Correct installation of household appliances is the foundation of its long and silent operation. Many owners of new equipment LG are faced with the fact that after delivery the device begins to hum, vibrate or poorly close the doors. Often the root of the problem lies not in a breakdown, but in a banal neglect of installation rules.
Refrigerators LG, like most modern models, are equipped with inverter-type compressors that are sensitive to distortions. If the housing is distorted, the oil in the compressor system may be distributed unevenly, which leads to increased wear of parts. In addition, doors that are not installed horizontally may not adhere tightly to the seal.
In this article we will look at how to independently level the refrigerator LG using a construction bubble tool or a smartphone. You will learn why you need a slight tilt back and how to properly adjust the support legs to eliminate annoying noise and ensure stable cooling of food.
Why you need to level the refrigerator
The main reason why manufacturers insist on horizontal installation lies in the physics of the compressor. Refrigerant and special oil circulate inside the system to lubricate rubbing parts. If there is severe misalignment, oil can accumulate in one of the circuits, causing oil shock or overheating of the unit. This is especially critical for linear compressors, for which the brand is famous. The second important aspect is the operation of the doors. If the refrigerator is not level, gravity will constantly pull one of the doors down or to the side. This causes the door to stop closing tightly on its own. As a result, warm air penetrates into the chamber, the compressor is forced to work hard, trying to maintain the set temperature, and ice forms on the walls. linear compressorsfor which the brand is famous LG.
The second important aspect is the operation of the doors. If the refrigerator is not level, gravity will constantly pull one of the doors down or to the side. This causes the door to stop closing tightly on its own. As a result, warm air penetrates into the chamber, the compressor is forced to work hard, trying to maintain the set temperature, and ice forms on the walls.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the refrigerator tilted forward (when the top part is tilted towards the user) is strictly prohibited. In this position, the doors will open on their own, breaking the seal.
The third factor is vibration and noise. Uneven distribution of weight on the supports leads to cabinet resonance. Even a perfectly working motor will create a rattling sensation if one of the legs hangs in the air or, conversely, raises the corner of the body too much. Leveling allows you to evenly distribute the weight of the unit across all four support points.
Necessary tools and site preparation
Before you begin adjustment, you need to prepare the workspace. You will need a clean floor as you will have to move the refrigerator a bit during the setup process. You should also remove any foreign objects that may interfere with access to the lower part of the case. To work, you will need a minimum set of tools.
The main tool is a building level. A bubble version with a length of 40 cm or more is ideal, but a more compact one can be used. If you don't have a building level at hand, modern smartphones have built-in accelerometers. It is enough to download the level application or use the standard Compass or Meter application in the ecosystem (alternative). Apple And Android.
- 📏 Construction bubble level (preferably 40-60 cm).
- 📱 Smartphone with installed application-level (alternative).
- 🔧 An adjustable wrench or open-end wrench (usually 14 or 17 mm) for the lock nut.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
It is also important to consider the floor covering. If you have linoleum or tile, it will be easier to adjust. On a soft carpet, the feet can push through the covering over time, and the level will be lost. In such cases, it is recommended to place hard plastic or metal plates under the supports to increase the contact area.
Algorithm for adjusting the supports legs
The alignment process begins with determining the current state. Place the level on the top lid of the refrigerator LG (if it is level) or on the inner glass shelf. First we check the position along the left-to-right axis. If the bubble is displaced, it is necessary to tighten the corresponding leg.
The front of the refrigerator should be raised relative to the back by 1-2 degrees. This is to ensure that the doors close automatically due to gravity when you release them. Adjustment is carried out by unscrewing the front legs or twisting the rear ones (if the design allows).
To change the height of the legs, you usually need to rotate the support itself. On some models LG the front legs are an extension of the body and are turned manually, on others they are separate screws that require a key. If the leg is fixed with a lock nut, it must first be loosened, adjusted, and then tightened again.
☑️ Checking the installation
After the initial setup, be sure to check the stability. Try rocking your body slightly in different directions. If the refrigerator “walks,” it means that one of the supports does not touch the floor or, conversely, is twisted too much. Achieve a situation where the device stands monolithically on all four points.
