With the holiday season fast approaching, households are preparing for increased grocery shopping and fully stocked refrigerators. They fill it with fresh produce, appetizers, and the centerpiece of many holiday meals – the turkey.

Preparing a holiday turkey takes time and effort. Improper storage or refrigeration can ruin the flavor, making all that work go to waste. Ensuring your refrigerator is in good condition helps you avoid the need for a repair call. A reliable refrigerator will help you prepare a turkey that your friends and family members will rave about!

According to the USDA, it’s best to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator at 40° F or below. Allow approximately 24 hours of refrigeration time for every four to five pounds of turkey when thawing. A 12-pound turkey will take three days to thaw; while a 20-pound turkey will take five days.

Place the thawing turkey in a container to catch any juices and to prevent contamination of other foods. A turkey can remain in the fridge for up to two days before cooking.

Well before your guests arrive, check the refrigerator to make sure that it’s cooling properly. Set the temperature at 40° F and place a thermometer in the fridge to test the setting. If the temperature doesn’t drop to or consistently stay at 40° F, check the following parts:

• The coils. If the condenser coils are dirty, heat from the inside of the refrigerator may not dissipate. Dirty condenser coils cause the refrigerator to lose efficiency and never cool to the proper temperature. You can clean the condenser coils on some refrigerators using a vacuum cleaner
• Evaporator Fan Motor Functionality. The evaporator fan motor circulates cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator. If the evaporator fan malfunctions, the freezer may continue to maintain freezing temperatures. However, the refrigerator will fail to maintain the desired cooling temperature.
• Thermostat. A faulty temperature thermostat can prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly.
• Start Capacitor Performance. The start capacitor is the battery that gives the compressor a boost during start-up. If the refrigerator isn’t cooling, the problem could be that the compressor is unable to start and run like it should.

           You can use a capacitance meter to test the start capacitor. A faulty start          capacitor can be replaced.

• Compressor. The compressor keeps the refrigerant circulating through the coils. A defective compressor can be a sign of other defective parts. You cannot repair or replace the compressor without advanced knowledge and expertise.

If the compressor isn’t running or appears faulty, contact a refrigerator repair service near you. Try to schedule an inspection by certified technicians as soon as possible.

Avoiding a major appliance failure during the holidays is all about preventive maintenance. If you own a Sub-Zero refrigerator, regular servicing is essential. For Sub-Zero refrigerator maintenance in Plano, Frisco, or Allen, C&W Appliance Service is the trusted choice. We also handle True appliance repair service in Dallas, U-Line refrigerator issues, and Hoshizaki ice maker repair in Dallas and around Texas.

Our factory-certified team also services other household appliances, including dishwasher repair, dryer repair, range repair, and washer repair. If your washing machine has stopped working or your appliances are making unusual noises, we can help. Our repair technicians can diagnose the issue and ensure everything is running smoothly again. We offer same-day service for many areas and proudly support CW Services in Austin as well.

Avoid disruptions to your holiday plans by addressing refrigerator or freezer issues promptly. Ensure your Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances are working properly and temperature controlled with professional service from C&W. From luxury appliance brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove, and U-Line, to premium ice machines and more, we cover it all.

Contact C&W Appliance Service today for reliable appliance repair in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, or Austin. We’re your go-to team to perform refrigerator repair near you and all your holiday season appliance needs. We ensure 100 % customer satisfaction, top notch and optimal performance of your appliance in each visit.