Sub Zero Ice Maker Not Working? Here’s Why It Happens—and Why You Should Call SubZero.LA
June 1, 2025
Post-Fire Recovery: What to Do with Sub-Zero Refrigerators After the Pacific Palisades Fires
As Pacific Palisades homeowners return after recent wildfires, many are discovering their Sub-Zero refrigerators have been left unused, without power, and full of spoiled food for over 60 days. On top of that, smoke, ash, and airborne toxins from the fires may have contaminated the appliances—both inside and out.
If you own a Sub-Zero and are unsure whether it’s safe to use again, don’t risk it. Contact the experts at SubZero.LAfor specialized post-fire inspection, cleaning, and testing. Their certified technicians are trained to handle luxury refrigeration systems and can check for hidden damage and contamination.
Step 1: Start with a Full Damage Assessment
Before you plug anything in or try to clean it yourself, have the unit professionally inspected. Post-fire conditions can cause more than just odors—they can seriously affect performance and safety.
Key things to check:
- Internal & External Condition: Look for signs of soot, melted parts, or corrosion.
- Toxic Residue: Sub-Zero units may have smoke, ash, and chemical residue inside critical components like compressors and cooling lines.
- Odors & Mold: A sealed fridge with spoiled food for over 60 days can create strong mold growth that seeps into the insulation.
- Lead and Heavy Metals: Wildfire smoke may introduce lead and other toxins onto and inside appliance surfaces. These need to be tested and cleaned using specialized procedures.
- Wiring Damage: Fire-related power surges may have compromised the fridge’s electronic controls or sensors.
SubZero.LA offers appliance designfection—a deep process combining disinfection and system diagnostics—customized for Sub-Zero units exposed to post-fire environments.
Step 2: Safe Cleanup of Sub-Zero Units
If you choose to open your Sub-Zero refrigerator yourself, take serious precautions.
- Wear Gloves and a Respirator Mask: Toxic fumes and mold may be present inside.
- Dispose of Spoiled Food Safely: Bag all food waste in sealed containers. Treat it as hazardous.
- Do Not Use Harsh Cleaners: Sub-Zero interiors are built with specific materials. Stick to a vinegar/baking soda mix or mild disinfectants approved by SubZero.LA.
- Check Door Seals and Internal Panels: If odors remain after a thorough cleaning, the foam insulation may be contaminated and require panel replacement.
- Do Not Reconnect Power Yet: Wait for a professional inspection—especially if the appliance was exposed to fire, ash, or fluctuating electricity.
Step 3: Smoke and Toxin Removal
Cleaning a Sub-Zero after a fire is not like cleaning a basic fridge. These units have advanced cooling zones, sensors, and airflow systems that need careful attention.
SubZero.LA’s technicians will:
- Disassemble and sanitize internal components including shelves, air ducts, and bins.
- Clean evaporators, fans, and compressor areas with specialized tools and HEPA vacuums.
- Replace all filters, including air purification filters which can trap smoke particles.
- Test for the presence of lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on surfaces and in the air pathway.
Smoke and ash may look harmless—but they can coat sensitive electronics or leave behind corrosive particles that destroy systems over time.
Step 4: Certified Restoration by SubZero.LA
Once contamination is confirmed, the appliance needs more than a wipe-down.
SubZero.LA provides:
- Detailed damage reports for your insurance company
- Certified repair and replacement of internal systems including cooling coils, sensors, and sealed panels
- Environmental safety testing to ensure the fridge no longer contains harmful toxins
- 1-Year Warranty on restoration services
This isn’t just a repair—it’s a restoration that protects your family from hidden dangers.
Step 5: Filing an Insurance Claim
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover partial or full replacement of a contaminated Sub-Zero unit if fire or smoke damage is involved. SubZero.LA helps you get the documentation you need:
- Full inspection summary
- Contamination testing results
- Photos and technician notes
- Repair or replacement estimates
They’ll work with your adjuster to make sure you’re compensated fairly.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Risk It—Get It Tested
Sub-Zero refrigerators are a major investment. After a wildfire, you can’t take chances with food safety, air quality, or internal damage. Even if the outside looks fine, toxic particles and smoke residue inside the unit can make it unsafe.
Contact SubZero.LA to have your refrigerator professionally evaluated, designfected, and tested for fire-related damage. Their technicians are highly trained in Sub-Zero restoration, lead testing, and sealed system safety.
Whether your unit can be restored or needs to be replaced, SubZero.LA will help you through every step—safely, thoroughly, and fast.
