What Is The Perfect Temperature For Your Refrigerator?

Refrigerators are here to keep your food cold, right? But can it be too cold? If your fridge temperature is set too low, those celery sticks will soon become celery popsicles. And if the temperature isn’t set low enough, your food can spoil and the risk of food related illness will greatly increase. The key, like most things in life, is finding the right balance. So what is the  ideal temperature for your refrigerator to be set to? Let us help!

What’s The Right Temperature?

When thinking of the ideal fridge temp, it helps to think in terms of Goldilocks’ principle: not too hot, yet not too cold. Bacteria growth starts to triple around the 40°F mark, yet freeze around 32°F, making the ideal temperature range between 35 to 38°F.

How Do I know If It’s At The Right Temperature?

A refrigerator thermometer is the most accurate way to get a temperature reading. Some newer fridge models come with a digital temperature display, but for older ones, a freestanding thermometer is crucial. Older models come equipped with a dial, but the numbers don’t translate to actual temperature, and are typically not too helpful.

**Added bonus of the freestanding thermometer--if the power goes out, you’ll still have an accurate gauge on if your food is safe to eat or not!

What Are Some Ways To Keep The Right Temperature?

We’re glad you asked! If you’re having trouble keeping your refrigerator's temperature consistent, these could be to blame:

• You open the door too often: Opening the door multiple times in a row can affect your fridge’s temperature. If you’re planning a recipe, try to grab all of your ingredients at once to avoid keeping the door open for a prolonged period of time.
• Your seal could be broken: The seal on your door should be airtight. Even the slightest opening can change the temperature. Check to make sure your gasket doesn’t need to be replaced.
• Your food is too hot to handle: Making sure your food is cooled down prior to putting it into the fridge will not only expand the life of the food, but will avoid heating up the fridge, making it unsafe for all of the other foods in there.

Worried that your refrigerator is too warm or too cold? The refrigeration experts at Speedy SubZero are here to help! Serving Long Island and New York City for more than 75 years, there is no make or model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler that we can’t fix. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau County and Suffolk County, call us today at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed technicians.

Why Choose Speedy Subzero for Your Next Refrigerator Repair

Is your refrigerator warm, leaking, making loud noises, or otherwise malfunctioning? If so, it is clear that you need a repair. But who can you trust to get the job done right? That answer is not so clear, unless you live in New York.

For the past 75 years, residents of Long Island and New York City have depended on Speedy Subzero for all of their refrigeration repair needs. Here is why you can depend on us too:

Around-the-Clock Service.

Your refrigerator is the only appliance in your house that works around the clock, which is why we do too. Nights, weekends, holidays – it doesn't matter! Our experts are available for service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Experience With All Brands & Models.

Our highly-trained technicians are familiar with all makes and models of refrigerators, standalone freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers. We specialize in repairing the Subzero brand, but that doesn't mean that we can't fix your Amana, Whirlpool, or anything in between.

Same-Day, In-Home Repairs.

When your refrigerator breaks down, time is of the essence. If you wait around too long for the repairman, you could end up with a fridge full of spoiled food. We didn't choose to name our company Speedy Subzero because it sounded good, we did it because we promise lightning-fast service to our customers. In fact, we guarantee one-hour service to everyone in Long Island and New York City!

Guaranteed Protection.

Refrigerators are more than a giant box of ice; they are highly complex machines, and all repairs should be left to the professionals. Don't trust just anyone to handle your fridge – trust Speedy Subzero. In addition to 75 years of experience, all of our technicians are fully licensed and insured, so you won't be held personally liable if one of them were to get injured on the job. Plus, we fully stand behind all of our work with a 100% guarantee.

If you are experiencing problems with your refrigerator, give us a call today at 866-782-9376. We service all of Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, and select parts of New Jersey and Connecticut. What are you waiting for? Call now to schedule your same-day, in-home repair!

How to Keep Your Refrigerator Looking and Running Like New

 

If you have a new refrigerator, chances are it set you back several hundreds of dollars. The average lifespan of a new fridge is slightly longer than a decade, but not all models last that long. If you want to extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and protect your investment, there are steps you can take to do so. Follow the tips below to keep your refrigerator looking and running like new.

Clean the condenser coils twice per year

It is inevitable for the condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator to become covered with dust and dirt after several months. It is common for owners to neglect this part of refrigerator maintenance, usually because they don't know how important they are to keep clean. Vacuuming these coils twice per year can do wonders for extending your refrigerator's life span.

