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Are Sub-Zero Refrigerators Worth the Money?

If you’ve ever looked into Sub-Zero refrigerators you’re aware that they are not cheap. Base prices start around $7,000 and only go up from there. Certainly they market themselves as as premium appliance for commercial applications and high end kitchens. But are they really worth the price tag? We here at Appliance Doctor, an appliance repair company serving Greater Philadelphia, work on these units fairly frequently. What follows is our take on the value you get for your dollar.

Innovative Design

Sub-Zero was the first appliance manufacturer to build and market a counter depth refrigerator. These are shallower than normal refrigerators, designed so they don’t stick out a distance into your kitchen the way normal fridges do. This sort of innovative thinking is a hallmark of the company.

They are currently the leading manufacturer of integrated refrigeration units. These appliances take the counter depth model to its logical conclusion, replacing the normal fridge door with panels exactly matched to your kitchen cabinets. With a quality unit when it’s closed you can’t tell it’s there. It looks just like a bank of cabinets. If this sort of integrated look is something you like Sub-Zero is a good choice.

Dual Compressors

This was unique to Sub-Zero refrigerators until recently, but as the innovator of the technology Sub-Zero’s designs are arguably better. Most refrigerators have a single compressor for the fridge and freezer portions of the appliance. The problem with this is that the moist air in the fridge mingles with the dry air in the freezer, which can lead to frost problems, particularly if the auto-defrost function in the freezer isn’t working properly. It also tends to migrate strong smells from the fridge into the freezer, which can taint your ice and other items.

Having two compressors, one for the fridge and second for the freezer is much better. With that design no air every crosses between the two halves of the unit.

Integrated Air Purification

Sub-Zero refrigerators include air purifiers that cleanse the air of mold spores, germs, viruses and the gasses given off by spoiling food. This helps keep food fresher longer and prevents that unpleasant moment when you open the fridge and encounter the nasty smell of rotting food.

Active Vacuum Seal

Unlike normal refrigerators, Sub-Zero fridges employ an active vacuum seal to prevent outside air from entering the fridge interior. This works in concert with the air purifiers to extend the life of your food.

Thoroughly Tested

In any given run of refrigerators it’s common for the factory to only test a few units as representatives of the rest, the logic holding that if those are built properly the rest should be, too. By comparison Sub-Zero thoroughly tests each and every unit before it’s shipped. This guarantees that your appliance is built well and functions properly, every-time.

So Are They Worth It?

Sub-Zero is certainly one of the best refrigerators money can buy. Whether they’re right for you, though, is something of a personal question. If you can afford the hefty price tag then by all means put one in your kitchen. Otherwise, consider how long you’ll be in your home. If this is your dream kitchen and you’ll be using it for years, the price may be worth it. Because of Sub-Zero’s quality and name recognition, the appliances feature great resale value. Should you ever sell your home being able to advertise a Sub-Zero fridge could help bring in buyers.

Sub-Zero refrigerators have an excellent performance record, but if you ever do need repairs we can help. We’re an appliance repair company serving Greater Philadelphia, so we can be there quickly to give your refrigerator the TLC it needs.

Are Sub-Zero Refrigerators Worth the Money?

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960’s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

How to Properly Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is easy to forget about. It’s the one appliance in your kitchen you can’t actually see unless you open the cabinet doors under your sink. Just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. Garbage disposals, like any appliance, require routine maintenance in order to keep operating efficiently and enjoy a long life. Now if you think your unit needs professional help we here at Appliance Doctor, an appliance repair company serving Greater Philadelphia, would be happy to come out and take a look at it for you. If everything is running smoothly here are a few steps you can take to keep your disposal happy for a long time to come.

How to Avoid Clogs

Your garbage disposal is a workhorse, but there are certain things that aren’t good for the blades and can damage or badly gum up the works. Avoid putting the following down the drain:

Potato peels: These can form a starchy sludge when ground up. Too many of them are a clog risk.
Banana peels: These can be just as bad for your disposal as potato peels. They belong in the trash.
Coffee grounds or egg shells: These grind into tiny, solid fragments that can easily mix with grease and oils in your pipes to create a dense obstruction.
Grease and meat drippings: These are liquid when hot but quickly form greasy, sludgy blocks when poured down the drain.
Long, stringy plant material: Think corn husks, corn silk, and similar material. These can wind around your disposals blades and bind them up.
Bones: Even small chicken bones can badly jam your unit’s blades.
Pits or seeds: These are extremely hard objects that should never go into a garbage disposal. They’re very likely to damage the unit.

