If you own a Sub-Zero fridge, you may have experienced the problem of food freezing inside the refrigerator section. This can be frustrating and wasteful, as frozen food can lose its texture, flavor, and nutritional value. You may also wonder why your Sub-Zero fridge is freezing, since it is supposed to be a superior food preservation system.
The main reason why your Sub-Zero fridge is freezing is that the temperature is too low. The optimal temperature for storing fresh food is between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is lower than that, your food may freeze. Other possible causes of freezing are dirty condenser coils, faulty sensors, or incorrect settings.
In this post, we’ll explain why your Sub-Zero fridge is freezing and how to fix it. We’ll also answer some common questions about Sub-Zero fridges and how to prevent freezing in the future.
How to Fix a Sub-Zero Fridge That Is Freezing
If your Sub-Zero fridge is freezing, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Address any error codes or messages. If your Sub-Zero fridge displays any error codes or messages on the control panel, refer to your owner’s manual or contact Sub-Zero customer service for assistance. Some error codes may indicate a problem with the temperature sensor, the defrost system, or the fan motor.
- Verify the unit temperatures are properly set. Check the temperature settings on your Sub-Zero fridge and make sure they are within the recommended range. The ideal temperature for the refrigerator section is between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and for the freezer section is between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust the temperature settings by pressing the up or down arrows on the control panel.
- Review what food is freezing and where it is inside the refrigerator. Some foods are more prone to freezing than others, such as lettuce, eggs, milk, or juice. These foods should be stored away from the back wall and the vents of the refrigerator, where the cold air circulates. You can also rearrange your food items to allow more space and airflow between them.
- Clean the condenser coils if it has not been done in the past six months. The condenser coils are located behind or under your Sub-Zero fridge and help dissipate heat from the unit. If the condenser coils are dirty or clogged with dust, they can affect the cooling efficiency and cause your fridge to run too cold. To clean the condenser coils, you need to:
- Unplug your Sub-Zero fridge or turn off the power at the circuit breaker
- Remove the grille or kickplate that covers the condenser coils
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove any dust or debris from the coils
- Replace the grille or kickplate and plug in your Sub-Zero fridge or turn on the power
- Verify if only one or all sections are not cooling. If only one section of your Sub-Zero fridge is freezing, such as the crisper drawers or the top shelf, it could be due to a blocked vent, a faulty damper, or a misplaced food item. Make sure there is nothing blocking the vent or damper that regulates the airflow between sections. Also, make sure there is no food item that is too large or too tall that interferes with the closing of the door.
- Verify if only one or all sections are not cooling. If all sections of your Sub-Zero fridge are freezing, it could be due to a faulty temperature sensor, a malfunctioning defrost system, or a broken fan motor. These components are responsible for monitoring and regulating the temperature and airflow in your fridge. If they fail, your fridge may not be able to maintain a consistent temperature and may run too cold.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, no further troubleshooting advice is available. Contact Factory Certified Service to schedule an appointment for repair.
FAQs About Sub-Zero Fridges Freezing
Here are some common questions and answers about Sub-Zero fridges freezing.
Q: How do I measure the temperature in my Sub-Zero fridge?
A: You can measure the temperature in your Sub-Zero fridge by using an appliance thermometer or a digital thermometer with a probe. Place the thermometer in a glass of water and leave it in the middle of your fridge for at least 24 hours. Then check the reading and compare it with the display on your control panel.
Q: How do I prevent my food from freezing in my Sub-Zero fridge?
A: You can prevent your food from freezing in your Sub-Zero fridge by following these tips:
- Check and adjust your temperature settings regularly
- Avoid placing sensitive foods near the back wall or vents of your fridge
- Allow enough space and airflow between your food items
- Keep your fridge door closed as much as possible
- Clean your condenser coils every six months
Q: What are the benefits of a Sub-Zero fridge?
A: A Sub-Zero fridge is a refrigerator that offers superior food preservation, design flexibility, and reliability. A Sub-Zero fridge has two compressors, one for the fridge and one for the freezer, which prevents odor and taste transfer between the compartments. A Sub-Zero fridge also has a stainless steel or custom panel finish, a signature grille, and a vast selection of sizes and configurations to suit any kitchen style.
Conclusion
A Sub-Zero fridge is freezing because the temperature is too low. The optimal temperature for storing fresh food is between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is lower than that, your food may freeze. Other possible causes of freezing are dirty condenser coils, faulty sensors, or incorrect settings.
To fix a Sub-Zero fridge that is freezing, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Address any error codes or messages
- Verify the unit temperatures are properly set
- Review what food is freezing and where it is inside the refrigerator
- Clean the condenser coils if it has not been done in the past six months
- Verify if only one or all sections are not cooling
If these steps do not resolve the issue, contact Factory Certified Service to schedule an appointment for repair.
