Vacation Mode on an LG refrigerator: purpose, setup and nuances of use

If you are planning a long absence from home, but do not want to turn off the refrigerator completely, mode Vacation Mode (or “Vacation Mode”) on refrigerators LG will be the ideal solution. This function is specially designed for situations where the device is running without load - without food or with a minimum amount of food. Unlike a complete shutdown, Vacation Mode maintains an optimal temperature, preventing the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors, but at the same time reduces energy consumption by up to 30-40%.

Many users confuse this mode with a regular shutdown or function Eco Mode, but it has key differences. For example, in Vacation Mode the compressor operates in a gentle mode, and the fans and display (if any) are turned off. This not only saves energy, but also extends the life of the equipment. In this article, we will look in detail at how the function works, on which models LG it is available, and when it is really worth using - and when it is better to do without it.

What is Vacation Mode and why is it needed?

Mode Vacation Mode (literally - “vacation mode”) is a special option on refrigerators LG, which optimizes the operation of the device during long periods of inactivity. The main task of the function is to maintain the minimum required temperature in the chambers (+15...+17°C) in order to:

• 🔋 Reduce energy consumption to 30-40% of the usual level;
• 🦠 Prevent the growth of bacteria and the appearance of mold;
• 💨 Eliminate the formation condensation and unpleasant odors;
• ❄️ Protect door seals from drying out (as opposed to completely shutting them down).

It is important to understand that Vacation Mode does not replace completely defrosting or cleaning the refrigerator before leaving. If there are any products left in the chambers (even in small quantities), they must be removed - otherwise the function will not work correctly. In addition, the mode is not suitable for freezers: if you plan to leave food in the freezer, it is better to use the standard mode or function Frost Free (if your model has it).

From an economic point of view, Vacation Mode is more profitable than turning it off completely: after returning, you will not have to waste time on defrosting and setting the temperature. And for refrigerators with a system No Frost this mode also reduces the load on the fans, which reduces wear on parts.

Which LG models have Vacation Mode

The function Vacation Mode is not available on all refrigerators LG. It appeared in the mid- and premium segment lines released after 2016. Support for the mode can be determined by several criteria:

1. Model series: functions are more often found in series InstaView Door-in-Door, Smart Inverter, DoorCooling+ and Linear Cooling.
2. Control type: the mode is only available on refrigerators with an electronic display (touch or push-button).
3. Documentation: the instructions for the device should contain a section Vacation Mode or Holiday Mode.

Below is a table with examples of popular models LG, supporting Vacation Mode:

If your model is not listed in the table, check the availability of the function through the settings menu. To do this:

1. Press the button Settings (or Menu) on the control panel.
2. Go to the section Special Modes or Energy Saving.
3. Search item Vacation Mode or Holiday.

How to enable and disable Vacation Mode

The process of activating the mode depends on the type of control panel of your refrigerator. Below are step-by-step instructions for different options.

For models with a touch screen

1. Press the button Settings (usually indicated by a gear).
2. Select a section Special Features or Energy Modes.
3. Find the item Vacation Mode and confirm the selection (you may need to hold the button for 3 seconds).
4. The indicator will appear on the display VACATION or HOLIDAY.

For models with push-button control

1. Press the Freezer and Fridge buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.
2. The indicator will flash on the display - release the buttons.
3. Press Freezer again to confirmation.

To disable the mode, repeat the same steps or simply press any temperature button - the refrigerator will return to standard settings.

Remove all products from the main chamber|

Leave the freezer door closed (if it is empty)|

Wipe shelves and seals with a dry cloth|

Check that the ice maker function is disabled (if any)-->

When to use Vacation Mode and when not to

Mode Vacation Mode is not useful in all scenarios. It is really worth activating it if:

• 🏠 You are leaving for 1-4 weeks (if you are away for a longer period, it is better to completely defrost and turn off the refrigerator).
• 🧊 Freezer compartment empty or there is a minimum amount of food left in it.
• ☀️ The room temperature is maintained above +10°C (otherwise the compressor may not work efficiently).

But in what cases is it better not to use the better not to use:

• ❄️ mode perishables products (meat, fish, ice cream) in the freezer - a temperature of +15°C will spoil them.
• 🌡️ The refrigerator is installed in unheated room (garage, cottage in winter).
• ⚡ Electrical networks in your region unstable (frequent shutdowns can lead to defrosting).