Monthly Maintenance Procedures

If you’re having problems with your unit, give us a call. We’re a Greater Philadelphia appliance repair company and we’ll come right out and take a look. Otherwise, maintaining your garbage disposal in good working order isn’t difficult as long as you follow these simple procedures.

Grind Some Ice

Once a month add an ice tray’s worth of ice cubes into the garbage disposal and grind until it all disappears or forms a slushy mix that temporarily blocks the drain. Then run cold water and wait for any ice slush to melt. Grinding the ice helps keep your blades sharp and cleans clinging debris from around the inside of the unit.

Add Baking Soda and Vinegar

After the ice is melted away, with the unit off, add a half cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar into the chamber. The mixture will fizz and foam for a while. Once it appears the reaction is slowing or finished, rinse it all down the drain with hot tap water. This procedure will help sanitize the grind chamber and remove any nasty, lingering scents.

Grind Some Citrus Rind

As a final step, if you like, you can grind some lemon, lime or orange rinds to knock out any remaining odors and replace them with a citrusy fresh scent.

What if My Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working?

Then give us a call. We would be more than happy to come out and take a look. Oftentimes garbage disposal problems aren’t too terribly difficult to fix. As an appliance repair company serving Greater Philadelphia, we can be there quickly to lend a helping hand.

How to Properly Maintain Your Garbage Disposal

Appliance Doctor, Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation offering expert repair services to the Delaware Valley’s residents and businesses. We started in 1964 as a one-man business servicing only washers and dryers. Today, we service more than 110 different brands of refrigeration and appliance equipment across 49 different product types. Our technicians are expected to know so much information! In the 1960s, our service area was limited to Philadelphia. Today, our service area includes all towns in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

Tips for Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

You’ve spent a lot of time and money setting up your kitchen just the way you always wanted it. You’d hate to let all that effort and investment go to waste. Whether your kitchen is outfitted with all the latest state of the art appliances or is full of relics from a bygone age, there are still a number of things you should be doing to keep them working as well as possible. Regular maintenance can lower your energy costs, save on repair bills, and increase the longevity of your essential kitchen equipment.

Clean Your Fridge

Be sure to clean out not just the wilted lettuce in the crisper, but the outside as well. In particular, you need to make sure the condenser coils in the back or bottom of the refrigerator are clean and free of dust. This should be done at least once a year and will make the fridge more efficient and also extend its lifespan.

Clean Your Oven Thoroughly

A thorough clean means doing more than just running the self-clean cycle. For tough spills and nasty messes, a little old-fashioned oven cleaner and a good sponge will do the trick. Also, the vent filter should be cleaned or, ideally, replaced every year due to a buildup of grease and debris.

Use the Right Cleaner On Your Glass Cooktop

Anything other than the correct solution is liable to cause permanent damage.

Shut Down Your Dishwasher Before a Trip

If you take extended winter trips, be sure to disconnect your dishwasher and empty all the hoses. A power outage or furnace breakdown in the winter could cause the water in the hoses to freeze and crack. The same applies to summer homes that sit empty all winter.

Sometimes, though, even with proper maintenance your appliances eventually break down. Maybe because of age, or maybe because one of your kids has been stuffing your dishwasher with towels again. Either way, the Appliance Doctor, the premier heating, cooling, and appliance repair specialists in Pennsylvania and Delaware, have you covered.

Tips for Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

5 Signs You May Need a New Dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of those appliances that homeowners rely on the most. In the busy routine and hustle of daily life, dishwashers take off the load of doing dishes and makes our lives so much easier. But, as with other appliances in the house, dishwashers can malfunction too.