Give your refrigerator a full cleaning monthly

Cleaning the inside and outside of your refrigerator once per month will help maintain its sparkling-new appearance. A full cleaning involves removing all food, shelves, and drawers and giving the inside surface a full wipe down with a cleaning agent and a cloth. You should also wash all shelves and drawers in the sink before replacing them in your refrigerator. After the inside is clean, wash all outside surfaces with a sponge – this includes the sides and top.

Keep your fridge full, but not too full

Refrigerators operate most efficiently when they are full. The more food you have in the refrigerator, the better it maintains its internal temperature when the door is opened. This reduces the workload on the compressor, which can really add up over time. If your refrigerator is usually empty, consider adding a few jugs of water to fill it up a little bit. Be careful though, over-stuffing a refrigerator can restrict airflow and actually lead to warm spots.

Routinely check your door seals

The rubber seals on your refrigerator door prevent cold air from escaping and warm air from entering. A faulty seal causes the internal temperature of your refrigerator to rise, which adds wear and tear to the unit's compressor. An easy way to test if your seals are operating at maximum performance is to close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill. If it is easy to slide or remove the dollar bill, you have a weak seal. Luckily, they are cheap and easy to replace.

Speedy Sub Zero specializes in Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer repairs in Long Island and New York City. If you live in Huntington, Dix Hills, Port Washington or the surrounding areas and need your SubZero refrigerator serviced, give us a call at 866-782-9376. Our fully-trained technicians keep their vans stocked with parts, allowing them to be at your door within an hour of your call. Visit our website or like us on Facebook for more information.

Pros and Cons of Each Refrigerator Style

If you are buying a new refrigerator for the first time in a while, you may have noticed the abundance of options which are now available to you. Buying a refrigerator is no longer a simple choice, and many things need to be taken into consideration before a purchase is made. One of the first things you will want to consider is the style of refrigerator you will want. Generally speaking, refrigerators come in four categories – top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door. A basic list of the pros and cons of each type can be found below.
 

Photo Credit: BestBuy.com

 

Top Freezer models are what you likely picture when you think of a refrigerator. These traditional models feature the freezer located above the fresh food compartment.

• Pros – These classic refrigerators are usually the cheapest to buy and repair. On average, they offer the most usable space per cubic foot and the doors swing open wide to allow shelves and bins to be removed.
• Cons – The wide-swinging doors of these models require more space to be opened fully. These models also tend to have less features available to them. 
  
  

Photo Credit: BestBuy.com

 

Bottom Freezer refrigerators are the inverse of their top-freezer counterparts. The fresh food compartment is elevated to a more convenient height, and the freezer is usually accessed via pull-out drawer.

• Pros – As mentioned, much of the fresh food section is at eye level, which is very convenient because it is used much more than the freezer in most homes. This type of refrigerator is also one of the most energy-efficient styles.
• Cons – Because the freezer is now at the bottom, you will have to bend over to access it. Bottom-freezer models are also more expensive than top-freezer alternatives.
  
  

Photo Credit: BestBuy.com

 

French Door refrigerators are a special kind of bottom-freezer model where the fresh food compartment has two doors that can be pulled open to reveal a very spacious interior.

• Pros – The French door refrigerator combines the benefits of bottom-freezer and side-by-side models. The shelf width of these types allow for easy storage of platters and pizza boxes. The narrow doors do not require as much space to be opened and these models offer a variety of features.
• Cons – The biggest drawback of French door refrigerators is their high price tag.

Photo Credit: BestBuy.com

 

Side-By-Side models are unique because the fresh food and frozen compartments both take up the full height of the unit and are divided vertically down the refrigerator.

• Pros – The side-by-side placement of the doors allows for a convenient height to access both the fresh and frozen food compartments. Also, like the French door model, narrow doors require less space for opening. This type allows for the most freezer space of all of the refrigerator styles.
• Cons – The narrow sections do not handle wide platters well and sometimes make items in the back difficult to find. More freezer space results in less fresh food space and these models are typically pricier than top-freezer or bottom-freezer models. Side-by-side refrigerators are not energy-efficient.

Before beginning to shop for a new refrigerator, it may be in your best interest to first make sure that yours can't be repaired for a fraction of the cost. Speedy Sub Zero has been repairing refrigerators in Long Island and New York City for more than 50 years. We offer 24/7 emergency service and can be at your door within one hour of your call. Call 866-782-9376 now to set up an appointment or visit our Facebook page for more information. 

Sources:
Best Buy

Consumer Reports

How to Move a Refrigerator - The Right Way

If you are in the process of moving to a new living space without the help of a moving company, dealing with appliances will likely be your biggest problem. Refrigerators can be especially difficult due to their large dimensions and heavy weight. But where there is a will, there is a way – so if you are ready to conquer this challenge, this guide is here to help you.

