my older subzero, series 500,has a compressor that runs loudly continuously. What is going on?
Optional Information: Brand: sub zero Type of Appliance: Refrigerator Already Tried: in the past, i have shut it off and cleaned the top compressor, dusting lightly.
WHat does the noise sound like? A loud humming noise?
yes. it's like the motor is running, loudly
The other compressor, how does it sound?
what other compressor? Maybe I'm confused.
I am speaking about the equipment that is above the Refrigerator unit itself. My freezer is a pull out drawer under the refrigerator unit.
Is this not a subzero 500 series built-in refrigerator? What is the model number of your refrigerator. It will be in the fresh food section on a sticker with the serial number.
Model 550
now it is quiet, but it usually is humming loudly
Do you hear a clicking noise?
No. but it's hard to tell. It's more a rumbling noise. I'm sorry that I can't describe it better. It is coming from the top, behind the grill work.
Go to the compressor, try and move it slightly with your hand, is the compressor held in correctly?
It can be a vibration if the compressor is loose and is off the mounting.
evert\ything is screwed in tightly. the only item that appears less secure is the front piece, in front of the entire compressor unit. This piece is held down by two screws along its bottom flap. Does that make sense? Additionally, it's very dusty.
That part should be screwed in. I would screw that in and see if the noise persists. Also, it could use a good cleaning. If you have a shot vac (you need to blow it out). Suck the dirt first then blow it, do that to the condenser coil.
everything is screwed in. I don't have a vacuum but could i use a hairdryer to blow things around or dush with a rag?
is there anything else i can do to help maintain it? it functions fine otherwise.
Cleaning that coil is the best way to maintain it. If dust accumulates it will make that coil have to work harder than normal. Now, that noise couldn't be from the evap motor or the condenser motor?
i don't know what those things are so i don't know.
If there is nothing else, that means the compressor is bad. It will get noisy before it stops working, it will maintain the temperature correctly until it goes out.
Ok, the fan next to the compressor is the condenser fan motor.
about how many years should a compressor run?
and how do you clean the coil? do i unscrew the metal plate that is in front of it? or, does this refer to the side foils?
It all depends. I have seen them run for 30 years and some for 7 years. The older units last longer then the units of today. Maintaining it is another good way to raise the life of a compressor.
The coil is the black part to the right of the compressor.
You should be able to see through the condenser coil.
i took off the cover and behind the foam are two motorized pieces. to the right of that is a fan that faces toward the right into a narrow box (?), to which there are copper coils running. i don't know what these pieces are called, but it's very dusty in there. I have turned off the power to the fridge in the meantime.
Clean those coils. That compressor will continue to worse. You can have it checked out by a technician but ultimately it will need to be replaced.
do i clean just by dusting and sucking up the air?
Suck it, then blow it. If you have an electric leaf blower use that.
just use it on the coil and dont leave it on full blast for more than 4 seconds.
i have a Vacuum Cleaner hose i can use on gentle? is that okay? i am first sweeping the dust off with a dry paintbrush. Is that okay?
What I do is use a shot vac. Suck all the dust up, as much as possible (that way when you blow it, there isn't as much dust). Then blow it out, then suck up the dust. Then blow it out again and then finally suck it back up again.
If you don't have a shot vac, use a vacuum and a leaf blower. If you don't have a leaf blower, vacuum it up and then use a wet paper towel and get the dust off by your hand.
thank you
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