Sometimes a quick repair is all it takes to get this piece of machinery working again. You can hire an appliance repair company in Bucks County to have your dishwasher looked at. At other times, you need to replace your trusty old dishwasher with a new one.

You can get tempted to keep using a dishwasher even though it’s way past its retiring age in an effort to avoid investing in another. But, for all you know, a faulty dishwasher might be causing more unnecessary expenses for you. So, look out for these 5 signs which mean that it’s time to get a new dishwasher and bid farewell to the old one.

1. The Dishes Don’t Come Out Hot

If you are removing your dishes from the dishwasher in a timely manner and they are not coming out hot, your dishwasher’s heating coil may be faulty. The hot and sudsy water is the key factor in getting clean, germ-free dishes. But, if your dishwasher is unable to do that then it may need a new heating coil. Rather than spending so much on a repair, it is smart to replace the dishwasher.

2. The Dishwasher is Catching Rust

If you notice a few specks of rust on the outside of the dishwasher, it may not need to be replaced immediately. But, once you start noticing that it is catching rust on the inside, you would want to replace it as soon as possible. Rust is a sign of water leakage or another significant issue with the dishwasher and it can get onto your dishes too.

3. The Door Doesn’t Latch Properly or At All

If the latch of your dishwasher doesn’t close properly or at all, it can be fixed or replaced by the help of an appliance repair expert in Bucks County like Appliance Doctor. But, in more serious cases it could be due to the fact that the machine has warped as a result of water leakage. In this case, you will have to replace the dishwasher.

4. The Dishwasher Won’t Drain Properly

You should never see water standing in the dishwasher after a cycle is complete. A small amount may be fine but if you see a lot, it is a sign that the dishwasher’s drain has clogged. Check your dishwasher drain to see if any food or debris has gotten stuck. You can get it out yourself or get a plumber to do so. But, if the drain itself has cracked or crumbled, you will have to replace the dishwasher.

5. The Dishwasher Makes Unusual Noises

If your dishwasher as started to make unusual noises while running, it may be due to a fault in the motor or something getting stuck in the mechanism. Such issues may be fixed after a repair by an appliance repair company in Bucks County. However, if it’s due to something more serious, like the motor breaking down, you will need to replace the dishwasher.

If you are having issues with your home appliances or want a machine fixed by an appliance repair expert in Bucks County, contact Appliance Doctor.

5 Signs You May Need a New Dishwasher

Cleaning Your Washing Machine’s Lint Trap

Washing machine bensalem

It’s easy to get trapped into the habit of not cleaning the lint trap in your washing machine, but that habit can cost you. Before you need to call a professional in Bensalem for appliance repair, start cleaning your washer’s lint trap at least four times a year. This can keep lint and associated residue from ruining your clothing during washing.

What is a Washer’s Lint Trap

A washing machine’s lint trap is not the same as the drying machine’s lint trap—you likely clean the collected lint from your dryer frequently, or should, after every load. You washer’s lint trap or lint filter is located within the washing system, however. Depending on the type of washer, mesh lint traps or cleanable filters may be used. High-efficiency washers typically do not have lint traps or filters, however; they rely on built-in pump filters that self-clean.

Where to Find It, If You Have It

It is best to refer to your washing machine’s operating manual or online appliance repair information to find your lint filter location, which varies among machines. If you cannot find information about your specific washer, there are several places to look for your lint filter.

Your washer’s lint filter may be within the center agitator of a top-loading washer. Remove the cover and check for a lint trap that can be cleaned. A removable lint screen may also be located along the washer drum’s top rim. Mesh lint traps are also commonly found in washer drain hoses.

How to Clean It

Once you find it, soak your lint trap or filter in hot water, if it’s removable. A clean, soft brush or towel can also be used to remove lint as well as residue from cleaning detergents and fabric softeners. Disposable filters should be replaced when clogged.

