make yours last longer. Since they are not a cheap investment, we want to get as many years out of them as humanly possible. These three tips can help you do just that.

1). Vacuum the condenser coils.

The condenser coils are located on the back of your refrigerator, and are responsible for releasing heat. When these coils become coated in dust, your refrigerator has to work extra hard to keep cool. Clean these coils every six months with your vacuum’s brush attachment to keep your fridge running efficiently and reduce wear-and-tear.

2). Protect it from high-heat sources.

The warmer your refrigerator gets, the harder it has to work to keep cool, so it only makes sense to keep it away from sources of heat. Being next to appliances such as an oven, dishwasher, or dryer can only increase the workload on your refrigerator’s compressor. You should even try to keep it out of direct sunlight if possible.

3). Properly maintain the gasket.

The gasket is the rubber seal that runs along the perimeter of your refrigerator and freezer doors. This seal creates an airtight barrier between the inside of your refrigerator and your kitchen. If there is a small rip, crack, or loose edge in the gasket, warm air can enter your refrigerator when the door is closed. Every three months, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your gasket to prevent it from drying out. You should also inspect it for damage every 4-6 weeks. If you notice anything wrong with the gasket, replace it immediately – replacements are cheap and easy to install.

When your refrigerator begins to malfunction, that doesn’t always mean it is time to buy a new one. Often times, your refrigerator can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of a new model. If you live in New York City or Long Island, call the refrigerator repair experts at Speedy Subzero at 866-782-9376.

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Refrigerator

Refrigerator Repair, , , , ,

Young pensive woman looking in the refrigerator with hand on chin.

We use our refrigerators every single day, but how much do we really know about them?

It can account for over 10% of your electricity bill.

Since your refrigerator is the only appliance in your house that runs around the clock, it’s not hard to see why it can account for over 10% of your monthly electricity bills. If you are looking for ways to reduce your refrigerator’s energy consumption, check out this article.

Some spots in the fridge are colder than others.

It’s true – the temperature can vary by almost 10° within your refrigerator. In most units, the bottom shelf is the coldest area, while the door is the warmest. In order to maximize the shelf life of your food, you should adjust your storage habits to reflect these temperature changes. Here is the best way to stock your fridge to keep your food fresh for as long as possible.

Cleaning shouldn’t be limited to the inside.

Most of us know that the inside of the refrigerator is a bacteria hotspot, but the outside may not be as clean as we think. The door handle in particular can be touched more than 30 times per day and is often one of the dirtiest areas in the home. Cleaning the condenser coils should also be done every six months in order to keep your refrigerator energy efficient.

If you run into any problems with your refrigerator, the experts at Speedy Subzero are just a phone call away. With more than 75 years of experience serving Long Island and New York City, don’t trust anyone else with your refrigerator and freezer repairs. Call us to schedule your same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.

3 Reasons for Water in Your Refrigerator

Refrigerator Repair, , , , , ,

iStock_000009844391_Small

If you find water collecting on the walls and shelves of your refrigerator, don’t panic. It is likely a small problem that you can easily fix. Here are a few common reasons that you might be finding water in your refrigerator.

1). Clogged Drain Tube

If your refrigerator has an auto-defrost feature, melted ice from the freezer flows through the drain tube, which is actually located in the fresh food section. If this tube is clogged, water will leak out into the bottom of your refrigerator. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to unclog a drain tube.

2). Damaged Gasket

The gasket is the rubber seal on your refrigerator door. If it is ripped, torn, cracked, or damaged in any way, the air-tight seal is lost and warm air can enter your fridge. When the warm air comes in contact with the cold interior walls of your refrigerator, condensation is formed. If your gasket is damaged in any way, replace it immediately.

3). Non-Mechanical Issues

Condensation doesn’t always mean that something is wrong with your refrigerator. There are plenty of circumstances that can lead to condensation, even if your fridge is properly functioning. They include:

  • You have recently adjusted the refrigerator thermostat

  • You put hot food in the refrigerator

  • You accidentally left the refrigerator door open for several hours

  • It is a very humid day

If you are noticing abnormal amounts of condensation or water in your refrigerator, contact the repair experts at Speedy Subzero. We have over 75 years of experience and guarantee one-hour service to Long Island and New York City, so give us a call at (866) 782-9376.