Modern refrigeration units of the Korean brand LG equipped with complex microclimate control systems that require competent initial setup. Correct temperature control directly affects the safety of products, the absence of condensation and the service life of the compressor. Users often encounter confusion in the designations and do not know how to activate accelerated cooling modes or child lock.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of working with the control panel Smart ThinQ and classic interfaces. You will learn what temperature is optimal for different compartments, how the system works Multi Air Flow and what to do if the products freeze or, conversely, are not cooled enough.
Principles of operation of the LG cooling systemThe basis for stable operation is an understanding of how cold air is distributed inside the chamber. In models with the system No Frost the fan drives air through the evaporator located behind the rear wall. Cold flows are evenly distributed throughout the entire volume through special channels.
It is important not to block the air circulation holes with products. If you close the grilles on the back wall, the temperature sensors will read incorrect data. This will cause the compressor to work hard, trying to cool the “warm” zone near the sensor, while everything in the main chamber is already frozen.
The system Smart Cooling uses several sensors to monitor the condition. The algorithm analyzes the frequency of door opening and the temperature inside, automatically adjusting the operation of the motor. This allows you to save energy and keep the structure of the products unchanged.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the refrigerator for the first time or after long-term transportation, be sure to wait 3-4 hours before turning it on. This is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant and oil in the compressor.
Optimal temperature conditions for different zonesEach type of product has its own storage requirements. In the refrigerator compartment, the most universal range is considered to be from +3 to +5 degrees Celsius. It is under these parameters that bacteria multiply slowest, and products do not lose their taste.
Meat and fish products are best placed on the shelf with the lowest temperature, which is usually located closer to the back wall or in a special area Optimal Fresh. Here the temperature can drop to 0...+2 degrees, which is ideal for raw meat. It is better to keep dairy products and ready meals on the middle shelves, where the temperature is most stable.
In the lower part of the refrigerator compartment, above the vegetable boxes, a zone with slightly increased humidity and a temperature of about +5...+7 degrees often forms. This is an ideal place for fruits that are sensitive to cold, such as bananas or citrus fruits.
| Storage area | Recommended temperature | Product type |
|---|---|---|
| Top shelf | +4...+6 °C | Ready food, drinks, leftover dishes |
| Middle shelves | +2...+4 °C | Dairy products, sausages, cheeses |
| Lower shelf / 0°C zone | 0...+2 °C | Fresh meat, fish, seafood |
| Door shelves | +5...+8 °C | Sauces, butter, drinks, eggs (short-term) |
Configuring the control panel and displayThe control interface in refrigerators LG may differ depending on the series. Most modern models use a touchpad hidden behind the door or located on the outside. To activate the control, you often need to press and hold the button Hold or Lock for 3-5 seconds.
Once unlocked, you can change the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments independently. Pressing the button Temp (or the snowflake/thermometer icon) changes the value on the display. The switching cycle is usually 1 degree. It is not recommended to set minimum values unless absolutely necessary, as this increases the load on the system.
☑️ Checking the panel settings
Particular attention should be paid to the indicators. Flashing values often indicate that the temperature inside the chamber has not yet reached the set parameters. This is normal after the first load of food or after defrosting.
⚠️ Attention: If the lock icon lights up on the display, all buttons are locked from accidental pressing. To unlock, hold down the corresponding button with the lock icon for 3 seconds.
Using special cooling modesThe manufacturer has provided several use scenarios that are activated by special buttons. Mode Express Freeze (Quick freezing) causes the compressor and freezer fan to work continuously for several hours. This is useful when you have loaded a large amount of fresh food and want to freeze it quickly.
Mode Express Ice is designed for accelerated ice production in the ice maker. When activated, the temperature in the freezer compartment is reduced to a minimum. This mode cannot be used constantly - it is intended for short-term activation (usually for 24 hours), after which the refrigerator will automatically return to normal mode.
What happens if you forget to turn off Express Freeze?
The system will automatically turn off this mode after 24 hours (in some models after 72 hours). However, prolonged use can lead to excessive energy consumption and excessive drying of unpackaged products.
There is also an Eco Saver or energy saving mode. In this mode, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is maintained at the upper limit of normal (about +5...+6°C), and the brightness of the internal lighting is reduced. This is relevant if you are leaving for several days and do not plan to open the door often.
Adjusting the humidity and freshness zoneAdjusting the humidity in the drawers for vegetables and fruits deserves special attention. In models with the system Moist Balance Crisper or Hygiene Fresh+ special regulators are provided. They are flaps that can be opened or closed.
If the flap is completely closed, the humidity inside the drawer increases. This is ideal for storing leafy greens, salads, cucumbers and cabbage, which will quickly wilt in dry air. If you store fruits that emit ethylene (apples, pears) or mushrooms, it is better to open the damper slightly to ensure air circulation and prevent rotting.
The system DoorCooling+ directs cold air flows directly to the door. This evens out the temperature throughout the entire volume, eliminating the 2-3 degree difference that is typical for older models. For this function to work properly, do not completely fill the shelves at the back wall.
| Product type | Humidity control position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Greens, salad, herbs | Closed (High) | Maximum moisture retention |
| Fruits, vegetables with peels | Open (Low) | Reduced risk of rotting |
| Meat/Fish (in the zone 0°C) | Not regulated | Automatic maintenance of 0°C |
Diagnostics of problems with temperatureIf you have configured the refrigerator correctly, but the temperature does not match the set one, you need to carry out diagnostics. A common cause is a leak in the door seal. Check it for cracks, dirt or deformation. A dirty seal can be washed with warm water and mild soap.
Another common problem is a malfunctioning temperature sensor. If the refrigerator “thinks” that it is warm inside, it will hum continuously, but the cold will not flow in sufficient volume. In this case, error codes may appear on the display, for example rF (defrost error) or Er FF (fan error).
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a strong hum, but the cold does not come, check whether ice has frozen to the air duct damper. This is a common problem in No Frost models when the defrosting heating element is faulty. It is forbidden to pick the ice yourself with a knife - you can damage the cooling circuit.
It is also worth checking the operation of the capacitor (grid at the back). If it is covered with a thick layer of dust, heat transfer is impaired and cooling efficiency decreases. Regular cleaning of the back wall with a vacuum cleaner or brush is a mandatory preventative procedure.
Why is it warm in the LG refrigerator, but ice in the freezer?
Most likely, the refrigerant switching valve is faulty or there is a failure in the electronic control module. You need to call a technician to replace the part.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the LG refrigerator hum more than usual after setup?
Increased noise may be associated with the compressor operating at maximum power if you have just loaded a lot of warm food or activated the fast freezing mode. Also check whether the refrigerator is level: adjusting the legs can eliminate the vibration hum.
How to reset an LG refrigerator to factory settings?
In most models, a full reset is carried out by long (more than 5-7 seconds) pressing a combination of buttons, for example, Freeze + Ice Plus or Lock + Temp. It is better to find the exact combination for your model in the instructions, as it depends on the year of manufacture.
What does the flashing temperature indicator mean?
Flashing means that the current temperature inside the chamber is higher than the set one. This happens when you first turn it on, after defrosting, or if you have kept the door open for a long time. When the temperature reaches normal, the blinking will stop automatically.
Is it possible to set the temperature below -24°C in the freezer?
Technically, some models allow you to set the value down to -26°C, but operation in this mode is not recommended by the manufacturer. This leads to critical wear of the compressor and a significant increase in energy consumption without any beneficial effect for the products.