Leaving Town? Getting Your Sub-Zero Ready for a Long Trip

A long trip, a seasonal move or a second home that sits empty for weeks puts refrigeration in an unusual position: nobody is around to notice a small change before it becomes a big one. A little preparation before you lock the door makes that quiet stretch much less risky.

Before You Go

• Leave it running. Unless you are emptying the unit completely, keep it on. Shutting a refrigeration system down and restarting it is harder on the compressor than steady operation.
• Clean the condenser. A clear coil lowers the chance that the compressor starts running far too long while the house is empty.
• Test the door gaskets. A gasket that barely passes the paper test today could let warm air in over several weeks. Fix borderline spots before you leave.
• Use up or remove perishables. Less food inside means less to lose if something does go wrong.
• Consider the water supply. If you plan to shut off the home’s main water, turn off the ice maker so it does not keep trying to fill.

While You Are Away

Some Sub-Zero models connect to an app that can send alerts about temperature or door problems. If yours does, take those messages seriously even from far away. A neighbor or house sitter with a key can check the display and close a door that was left ajar.

When You Get Back

Look at the display and the interior temperature before restocking. If you see a code on the display, notice ice that has melted and refrozen, or find the cabinet warmer than usual, arrange a diagnostic as soon as you can provide access. We confirm the price in writing before any repair. Our Sub-Zero refrigerator repair page explains the visit, and our service area page lists where we work.