Why do I have to clean the refrigerator condenser

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Why do I have to clean the refrigerator condenser? To help assure efficiency and proper operation, the condenser on your refrigerator must be cleaned regularly. The condenser relies on airflow to work properly and any obstruction can cause the unit to fail. A Sub-Zero refrigerator will use less energy than a 100-watt light bulb when running at peak performance; however, failing to clean the condenser may cause the unit to run excessively. If the condenser is not cleaned properly, mechanical components in the unit may fail prematurely. If you have pets, you may have to clean the condenser more often than the suggested three to six months.

How often should I clean my Sub-Zero refrigerator condenser? Cleaning the condenser is important for the overall operation of your Sub-Zero refrigeration unit, and we recommend vacuuming the condenser six to 12 months. A dirty condenser will affect the cooling functions, leading to warm temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer and may even cause condensation or frost buildup inside the compartments.

How should I vacuum the condenser of my Sub-Zero? Before cleaning any Sub-Zero model, shut the electricity off at the control panel. Use a soft-bristle brush and vacuum to remove dust and lint from the condenser. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid injury from the sharp condenser fins.

To avoid bending the condenser fins, vacuum up and down in the direction of the fins. We can help you over the phone, or you can schedule the annual condenser cleaning at a discounted rate. To schedule your annual service, click here or call us: 800-440-8583

Sub Zero Refrigerator Erorr Code 50 Sub Zero Refrigerator Repair

IMG_1884Some Sub Zero refrigerators have electronic control boards, actually most modern Sub Zero refrigerators do. The control board on the refrigerator does a lot. The control board tells the compressor when to come on, sends voltage to the lights fans, so on and so forth. If the refrigerator has an internal problem, Sub Zero has the logic in the board programmed to display an error code in the digital read out. One of the more common Sub Zero refrigerator code is error code 50. The code 50 means excessive compressor run time, more often than not resulting from a leaking evaporator. Unlike most residential refrigerators, Sub Zero uses two compressor and two evaporators. This means that if one side stops cooling it wont affect the other side (refrigerator side and freezer side).

The first thing that needs to be done is to examine the evaporator itself. The back panel needs to be removed to have a look at the coils. The coils should have 1/16 frost from top to bottom. In most cases with this error code, the evaporator will only have frost in the upper left corner, this means you have a freon leak.

sub zero refrigerator dirty condenser

 

Finding the coils with a full frost pattern would indicate a dirty condenser or failed condenser fan motor. Several other things can cause this issue and tests would need to be made to determine the exact failure. If needed, we would be happy to assist you.   Sub Zero refrigerators can be simple to work on; we know these units well and can answer or review any question you have