Setting features for different LG models
The model range LG is varied, and the support designs may differ. The classic two-chamber models of the GA or GC series often use plastic screw supports that can be easily turned by hand. However, in heavy models Side-by-Side or series InstaView reinforced metal adjustment elements are used.
In some premium models, the front supports are hidden behind a decorative base. To access them, you must carefully remove the bottom panel, which is usually held in place by latches or magnets. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips.
| Refrigerator series | Type of supports | Tool | Adjustment nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG GA / GC | Plastic screw | Manually / Key 14 | Often have a lock nut |
| LG DoorCooling+ | Metal with threads | Adjustable wrench | Require effort when rotating |
| LG InstaView | Hidden under the base | Key + removal of the base | You need to remove the bottom panel |
| LG Side-by-Side | Reinforced supports | Key 17 / 19 | High thread load |
Special attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. In them, not only the horizon is important, but also the proper functioning of the melt water drainage system. If the refrigerator is standing crookedly, condensation may not fall into the drainage tray, but pour out onto the floor under the boxes of vegetables.
What to do if the leg is torn off?
If the thread on the support leg is torn off or it rotates without holding on, it must be replaced. Genuine spare parts for LG can be found by model code. You can temporarily use a rubber gasket, but this does not guarantee stability.
Diagnosing problems after installation
After you have installed the device, turn it on and listen. In the first minutes of operation, the sound of flowing refrigerant may be heard - this is normal. However, humming, rattling or knocking indicate problems with the installation. Most often, vibration is transmitted from the compressor to the floor if the legs do not provide tight contact.
Check whether the sides of the refrigerator are touching furniture or walls. For normal air circulation and absence of resonance, a gap of at least 5 cm is required at the back and sides. If the body touches the cabinet, the vibration of the motor will be transmitted to the entire kitchen furniture, creating a drum effect.
It is also worth checking the operation of the doors. Open the door to a 45 degree angle and release. It should close smoothly but confidently on its own. If the door remains in the same position or opens further, the angle of the body is not sufficient. It is necessary to unscrew the front legs a little more, lifting the facade.
⚠️ Attention: If the noise does not stop after leveling, check the transportation bolts. In some models, the compressor may be fixed with additional elements that must be removed before the first start.
Frequent installation errors
One of the most common mistakes is trying to level the refrigerator by placing cardboard, wooden blocks or rags under the legs. Such materials wrinkle over time, absorb moisture and become deformed. As a result, the level gets lost and the refrigerator begins to wobble. Use only standard adjusting mechanisms.
Another mistake is ignoring the locknut. On many models LG after setting the height, the leg must be secured with a nut, pressing it against the body. If this is not done, vibration during compressor operation will gradually change the position of the supports, and the entire procedure will have to be repeated in a month.
Some users try to level the equipment by changing the position of the rear wheels, forgetting that the main weight should still fall on the front adjustable supports. The rear wheels are only for ease of movement; they should not bear the main load in a static position.
Remember that perfect horizon on all axes is not needed. The main thing is the absence of distortions left and right and the obligatory, barely noticeable tilt back for the correct operation of the doors. Following these simple rules will extend the life of your refrigerator LG for years.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to install an LG refrigerator on an uneven floor without adjustment?
It is strictly not recommended. Operating a compressor on a skewed housing leads to uneven distribution of oil, which causes rapid engine wear and possible breakdown of the cooling system.
Why does the LG refrigerator door not close all the way?
Most likely, the angle of the housing is broken. The front of the refrigerator should be raised higher than the back. Check the adjustment of the front legs - they need to be unscrewed to create a slope back.
How can you tell that the refrigerator is level if there is no level?
Pour water into a transparent glass and place it on the top shelf inside the refrigerator. The surface of the water will show the horizon. You can also use the level application on your smartphone, placing it on a flat surface of the case.
Do you need to wait after installation before turning it on?
Yes, if the refrigerator was transported lying down or tilted strongly, you need to let it stand upright for at least 2-4 hours (or better yet, a day) before turning it on. This is necessary so that the oil flows into the compressor.
What to do if one leg is completely unscrewed and the level is not reached?
If the thread of the leg is finished, but the distortion remains, perhaps the floor has a strong slope. In this case, you can carefully place a hard, non-deformable pad (for example, a piece of ceramic tile) under the short leg, but it is better to level the floor covering itself.