What happens if you leave food in the refrigerator in Vacation Mode?

At a temperature of +15°C, most foods will spoil in 1-2 days. Dairy products, cheeses, sausages and sauces will become moldy, and fruits and vegetables will begin to rot. The only exception is canned food, honey and some spices, but it is also better to remove them so as not to provoke the appearance of odors.

If you are in doubt whether to turn on the mode, focus on a simple rule: Vacation Mode justified only for empty a refrigerator in a warm room. In all other cases, it is better to use the standard mode or completely turn off the equipment.

Energy saving: comparison of Vacation Mode with other modes

One ​​of the main advantages Vacation Mode is a reduction in energy consumption. Let's compare how much electricity a refrigerator consumes LG in different modes (data for a model GA-B489TGPL with a power of 350 kW/year):

As can be seen from the table, Vacation Mode consumes 50-60% less energy than Eco Mode, and at the same time safer than a complete shutdown. However, savings depend on several factors:

• 🔌 Energy efficiency class refrigerator (A+++ more economical than B).
• 🌡️ Room temperature (the warmer, the more often the compressor turns on).
• 🔄 Frequency of door opening (even in vacation mode, this affects consumption).

Common mistakes when using Vacation Mode

Despite the simplicity of the function, many users make mistakes that negate all its advantages. Here are the most common of them:

1. Leave the food in the refrigerator. Even if these are “just sauces,” at +15°C they will spoil within a day.
2. Do not clean the chambers before activation. Crumbs, sauce stains or spilled liquids will begin to mold.
3. Close the refrigerator too tightly. In vacation mode, it is recommended to leave the door ajar 1-2 cm (if the model allows it) for ventilation.
4. Use the mode in winter in an unheated room. At temperatures below +10°C, the compressor may not turn on, which will lead to defrosting.

Another typical mistake is enabling Vacation Mode on refrigerators with an ice makerwithout turning off the water supply. In this case, the ice in the tray will melt and water may leak. Always make sure that the feature Ice Maker is deactivated!

Vacation Mode alternatives: what to do if there is no function

If your refrigerator LG does not support Vacation Mode, you can use alternative ways to save energy while on vacation:

• 🔌 Manual temperature setting: install in the refrigerator +10...+12°C, and in the freezer - -8°C. This will reduce the load on the compressor.
• ❄️ Defrost and shutdown: if you are leaving for more than a month, defrost the refrigerator, wash it and leave the doors ajar.
• 🔋 Using a timer: some models LG (for example, series Smart Inverter) allow you to program on/off on a schedule.
• 📱 Smart sockets: connect the refrigerator to an outlet with a timer so that it runs only 2-3 hours a day for ventilation.

If you choose a complete shutdown, do not forget:

1. Remove all products and defrost the chambers.
2. Wipe the door seals with glycerin (so that they do not dried out).
3. Leave open boxes of soda in the chambers to absorb odors.

How to check if the seals are dry after a long period of inactivity?

Do a test with a sheet of paper: close the door, holding the sheet between the seal and the body. If the sheet is easily pulled out, the seal has lost elasticity and needs to be replaced.

FAQ: answers to popular questions

Can Vacation Mode be used if there is food in the freezer?

No, when the mode is activated, the temperature in the freezer rises to +10°C, which will lead to defrosting of the food. In this case, it is better to leave the standard mode or transfer the food to another freezer.

How much energy does Vacation Mode save compared to the normal mode?

On average, savings are 30-50%, but the exact figure depends on the model. For example, a refrigerator LG GA-B489TGPL in standard mode consumes ~25 kW/month, and in Vacation Mode about 10 kW.

Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before turning on Vacation Mode?

If there is ice or frost on the walls of the chambers, defrosting is required. Otherwise, moisture will contribute to the development of mold. For models with No Frost it is enough to wipe the shelves with a dry cloth.

Is it possible to turn on Vacation Mode remotely through the Smart ThinQ application?

Yes, if your model supports this function. To do this, in the application you need to go to the Special Modes section and select Vacation Mode. Make sure that the refrigerator is connected to Wi-Fi.

What to do if after returning from vacation the refrigerator does not cool?

First check if it is still activated Vacation Mode. If the mode is disabled, but the temperature does not drop, a failure may have occurred. Try unplugging the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then plugging it back in. If the problem persists, contact the service.