What You Will Need

• A friend or two – moving a refrigerator is at least a two person job, three would be ideal.
• A moving dolly
• Moving straps
• Rope or bungee cords
• Masking or scotch tape

Step 1: Remove all items from the refrigerator. Remove everything that can be removed from the inside of your refrigerator and freezer. This includes food items, ice cube trays, and adjustable shelves. You can also remove the drawers or tape them shut – whichever you prefer. You should also remove all exterior items, such as magnets.

Step 2: Defrost. After everything is removed from the refrigerator, unplug it from the wall and allow all of the ice in the freezer to melt. This process will take several hours, so it is a good idea to do it overnight. After it is unplugged, secure the power cord so it does not get in the way during the moving process. A simple way of doing this is taping it to the side of the unit.

Step 3: Clean the inside. When your refrigerator has defrosted, dry the inside thoroughly with a towel. Once it is all dry, it is a good idea to give the entire interior a wipe down with your favorite cleaning agent. This will prevent mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors from developing during the move.

Step 4: Secure the doors. Use your bungee cords or rope to tie the refrigerator doors shut so there is no chance of them opening during the moving process. Using tape will likely leave sticky residue along the exterior.

Step 5: Load the refrigerator onto the dolly. With most refrigerators, you will simply be able to slide the dolly right underneath the base. Make sure the back of the dolly is firmly pressed against the refrigerator and tie it in place with moving straps. This is a particularly good idea if you have to go down stairs.

Step 6: Move it onto the truck. Once the refrigerator is securely positioned on the dolly, tip it back and begin making your way to the truck with one person in back and one person in front helping to guide the process. Always move forward, or opposite the position that the refrigerator is tilted, to maintain optimal safety.

When moving the refrigerator down a flight of stairs, slow and steady is the key. Take it one step at a time, literally, and have one or two people easing the bottom on to each step. Always make sure to be communicating so that everyone is on the same page.

When loading the refrigerator onto the moving truck, pull the dolly instead of pushing it (or moving it backwards as opposed to forwards). Unload it from the dolly and place it upright. Try to secure it by barricading it with other heavy furniture to make sure it maintains an upright position throughout the move. It is important that the refrigerator stays upright so that oil from the compressor does not mix with the coolant.

Step 7: Unload it and put it in its new position.

When you arrive at your new home, move the refrigerator into its new place using the same method you used to get it in the truck. Plug it in immediately and give it at least a full 24 hours to cool to a sufficient temperature before putting any perishable food in it.

Speedy Subzero is a New York-based company specializing in the repair of Subzero refrigerators. If you need your Sub Zero refrigerator repaired in Dix Hills, Port Washington, Brookville, Huntington, Great Neck, or the surrounding areas, give us a call at 866-782-9376. We offer 24/7 emergency service and can be at your door within an hour. You can like us on Facebook for more refrigerator advice. 

4 Ways to Save Energy in the Kitchen

Whether the reasons are environmentally- or economically-based, people across the country are trying to reduce their energy consumption. One place that leaves a great amount of room for improvement is the kitchen. Every day, we go through our cooking routines much in the same way that we have been for our whole lives – usually without second-guessing our actions. These routines that we inherited from our parents or developed on our own are often not as environmentally-friendly as they could be. Here are four quick, easy, and free ways to reduce the amount of energy that you and your kitchen consume.

Be mindful of pots and pans on the stove top.

When cooking on the stove top, use a burner that is the same size of the pot or pan you will be using. Placing a 6” pan on a 8” burner may sound harmless, but the truth is that almost 50% of the heat generated by your stove top will be wasted. Keeping lids on these will further increase heat retention, and thus save energy. You can also turn the heat down when your water reaches a boil.

Turn off the oven early.

If you are cooking a meal in the oven for 25 minutes at 400°, you can turn the oven off after 20 and let the existing heat cook your food for the remainder of the period. This works even better if you refrain from opening the oven door to check on your food and instead look through the glass with the oven light on. This lesson can also be applied to boiling pasta on the stove top – just make sure you have a lid on the pot.

Only use the water you need.

When cooking food which requires you to boil water – such as potatoes, pasta, or eggs – use only as much water as you will need. Many of us put in much more water than is necessary just to “be safe”, but that hurts the energy-efficiency of your appliances. Simple physics will tell you that more time and energy is required to boil one gallon of water on your stove than one pint.

Bigger is not always better.

When trying to save energy, think small. This is especially true in the kitchen. When making a personal-sized meal, opt for the microwave or toaster oven over your conventional oven. Is the food processor really necessary, or will the blender suffice? These are the kinds of decisions you should be making in your daily life to cut down on energy consumption around the house.

