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IS IT WORTH IT TO REPAIR MY OLD SUB ZERO FRIDGE?

When it comes to household refrigerators, Sub-Zero is a name that’s synonymous with luxury and quality. Sub-Zero refrigerators are known for their exceptional performance and durability (we still see 1970’s models in our customers houses sometimes) but how long can you expect a Sub-Zero refrigerator to last and when it is a time for a new one? After all, even the best quality products have their life span.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence their lifespan, and answer the most important question: “Is it worth it to repair your old Sub-Zero fridge?”

 

IS YOUR 20+ YEARS OLD SUB-ZERO REFRIGERATOR WORTH REPAIRING OR REPLACING?

The cost of new Sub Zero fridge combined with the labour required to actually replace a built in refrigerator is a major factor of why repairs will always be more cost effective then repalcing the unit.

So, the short answer is YES. But is it worth it? Let’s find out…

Our perspective:
Everyone wants a one-stop fix. Imagine if we had to keep coming to your place every few months to swap out parts on your fridge — you’d hate that, and we’d feel awful. That’s why we aim to sort out all your unit problems in one go so you won’t need us back for years. We also don’t want to bite off more than we can chew by attempting costly repairs that might not fully fix things because the appliance is way past its prime. Therefore, it’s crucial for our techs first and foremost to figure out if a machine is worth a full frepair.

Here are the primary factors we assess when determining whether to repair your Sub-Zero refrigerator

  1. The body condition of your fridge (frame & doors)
  2. The availability of parts for your particular unit
  3. Comparing the cost-effectiveness of repairing versus purchasing a new unit

 

The body condition of your Sub-Zero fridge

Your fridge is essentially a metal box with insulation inside. Manufacturers add doors, a small air conditioner, and call it a refrigerator. If the box and insulation are good and the doors seal properly, the only remaining component is the air conditioner part – the cooling system. The cooling system can almost always be repaired or rebuilt completely with original parts to make it work like new again.

Frame

The main thing we check is if there are any issues with the frame of the unit that might stop the doors from closing properly. This usually happens because of a slow leak in the drain of the defrost system that hasn’t been fixed for a long time. Water from the leak gets into the unit’s frame and slowly causes rust, which warps the part where the door seal sits. When the seal isn’t tight anymore, the amount of air leaking into the unit can no longer be controlled, leading to more moisture, mold, inefficiency, frost buildup — basically, a bunch of problems. That’s why the first and most important factor we consider while deciding whether or not your old Sub-Zero is worth fixing is the condition of its frame.

Doors

One big problem these doors can have is warping or developing air bubbles that change their shape. When this happens, the door starts rubbing against the frame and doesn’t close properly. This usually occurs when the door gets very cold and then heats up suddenly due to a malfunction. If you catch these issues early and fix them within a few days, the door usually isn’t permanently affected.

If you ignore these problems or if the unit has been off for a long time after many years of use, the doors can expand. When this happens, sometimes you have to replace the door, which isn’t as good as fixing it, but it can be done if needed.

In older units, the door hardware was mostly made of stainless steel and nylon bushings. Over time, these bushings wear out and break. If not fixed, the door hardware starts to scrape metal against metal, making the door close poorly. We often replace this hardware, and it usually makes the door work better and straightens it out.

 

The availability of parts for your particular Sub-Zero unit

Many Sub-Zero fridges outlast the kitchens they’re installed in and Sub-Zero has been great at keeping parts in stock and available even for very old models. However, parts for models from the 1970s and the beguining of 1980s are scarce, and repairs might not be worth it. The 500 Series from the late 80s to the late 90s is praised for durability and parts availability, making repairs worthwhile. If parts aren’t available, we advise against major repairs to avoid future replacement needs.

 

Repairing VS Purchasing a new unit

Replacing

The best time to install a new built in fridge is when you build your kitchen. But some people might say, “I’m not going to buy a built-in fridge to replace this built-in fridge. I’ll just replace it with a standart regular frige”. Well, it’s definetly something to think about…

Most kitchens designed for a built-in fridge look best with one since the kitchen is usually built around it. The standard size of a Sub-Zero fridge is quite different from a regular refrigerator. It’s not only taller and wider but also shallower. This means a regular fridge will stick out from your cabinets, sometimes by almost a foot. If you have an island or a doorway nearby, this just won’t work. However, some kitchens can manage this, and if your built-in fridge is beyond repair, replacing it with a regular one might be an option.

The wider the fridge (over 36 inches), the fewer replacement options you have. In most cases, repairing your current fridge is the cheapest and easiest solution. Plus, with the quality of appliances today, a 30-year-old rebuilt Sub-Zero is in 100% of times better than a brand new LG or Samsung.

Repairing

When it comes to built-in Sub-Zero refrigerators, in terms of cost, a lasting repair will save you thousands of dollars compared to buying a new unit. Repair costs are much lower than the price and effort of replacing the whole thing.

What if my Sub-Zero isn’t in the best mechanical condition?

Units that haven’t been maintained properly can overheat and eventually fail after many years. In such cases, a technician should identify the problem and test all the mechanical parts of the refrigerator to ensure they’re functioning well. This involves checking each compressor to ensure it starts without issues, testing the defrost system to confirm it works correctly. Ice makers are usually unpredictable, but generally, if they’re working perfectly, they tend to keep working well. If all these checks are good and the machine is in decent shape, repairing it will bring great benefits.

How long will the repair last, though?

Well, sometimes we don’t hear from customers that did a major cooling system rebuild for over a decade! Repairs can really last a long time if the unit’s in good condition. That’s why we do a thorough check of these machines—to make sure you’re not wasting money. If we think a machine is worth fixing, we expect the repair to last for years. Plus, we offer solid warranties on repairs, sometimes covering units for many years after we work on them. We do this because we know that if a machine is in great shape and we use reliable new parts, you’re likely to get many years of hassle-free service.