Modern household appliances are full of electronics and complex control systems, which are often marked with abbreviations or names that are understandable to developers, but not always obvious to the average user. One of these functions is a mode that can be designated in technical documentation or on the display as “Holiday”, “Eco” or simply “Winter”, which is often called “Winter” mode among service engineers and advanced users. This mode is intended for a specific use scenario: when you are leaving for a long period of time, but do not want to completely unplug the refrigerator and defrost it.
The essence of the “winter” mode is to maintain the temperature inside the refrigerator within the range 10–15 degrees Celsius. This is significantly higher than the standard 4-5 degrees required for storing fresh food, but is enough to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria and musty odors in an empty cabinet. The compressor turns on extremely rarely in this mode, which provides significant energy savings in case of long-term absence of the owners.
It is important to understand that activation of this function is not universal for all models and brands. In some refrigerators Samsung, Bosch or LG this algorithm can be integrated into the overall “smart home” system or activated automatically when the room temperature drops, if this is provided for by the design. However, most often we are talking about manual configuration through the control panel, where the user is asked to select a special operating scenario for a vacation or business trip.
⚠️ Attention: Before activating the “winter” mode, be sure to make sure that there are no perishable products left in the refrigerator compartment. At a temperature of 12–14 degrees, milk, meat and ready-made dishes will spoil within a few hours.
The operating principle and temperature parameters of the mode
The functioning of the “winter” (or “vacation”) mode is fundamentally different from the standard cooling cycle. In normal mode thermostat or an electronic temperature sensor monitors the heating of the air inside the chamber to +5..+6°C, after which it gives the command to start the compressor. Cooling occurs to +2..+3°C, and the cycle repeats. In the “winter” mode, the threshold values are shifted: the compressor starts only when the temperature rises above +14..+15°C.
This operating algorithm allows you to solve two main problems. Firstly, this energy saving. Since the temperature difference between the interior of the refrigerator and the room decreases (especially if the apartment also becomes cooler or there are simply no active heat sources such as cooking food), heat inflows are reduced and the compressor works for a minimum time. Secondly, this saving the unit. An empty refrigerator left unplugged is at risk of mold growing on the seals and inside the ducts. The “winter” mode prevents this process, leaving the ventilation system and sometimes the backlight (depending on the model) in a minimally active state.
Some models of refrigerators, for example, certain series Indesit or Atlantmay not have a separate “Holiday” button, but implement this functionality by setting the temperature to maximum for a long time (usually +14°C or +15°C). In such cases, the electronics itself switches to economy mode if the door is not opened for a long time. However, the presence of a specialized “winter” program ensures that the system takes into account all the nuances, including operation evaporator and prevention of freezing.
Differences between the Winter mode and the Holiday mode
Often users confuse the concepts, believing that “winter” and “vacation” are synonyms. Although their end goal is similar—saving energy while unoccupied—the technical implementation and application conditions may differ. Holiday mode is the standard name for the function in most European and Asian brands, such as Beko, Haier or Electrolux. It assumes exactly the temperature range of 10–15°C discussed above.
The term “Winter” in some contexts may refer to winter mode the operation of the refrigerator, which is a completely different function. Winter Mode is intended for operating the refrigerator in an unheated room at low ambient temperatures (below +10°C). In this case, the system changes the operating algorithm so that the compressor can start even when the air around the condenser is cold, and redirects the refrigerant flow so that the freezer does not lose cold. Confusion arises due to translation and marketing names.
In this article we consider “winter” precisely as a synonym for long-term downtime (vacation) mode, since this is the most common request from users faced with the corresponding indication. If your question concerns the use of a refrigerator in the country house in winter or on the balcony, then you need information about climate class the device and the possibility of installing a winter kit (heating the thermostat cut-off zone).
Is it possible to use a refrigerator in winter on an unheated veranda?
Standard refrigerators are not designed to operate at temperatures below +10°C. The oil in the compressor thickens, the refrigerant does not circulate properly, and the freezer stops freezing. For such conditions, you need special models of climate class SN-T or ST, or installation of a thermostat heater.
Below is a comparative table to help you understand the differences between operating modes in the absence of users:
| Parameter | Vacation / Winter mode | Complete shutdown | Standard mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature in the chamber | +10..+15°C | Equal to room | +2..+5°C |
| Energy consumption | Minimum | Absent | Normal |
| Risk of mold | Low (circulation is present) | High (no ventilation) | Absent |
| Availability of products | Not allowed | Not allowed | Required |
How to activate and deactivate mode in different models
The process of enabling the “winter” function depends on the control interface of your refrigerator model. On electronically controlled units this is usually done through a panel on the door. In mechanical models (with knobs inside), this mode is most often absent, and the user has to manually set the thermostat to minimum or completely turn off the device.