Speedy SubZero is a refrigerator repair service located in New York. We specialize in Sub Zero refrigerator repairs in Huntington, Brookville, Dix Hills, Great Neck, Garden City, Port Washington, and surrounding areas. If your Sub Zero refrigerator is broken, trust our 60 years of experience to fix it. We have 24/7 emergency service, so call us now at 866-782-9376 or visit our Facebook page to learn more.

4 Cool Features of New Refrigerators

If you are in the market for a new refrigerator, now is a better time to buy than ever. With advancements in technology and manufacturers focusing on the customer, there are features available to you which did not exist just a few years ago. While they may not be life-changing nor vital, they are pretty cool (no pun intended). Here are four of the best features included in some new models:

Chill your warm can of soda in minutes

If you have ever opened your refrigerator door only to find out that you forgot to put your soda cans in the night before, this is for you. Instead of waiting hours for them to cool in the refrigerator or putting a can or two in the freezer and forgetting about them, modern technology solves your problem in a matter of minutes. LG offers new models featuring their Blast Chiller technology, which can cool a 12-ounce can in just five minutes.

Cool your hot leftovers fast

It is advised that you let hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator in order to prevent the warming up of others foods around it, but now it's okay to break the rules. Some new refrigerators come equipped with high-tech sensors which automatically adjust temperature settings when warm food is detected.

Time-based alarms built in to the door

Have you ever walked in to your kitchen to find that the refrigerator had been left open? Maybe you didn't fully close the door when you kicked it and walked into the living room an hour ago. Not only does this situation put your food in danger of spoiling quicker, but your refrigerator has to use a lot of energy to bring its temperature back down. Refrigerator manufacturers have thought about this, and have implemented an alarm which will sound when the door has been left open for several minutes.

Bigger and better water dispensers

Having a water dispenser on your refrigerator door used to be a luxury – now it is almost a necessity. Companies such as GE and LG have taken water dispensers to the next level with a variety of new features available. Extra tall dispensers now allow you to fill glasses, pitchers, and water bottles easier than ever without putting them at awkward angles. Some models even let you walk away from the dispenser while it automatically fills your container to the volume of your choice.

Before buying a new refrigerator, it is wise to make sure that yours cannot be repaired for a fraction of the cost. If you live in Queens or Long Island, call Speedy Subzero at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment. We offer one-hour service and are available 24/7. You can also like us on Facebook to stay up to date with company news, offers, and promotions.

3 Common Reasons for Refrigerator Malfunctions

Besides being the most-used appliance in your kitchen, refrigerators are complex machines that require many individual components working in harmony in order to function correctly. If just one of these parts fails to do their job, your whole refrigerator will not operate as it should. There are many ways that a refrigerator could break and even more reasons why, but here are three of the most common ways.

Over packing

Every refrigerator has a maximum capacity, and that doesn't mean how much food you can possibly stuff into it. In order to find out how much food is safe to store in your refrigerator, refer to your owner's manual. Cramming in as much food that will fit is a bad idea because an over-full fridge severely hinders air circulation, which often leads to warm spots. It also puts a heavier workload on the compressor, which is not a cheap fix if it breaks down.

Faulty Gaskets

The rubber seal around your refrigerator's door, known as a gasket, is a simple yet very important piece. When working properly, the gasket seals in all of the cold air and prevents warm air from entering from the outside. Unfortunately, gaskets tend to give out before many other parts of your refrigerator. In order to test if your gasket is performing as well as it did when you first purchased your refrigerator, stick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily remove the dollar bill or slide it up and down while the door is closed, it is time to replace your gasket. Fortunately, they are very cheap and can be swapped out in a matter of only a few minutes.

Refrigerant Leakage

Refrigerators rely on the compression and expansion of a special chemical refrigerant in order to properly function. This refrigerant is vital to the refrigeration process and is found in tubes that wind throughout the body of your fridge, making it possible for these tubes to leak in many different places. If refrigerant is leaking, your fridge will be unable to cool your food anymore, and it will be noticeable. Unfortunately, the only fix for this is to call a professional appliance repair service and have them plug the leak and refill your model with the proper amount of refrigerant.

If you live on Long Island or Queens and are experiencing a refrigerant leak or any other problem with your refrigerator that you cannot fix alone, give Speedy Sub Zero a call. We provide emergency service on nights and weekends and can be at your door within an hour of your call. Call us at 866-782-9376 for unbeatable service. You can also like us on Facebook to stay up to date with company news and get more refrigerator tips and advice.