Friday, May 29, 2015

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Whether you are a first-time reader of the blog or a regular visitor, take a minute to follow Speedy Subzero on social media!

Get instant access to company updates, discounts on your next repair, and the best tips on the internet for keeping your kitchen clean, safe, and energy-efficient!

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For more than 75 years, we have provided Long Island and New York City residents with fast, affordable repairs for their refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers. No matter the make or model of your unit, our licensed technicians have the necessary parts and know-how to fix it.

We understand that emergencies can happen at any time, that is why our phone lines are open around-the-clock. One-hour service is guaranteed and most repairs are done within the comfort of your own home, call us anytime at 866-782-9376 to schedule a visit from one of our expert technicians.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

What to Do If Your Refrigerator is Making Loud Noises


A noisy refrigerator is not a happy refrigerator. In fact, if your fridge is making loud noises, it is almost always a sure-fire sign that something is wrong. Even if all appears to be well, letting a small problem go unfixed can quickly turn into a big problem. Save yourself the cost of a new appliance by being proactive and fixing your noisy refrigerator before a new one is needed. Just follow these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Popping noises may not indicate problems. If you own an auto-defrost refrigerator, loud noises may not mean that there is a problem. If your refrigerator is making popping sounds (as opposed to a loud humming or clanking), this could actually indicate that the defrost heater is working properly.
  2. Make sure your refrigerator is level. If your refrigerator stops making noises when you place your hand on it, it is most likely because the unit is uneven. Use a carpenter's level to check if it is evenly balanced, both side-to-side and front-to-back. To level your refrigerator, have a friend or family member tilt it upwards while you adjust the legs underneath.
  3. Locate where the noise is coming from. Pinpointing where the noise is coming from will help you determine which component may need to be repaired. Problem areas include inside of the freezer, the bottom of the refrigerator, and the rear of the unit.
  4. Check the drain pan. If there is a rattling noise coming from the bottom of the refrigerator, it is likely a loose drip pan. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Simply remove the access panel on the bottom of the refrigerator, slide the drain pan out, empty it and clean it, and replace it securely.
  5. Call a licensed repair technician. If none of the above steps have fixed your loud refrigerator, it is likely a serious problem that involves the refrigerator's compressor, condenser fan, evaporator fan or defrost timer. In any of these cases, it is best to call a professional in order to properly identify and fix the problem.

If you live on Long Island and are suffering from a noisy fridge, help is just a phone call away with Speedy Subzero. Offering 24/7 service and one-hour emergency visits, we are New York's number one choice for refrigerator, freezer, and wine cooler repairs. Schedule an in-home repair with one of our licensed technicians today by calling 866-782-9376. For more information, click here to visit our website or connect with us on Facebook.

Monday, May 18, 2015

DIY Home Tune-Up for Your Refrigerator


When was the last time you brought your car to the mechanic for a tune up? What about your refrigerator?

Just like your automobile, your fridge will run better and last longer when it is properly maintained. Luckily, tuning up your refrigerator can be done in 20 minutes and won't set you back a couple hundred dollars like your car will.

Just follow this step-by-step routine every six months to keep your refrigerator running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
  1. Remove all food from the inside of your refrigerator and unplug it from the wall. If you want, you can place your food in a cooler to help prevent it from spoiling.
  2. Wipe down the shelves, drawers, and inner walls of your refrigerator with a soapy rag to get rid of any stains and residue.
  3. Inspect the rubber door seal. If it is cracked or otherwise damaged, you should replace it to stop cold air from escaping. If everything looks good, wipe it down with a wet cloth and apply a thin coat of Vaseline to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Slide your refrigerator away from the wall. Using the brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner, vacuum the condenser coils (located on the rear of the unit) to remove any visible dust and hair. This will improve your energy efficiency and place less wear-and-tear on your refrigerator's compressor.
  5. If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, replace the water filter. This process is different for every model, so refer to your owner's manual for further instructions.
  6. Plug your refrigerator in, slide it back into place (leave at least six inches of space between the back of your fridge and the wall to allow for adequate ventilation), and replace your food – you're done!
If this seems like too much work, you can always seek professional help. Long Island residents can count on the services of Speedy Subzero for fast, dependable refrigerator repairs and tune ups. We have more than 75 years of experience and can be at your doorstep within one hour of your call – just dial 866-782-9376 at any time to speak with one of our licensed technicians.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

What You Need to Know About Your Refrigerator's Condenser Coils

Pop quiz: Write down everything you know about your refrigerator's condenser coils.

Could you think of anything? If not, don't feel too bad. While almost every American has a fridge sitting in their kitchen, most of us don't know anything about them besides the fact that they keep our food cold.