If you cannot find or clean your lint filters and need appliance repair or maintenance, call a professional technician in Bensalem who has experience with your specific washing machine.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine’s Lint Trap

The Many Benefits of a Smart Home and IoT System

Many people know about smart homes, but fewer know about IoT, or the Internet of Things. IoT is the catch-all phrase for devices connected to the internet, including home appliances such as washing machines and devices you carry anywhere such as health-monitoring watches. The smart home and IoT world can seem overwhelming, but it’s not too hard to break smart homes down into a couple categories:

Wireless internet system
Do-it-yourself system
Computer-controlled X-10 system
Plug-in X-10 module

Wireless Internet and DIY Systems

In the modern day, many people can’t imagine anything other than a wireless internet smart home system. It offers benefits such as the ability to turn on the air conditioning from your office before you leave work. Additionally, if you are a computer geek, a do-it-yourself wireless system can be a fun challenge.

The Original X-10 Systems

Some people prefer to stick to the original plug-in X-10 module that can also be upgraded to a computer-controlled system. The plug-in system uses a single controller to send out signals to various devices. The computer system replaces the basic controller with your computer, and the only difference from wireless is that you can’t control it from any device other than the central computer.

A smart home and IoT system gives you a lot of agency, but things can feel shaky when an appliance or other system component starts malfunctioning. Luckily, the modern market in Pennsylvania’s Delaware Valley provides excellent appliance repair people. There has never been a better time to get a smart home.

The Many Benefits of a Smart Home and IoT System

Overlooked Ways to Prevent Washing Machine and Dryer Meltdown

Our fantastic machines that make our days more convenient can easily be taken for granted. That is until they no longer function with the push of a button.

We often forget to ensure those marvels of modern life keep working away for us.

Washing Machine and Dryer

Your washing machine can create expensive repairs if a drum is broken or your house is flooded due to a burst water hose.

To keep your drum running efficiently for years, the type of detergent you use is a factor. Use only high-efficiency or HE detergents. Non-HE detergent suds create problems for your drum and drive system.

In addition to regular HE detergents cycles, once a month run an empty hot water load to break down any residue in the drum.

You know the sound of your washer. If it suddenly sounds off track or you experience heavy vibration, check the machine’s stability to ensure all four legs are firmly touching the ground. Most legs will come with locking mechanisms. Make sure the machine is firmly on the floor.

Your dryer’s lint trap should be cleaned regularly, but did you know it doesn’t trap all the lint. In fact, a large amount of lint, over time, is not trapped. This lint eventually becomes a fire hazard. Each year thousands of residential fires are started by lint filled dryers.

Use semi-rigid or rigid aluminum or galvanized steel ducting to protect your home. Cheaper ductwork such as light foil or plastic poses a higher risk for sparking fires. Using a vacuum cleaner once a month to clean out your lint slot reduces the risk of a fire. Once a year, unplug the dryer then clean out the vent tube with a vacuum.

Need a replacement or repair of your washer or dryer? Appliance Doctor in Philadelphia provides great service that you can trust.

Overlooked Ways to Prevent Washing Machine and Dryer Meltdown

Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

Hot water is a necessity in most homes. Whether you need to take a shower or wash the dishes, a faulty water heater can be a major hindrance. When your HVAC system is acting up, you might be wondering whether it’s better to replace your unit or have it repaired. Many homeowners end up saving money by having their water heater replaced instead of repaired, but this isn’t always possible. Here are the signs that it’s time for a replacement:

It’s Been a Few Years

How old is your water heater? Traditional tank water heaters have an expected lifespan of anywhere from eight to 12 years, and tankless models can last up to 20 years. If your appliance is nearing the end of its longevity, the risk of corrosion makes replacement a better option. Corrosion will eventually destroy your heater’s lining, which can lead to leaks and water damage.

Your Water Is Rusty

Does your hot water appear rusty when you turn on the faucet? This can be a sign of internal corrosion, often from old age or an appliance that’s in need of repair. An easy way to check is to turn on the hot-water tap. If this water is brown, then you know the issue is with your water heater. However, if your cold water is also discolored, the issue might be with your water source (typically either a well or a public water supply).

Hearing Strange Noises

No, your home most likely isn’t haunted. If your HVAC system is making unusual noises (like crackling, banging or popping), replacement might be necessary. These sounds are often caused by water heater tanks that have accumulated a layer of sediment. Hot water needs to fight to make its way through this deposit layer, which can result in an unwanted symphony. It also forces your water heater to work twice as hard, meaning you can expect high utility bills at the end of the month.

