If you invested in a wine cooler it’s likely that you value your collection of wines. Therefore, if you find your Sub-Zero Wine Cooler 424 not cooling properly, you’ll want a quick repair to preserve its contents. We’ll discuss some of the reasons your Sub-Zero wine cooler won’t hold temperature, including dirty condenser coils and a failed temperature sensor.
First things first, though. What is the best temperature to store wine? Wine of the Month Club recommends the following:
- Champagne: 45° F
- Riesling: 45° F – 50° F
- Chardonnay: 50° F
- Pinot Noir: 55° F – 60° F
- Cabernet Franc: 58° F – 60° F
- Merlot: 58° F- 60° F
Photo Credit: Wine of the Month Club
Sub-Zero Wine Cooler 424 Not Cooling?
4 Reasons Why
As alarming as it is to find the unexpected in an appliance, the causes can be straightforward when you know where to start. Our list of the most common reasons for a Sub-Zero Wine Cooler 424 not cooling will have you toasting the solution in no time.
#1: Wine Cooler has Dirty Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils can be one of the most common reasons for a Sub-Zero wine cooler not cooling. These coils transform the refrigerant vapor into a liquid as it flows through them, absorbing the refrigerator’s heat and cooling the interior.
If the coils are dirty with dust and lint they won’t be able to function properly. We suggest cleaning the condenser coils every 6-12 months with these simple steps:
- Hold down the power button to turn off the wine cooler
- Remove the kick plate at the bottom of the unit by unscrewing the two screws on either side
- With a soft bristle vacuum attachment, vacuum the coils in a vertical motion
- Replace the kick plate
- Restore power to the unit by holding down the power button
Photo Credit: Sub-Zero
#2 Broken Door Gasket on Sub-Zero Wine Cooler 424
When you find your Sub-Zero Wine Cooler 424 not cold enough a broken or dirty door gasket can also be the cause. This gasket is what seals the unit’s door shut, keeping cool air from escaping.
If the gasket is dirty or broken, it won’t be able to properly seal the door. A gasket that’s cracked or ripped should be replaced by a professional service. But a dirty gasket can be cleaned with these easy steps:
- Power down the wine cooler
- Gently scrub the gasket with a soft cloth dampened with water and dish soap
- Clean any mold or mildew with a 1:10 bleach/water solution
- Remove stubborn stains with a water and baking soda paste
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the gasket
Photo Credit: Sub-Zero
#3 Defective Fan in Sub-Zero Wine Cooler
The condenser fan in your wine cooler works to bring in cool, room temperature air and circulate it through the condenser coils to cool the refrigerant. Without the fan, the refrigerant used to cool the refrigerator won’t reach the proper temperature to do its job.
A defective fan should be professionally replaced as soon as possible, as its failure can lead to more complex compressor malfunctions.
#4 Wine Storage Temperature Sensor Failure
The temperature sensors monitor the different temperature settings for each of the wine cooler’s racks. These sensors are what enable the wine cooler to store different types of wine at their ideal individual temperatures. If the sensors malfunction, you’ll notice a high temperature in the wine storage unit or on one particular rack.
A failed temperature sensor cannot be repaired and requires professional replacement.
This troubleshooting guide can provide a starting point when you find your Sub-Zero wine cooler 424 not cooling appropriately. If you find yourself stuck at the starting point, Don Bacon Appliance Service can help with any Sub-Zero repair. Give us a call for the utmost in professional service.