Although they appear to be a giant box of ice, refrigerators are actually complex machines which require several different components to come together and operate as one. One of these components are the condenser coils, and they are extremely important. Here's why:


On most modern refrigerators, the condenser coils are located on the rear of the model. If you look at the back of your refrigerator, you will likely see a curvy tube that winds back and forth across the whole unit – these are the condenser coils.

During the refrigeration cycle, liquid refrigerant runs through these tubes in order to cool down, and heat is released through the back of the unit. This is why it is recommended to keep at least six inches of space between the refrigerator and the wall; in order to allow for proper ventilation.

The problem is that dust, dirt and pet hair can accumulate on these coils, leaving a thick layer of grime. When the condenser coils are coated in dust, they can't efficiently release heat, which causes the refrigerator to work longer and harder to maintain a cold internal temperature. This not only forces your refrigerator to consume more energy, it places additional wear-and-tear on the compressor.

To save money on your electricity bill and extend the lifespan of your refrigerator, clean these coils every 3-6 months. All you need is a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and ten minutes of free time, cleaning instructions can be found here.

If you are not up for the task of cleaning the coils yourself, Speedy Subzero is currently offering a $40 special which includes coil vacuuming, motor oiling, freon level testing, and more. New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey residents can all take advantage of this deal by clicking here or calling 866-782-9376.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

How to Reduce Your Refrigerator's Energy Consumption: Do's and Don'ts


With the weather warming up, a big concern of homeowners across the country is their electricity bill. If you are looking to keep yours down during the warm summer months, you don't have to sacrifice your family's comfort; instead, the answer could lie in your kitchen.

The refrigerator is the only appliance in your home that runs 24/7, making it one of your primary energy consumers. We often don't give refrigerators the attention they deserve, but using the tips below could result in a significant savings on your monthly utility bill.

Do these three things to save money on your monthly electricity bill:
  • Vacuum your condenser coils every six months. Keeping these coils clean will allow them to efficiently release heat and keep the inside of your fridge nice and cold.
  • Regularly inspect your gasket for cracks. Your gasket (also known as the rubber door seal) is responsible for keeping warm air out; if it is cracked or damaged your electricity bill could skyrocket.
  • Keep your fridge well-stocked. Keeping your refrigerator stocked with food will help it retain its temperature when the door is opened. Beware of over-stuffing though, which could restrict air flow and lead to warm spots.

DON'T do these three things to save money on your monthly electricity bill:
  • DON'T place your refrigerator near heat-generating appliances. Keep your refrigerator away from your stove and out of direct sunlight if possible – exposure to either of these things can cause it to warm up.
  • DON'T keep your refrigerator door open for long periods of time. Every time you open the fridge, cold air escapes. Save energy by minimizing how many times you open your refrigerator door and how long you keep it open for.
  • DON'T put hot food in the fridge. Let your freshly-cooked food cool down before putting it in the fridge, otherwise it will warm up the interior and make your refrigerator work harder to keep cold.

A broken refrigerator can also consume much more energy than one which is operating properly. If you suspect your refrigerator is malfunctioning, Speedy Subzero can repair it for a fraction of the cost of a new model. We serve Long Island, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and same-day service is available – call us any time at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed technicians.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

What to Do if Your Refrigerator is Warm


Proper storage conditions are essential in order to keep your food fresh and safe to eat. One of the most important factors in food storage is the temperature; refrigerated foods must be kept under 40°F in order to limit bacteria growth and prevent foodborne illnesses.

If you notice that the food in your fridge is constantly spoiling before its expiration date, it may not be the food's fault. Refrigerators are complex machines which require many different components to seamlessly work together; just one malfunctioning part can lead to a warm inside.

Here's what you can do if your refrigerator is warm:

Step 1: Turn Down the Thermostat
Most refrigerators come with adjustable thermostats which you can use to regulate the temperature. Some of these thermostats have precise degree indicators, while others just say “warmer” and “colder”. Turn down the thermostat in your refrigerator and wait 24 hours to see if it has cooled a sufficient amount. If not, move to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect the Gasket
The gasket is the rubber seal located around the refrigerator door and is responsible for keeping cold air in and warm air out. The gasket is usually one of the first refrigerator components to need replacing, so test yours to see if it is still performing at full strength. To test your gasket, close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill; if you can easily remove the bill or slide it up and down, it is time to buy a new gasket. Luckily, new gaskets are inexpensive and can be swapped out in just a few minutes.

Step 3: Call the Repairman
After turning down your thermostat and inspecting your gasket, you should call a local repair service if nothing has changed. The problem could be caused by your compressor, evaporator fan, electronic control board, or a number of other components. These problems are not easily identifiable, so it is best to let an expert handle the situation.

If you live on Long Island or New York City, you can call on the services of Speedy Subzero. For more than 75 years, we have provided New York with dependable refrigerator repairs at a reasonable price. We offer same-day appointments and complete most repairs within the comfort of your own home; give us a call today at 866-782-9376.