Let's consider typical activation algorithms for popular brands. In refrigerators Samsung with a panel Digital Inverter you must press the “Fridge” button several times until the indicator shows 15°C or the “Holiday” icon lights up. Models Bosch i Siemens often require a long press (3-5 seconds) on the button with the image of a snowflake or the letter “H”. After activation, the corresponding symbol may flash on the display, confirming entry into the setting mode.
To deactivate the mode (deactivate), a short press of the same button or changing the set temperature to a lower one is usually sufficient. The system will automatically return to the standard cooling cycle.
☑️ Checklist before turning on the “Winter” mode
⚠️ Attention: In some models of refrigerators LG with system Smart ThinQ vacation mode can be activated remotely via an application on a smartphone. Make sure that the refrigerator is connected to Wi-Fi if you plan to control it remotely.
Economic effect and impact on the compressor life
Using the “winter” mode has a direct economic effect. The electricity consumption of a modern two-chamber refrigerator in normal operation is about 220–350 kWh per year. In holiday mode, energy consumption is reduced by 3–4 times, since the compressor only works to maintain the temperature above the dew point and prevent biological activity. Over a two-week vacation, the savings may seem insignificant, but with regular long-term departures, the amount becomes noticeable.
From a resource point of view of the compressor, this mode is also gentle. Fewer on-off cycles (so-called “starts”) extends the life of the starting relay and motor windings. However, there is a nuance here: if the refrigerator is old and its seals are worn out, maintaining even 15 degrees may require more frequent operation of the motor than expected. Therefore, before activating the function, it makes sense to check the tightness of the seal sealing rubber around the perimeter of the door.
In addition, working in the “winter” mode reduces the load on the system No Frost (if it exists). The evaporator is less overgrown with frost, since the humidity inside the chamber behaves differently at this temperature, and the defrosting heating elements turn on less often or do not turn on at all, if the algorithm provides for this. This reduces the risk of heating elements overheating and failure.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Despite Despite the simplicity of the function, users often make mistakes that negate its effectiveness or lead to property damage. The most common mistake is leaving food in the chamber. At +12°C, decay processes are slower than at +25°C, but bacteria multiply actively. Meat, fish, dairy products and open canned food will become unusable in one day.
The second mistake is ignoring hygiene before turning on the mode. If you simply close the door with crumbs or juice spills remaining while you are away (especially in warm, humid conditions), these residues will become an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms. Upon your return, an unpleasant surprise may await you in the form of a persistent odor, which will have to be removed with special means or soda.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with the freezer. The “winter” mode usually only affects the refrigerator compartment. The freezer continues to operate normally, freezing ice and maintaining -18°C. If you are leaving for a very long period, it makes sense to evaluate the supply refrigerant and the state of the system, since the freezer will consume the bulk of the energy while the “refrigerator” is resting.
If, after turning on the mode, the temperature does not rise to the expected 14–15 degrees, but continues to drop to +4..+5°C, this may indicate a malfunction temperature sensor or a failure in the electronic control module. In this case, the “Winter” mode does not work correctly, and the refrigerator operates in normal mode, consuming excess energy.
What to do if the refrigerator is humming in the "Winter" mode?
In this mode, the compressor rarely turns on, but if it hums, check that it is not whether the refrigerator is close to the wall or furniture. The hum can also be caused by vibration of the tubes. In idle mode, any extraneous sounds are more audible due to the general silence in the apartment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to store vegetables and fruits in the "winter" mode?
It is strictly not recommended. Although a temperature of +10..+15°C seems suitable for some vegetables (for example, potatoes or apples), the lack of proper ventilation and possible high humidity inside a closed cabinet will lead to rapid rotting and the spread of mold spores to the plastic parts of the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator empty.
How much energy does a refrigerator consume in winter mode per month?
The exact figure depends on the model and volume of the chambers, but on average consumption is about 15–20% of normal. If a standard refrigerator “eats” 30–40 kWh per month, then in vacation mode it will consume approximately 5–8 kWh. The main energy will be spent on maintaining the operation of the freezer.
Is it necessary to wash the refrigerator before turning on the “winter” mode?
Yes, this is a mandatory procedure. Even if the inside is clean, wipe the shelves and walls with a damp cloth and a mild detergent or baking soda solution. This will remove invisible contaminants and bacteria that can become active at elevated temperatures. After washing, be sure to wipe dry.
Does the “winter” mode affect the operation of the freezer?
In most modern models, the “vacation” or “winter” mode affects only the refrigerator compartment. The freezer continues to operate normally, maintaining a temperature of -18°C. However, in some older or specific models, a general change in the algorithm is possible, so check the instructions for your device.
What to do if the “winter” mode indicator is flashing?
A flashing indicator usually indicates that the temperature in the chamber has not yet reached the set value, or a malfunction. If flashing continues for more than 24 hours after the mode is activated, check that the door is closed tightly. If the door is closed tightly, diagnostics of the temperature sensor may be required.