Unsure whether you’re in need of replacement or repair? Appliance Doctor in Philadelphia provides prompt and reliable services that you can trust.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

When to Repair and When to Replace Your Broken Fridge

When it comes to the most used appliances in your home, the refrigerator likely is sitting at the top of the list. Even if it isn’t, it undoubtedly one of the most important. If your fridge breaks, it’s an emergency. So how do you decide if you should replace that old fridge or get it repaired?

Things to Check Before You Do Anything

There could be a simple solution. While some of these seem obvious, you’d be surprised at what can happen.

Is it plugged in all the way?
Is the breaker tripped?
Are the air ducts clear?
Are the coils clogged?

When to Replace Your Fridge

If everything is looking good with the list above, there are a few ways we can determine that your fridge has seen its final days.

The freezer side no longer cools properly.
There is a defective compressor, which determined by a humming noise.
Repair costs are more than half that of a new fridge.
If the fridge is over 15 years old, replacing it will be worth it in the long run due to energy savings alone.

When to Repair Your Fridge

If it’s looking like you may save your fridge, we can do the final check by looking at a few key things.

The fresh food section no longer cools properly.
The fan is noisy.
It’s not making ice, dispensing water, or some other extra feature is not working properly.
The doors are not sealing as they should.

Of course, the best option is always to consult a professional when determining when it’s time to replace or repair. This will become essential as the cost will be part of the deciding factor in almost every case.

If you require a professional to evaluate and repair your fridge, look no further than Appliance Doctor in Philadelphia.

When to Repair and When to Replace Your Broken Fridge

How to Maintain Your Home’s Refrigerator

Your home’s refrigerator is one of the most expensive appliances you’ll ever buy. With a price tag of over $1,000, it’s easy to see why it’s important to keep this appliance in great shape. You’ll save money over the years by not having to repair or replace your broken refrigerator nearly as often if you take good care of it. Learn how you can keep your refrigerator in great shape for many years to come.

Clean Off the Door Gaskets

The door gaskets are what separates the inside of your fridge from the rest of your home. If the gaskets fail, you’ll have to spend a fortune to keep your family’s perishables cool. Keep them in good shape by wiping them down with a mild detergent and some water. If the gaskets aren’t sealing shut properly, you’ll need to have them replaced.

Wipe Off the Electrical Cord

The electrical cord behind your fridge probably hasn’t seen the light of day in many years. But all that dust and dirt behind the appliance can cause the electrical cord to fail, bringing your fridge to a standstill. Wipe them off with a clean cloth to get rid of all those dust bunnies.

Dust and Vacuum Around the Unit

It’s also a good idea to sweep, dust, or vacuum behind the appliance once every few months. Clogging the area around the fridge with dust can wear away at the appliance’s overall energy efficiency.

Call an Appliance Repair Company for an Inspection

You can also call your local appliance repair company to have them inspect the unit to make sure it’s working properly and as efficient as possible.

If you’re looking for an appliance repair company in Philadelphia, Bucks County, and Montgomery County, contact the pros at Appliance Doctor for fast, reliable service.

How to Maintain Your Home’s Refrigerator

Innovative Design

Dual Compressors

Integrated Air Purification

Active Vacuum Seal

Thoroughly Tested

So Are They Worth It?

Are Sub-Zero Refrigerators Worth the Money?

Clean Your Fridge

Clean Your Oven Thoroughly

Use the Right Cleaner On Your Glass Cooktop

Shut Down Your Dishwasher Before a Trip

Tips for Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

1. The Dishes Don’t Come Out Hot

2. The Dishwasher is Catching Rust

3. The Door Doesn’t Latch Properly or At All

4. The Dishwasher Won’t Drain Properly

5. The Dishwasher Makes Unusual Noises

5 Signs You May Need a New Dishwasher

Cleaning Your Washing Machine’s Lint Trap

The Many Benefits of a Smart Home and IoT System

Washing Machine and Dryer

Things to Check Before You Do Anything

When to Replace Your Fridge

When to Repair Your Fridge

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