Refrigerator FAQs

You've got questions, we've got answers. Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions regarding refrigerators, and expert answers to all of them from the professionals at Speedy Subzero.

How cold should my refrigerator be?

We all know that refrigerators have one purpose: to keep your food cold. But how cold is cold enough? The experts at Speedy Subzero recommend keeping your refrigerator between 34-38° Fahrenheit. Water freezes at 32 degrees, and bacteria growth rates spike at 40. The 34-38° range is ideal to keep your food just cold enough and minimize germs.

What does “auto-defrost” mean?

If you have been appliance shopping recently, you have probably noticed the word “auto-defrosting” appear on several labels. There are two types of refrigerators: auto-defrosting and manual-defrosting. As ice builds up on the inside of your freezer, you will need to unplug your refrigerator in order to “defrost” it in order to prevent the frost from taking up too much room and ruining your energy efficiency. Auto-defrosting models do this for you by automatically heating up the interior walls just enough to melt the ice, which drains down a pipe and ends up in the drip pan where it evaporates.

Does my refrigerator need any routine maintenance?

Yes, refrigerators can last fifteen years or more, but only if they are properly maintained. Good practices include vacuuming the condenser coils, lubricating the gasket, and keeping the interior clean of spills and stains. Click here for a comprehensive maintenance checklist.

How do I properly dispose of my old refrigerator?

Because of its harmful effects on the environment, you can't bring a refrigerator to your local landfill without first removing the refrigerant. Only a licensed professional can do this, so look up local services in your area. Many places will pick up your refrigerator from your house and handle the entire disposal process for a small free.

My refrigerator is leaking, making loud noises, not staying cold etc. What is wrong with it?

While most people think of their refrigerator as nothing more than a giant box of ice, it is actually a complex machine which requires many individual components to work together in order to get the job done. If your refrigerator is malfunctioning, there is no way to be entirely sure what is causing the issue – you will have to contact a local repair service.

If you are looking for an appliance repair service on Long Island, look no further than Speedy Subzero! Our licensed professionals have more than 75 years of experience repairing refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City, so call us today at 866-782-9376.