What to Do If Your Sub-Zero Is Not Cooling

One of the most serious Sub-Zero issues is when it stops cooling. This not only threatens to spoil expensive food but also points to a potentially serious problem. Before you call for service, you can perform a few simple checks. As local Sub-Zero repair specialists in Milpitas, we've prepared this guide for you.

Step 1: Check the Basics

• Power: Ensure the refrigerator is plugged in and that there is power to the outlet. Check your circuit breaker.
• Thermostat Settings: The settings could have been changed accidentally. Make sure the temperature is set to the recommended level (around 37°F for the fridge).
• Sabbath Mode: Some models have this mode, which turns off cooling and lights for a set period. Check if it has been activated.

Step 2: Inspect the Condenser Coils

As we've mentioned in other articles, dirty coils are a leading cause of poor cooling. The system can't release heat efficiently and can't maintain the set temperature. Clean them with a brush and vacuum.

Step 3: Check the Gaskets and Door

Is the door closing tightly? A damaged gasket is a direct path for warm air to enter. Inspect it along its entire length. If it's hard, cracked, or loose, it needs to be replaced.

Step 4: Listen to the Refrigerator

• Can you hear the compressor? If the compressor (the heart of the cooling system) isn't running, the problem could be the start relay or the compressor itself.
• Is the evaporator fan working? This fan is inside the freezer and distributes cold air. If it's not working, the refrigerator section won't get cold enough.
• Is the condenser fan working? It blows air over the coils and compressor to cool them. If it fails, the system will overheat.

When to Call a Specialist

If you've checked all of the above and your Sub-Zero is still not cooling, the problem is likely more serious and requires professional intervention. Possible Sub-Zero malfunctions include:

• Refrigerant (Freon) Leak: This requires finding the leak, repairing the system, and recharging it.
• Compressor Failure: This is a complex and costly repair that should only be performed by an experienced technician.
• Control Board Failure: The "brain" of the refrigerator that controls all its functions.