Situations when it is necessary to completely de-energize a household refrigerator LGoccur quite often: this could be a planned general cleaning, the need to defrost the system, a long trip by the owners, or transportation of equipment to a new home. Unlike older models with a drip system, units with technology No Frost require a special approach to the shutdown procedure, since ice may accumulate in their evaporator, unnoticeable to the user.
Incorrect actions when turning off the device can lead to failure of the compressor or the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the chamber. Many owners make the mistake of simply pulling the plug and starting cleaning the shelves, forgetting that the internal ventilation system and evaporator need time to adapt. In order for the equipment to serve for many years without failures, it is important to follow a certain algorithm of actions described in the manufacturer’s technical manuals.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation and the shutdown process itself, and also discuss the nuances that will help maintain the functionality of your LG refrigerator. You will learn how long you need to pause before turning it on again and how to properly prepare the unit for long-term downtime.
Why you need to turn off the refrigerator and when it is necessary
The main reason for forced shutdown is necessity defrosting. Although systems No Frost automatically remove moisture, ice may form in the drain holes or hidden elements of the evaporator over time. If you notice that the refrigerator is buzzing louder than usual or is holding the temperature worse, it may be time for preventative defrosting.
The second important scenario is transportation. When moving to a new place of residence or even just rearranging furniture in the kitchen, the unit must be de-energized. Moving the operating device is strictly prohibited, since oil from the compressor may enter the cooling circuit, which will lead to water hammer the next time it is started.
Also, shutdown is required for carrying out deep cleaning or replacing components. Washing the internal chambers using detergents is only possible when the power is turned off to avoid water getting on electrical contacts and sensors.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to remove ice with a knife or sharp objects while the refrigerator is connected to the network or immediately after turning it off. This can damage the evaporator tubes, which will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs.
Preparatory step before turning off the power
Before pressing the button or removing the plug, you must perform a number of preparatory steps. This will help preserve food and make subsequent defrosting easier. First, it is recommended empty the chambers from perishable products or transfer them to another cold place.
Next, you should move the temperature regulator to position Off or 0, if such a function is provided by your model LG. In some modern models with electronic control, you need to hold the power button on the control panel for 3 seconds to put the device into standby mode.
It is also important to prepare the area around the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall to gain access to the rear wall where the condenser and compressor are located. Remove all objects from the top cover and shelves of the doors so that they do not fall while the equipment is moving.
☑️ Preparation for shutdown
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn it off correctly
The process of physically disconnecting from the power supply is simple, but has its own technical nuances. First, locate the power cord, which usually comes out of the bottom of the back panel. Gently grasp the plug, not the cord itself, and remove it from the outlet. A sharp tug can damage the contacts.
If you plan to simply defrost the device, leave the doors open. Models No Frost are characterized by the fact that the main ice is located on the evaporator, hidden behind a plastic panel inside the freezer or behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. Water will flow through the drainage hole into a special tray above the compressor.
If the refrigerator is equipped with a system Smart Diagnosis or module Wi-Fi, after turning off the power, the electronics will reset temporary errors, but will lose time settings. This is normal and does not require the intervention of a technician.
How long should defrosting last?
One of the most frequently asked questions owners LG: how long to keep the refrigerator turned off? To completely defrost the system No Frost usually takes 10 to 24 hours. The exact time depends on the amount of ice and the temperature in the room.
The minimum time that must be waited before turning it on again is 4 hours. This is a critical parameter. Even if there is visually no ice inside the chambers, the oil in the compressor should completely drain into the crankcase, and the refrigerant should be distributed throughout the system. Early start can lead to damage to the piston group.
It is not recommended to speed up the defrosting process using hair dryers or heating devices. A sudden temperature change can cause deformation of the plastic elements of the internal lining and damage the door seals.
| Refrigerator condition | Minimum shutdown time | Recommended time | Action before turning on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine cleaning | 2 hours | 4-6 hours | Wipe dry |
| Transportation | 4 hours | 8-12 hours | Wait for the oil to drain |
| Severe icing | 12 hours | 24 hours | Check drainage |
| Long-term storage | 1 day | 2 days | Leave the doors ajar |
Features of transportation and long-term downtime
If you turn off the refrigerator LG for transportation, make sure that it is fixed in a vertical position. The unit can be tilted no more than 40 degrees. If transportation took place in a horizontal position, the standing time before turning on should be increased to 24 hours.
During long-term storage (for example, in a country house in winter), the doors must be left ajar. This will prevent mold and musty odors from forming inside the chambers. You can place folded fabric between the door and the body or use special fasteners.
Before preserving the device, be sure to wash and dry all removable elements: shelves, drawers, trays. Moisture is the main enemy of equipment during idle periods; it can cause corrosion of metal parts and destruction of plastic.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store the switched off refrigerator in an unheated room at a temperature below +5°C. This can lead to hardening of the oil in the compressor and cracking of the rubber seals.
Starting after inactivity: algorithm of actions
After the required time has passed, you can start launching. First, wipe the interior surfaces with a dry, soft cloth. Make sure there is no debris or residual water in the drainage hole. Check the integrity of the power cord.
Plug the plug into the outlet. If your model LG has a power button on the body, press it. The device will start working: you will hear the sound of the compressor starting and the noise of the fans. Do not load food immediately.
Let the refrigerator run idle for 2-3 hours. During this time, it will reach the required temperature, and the automation will turn off the compressor. Only after reaching the operating mode can you load the products, distributing them evenly.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning on?
If after 3-4 hours of operation the temperature does not drop, check whether the doors are tightly closed. Also make sure that the unit is level and the legs are adjusted. If the problem persists for more than a day, it is possible that oil loss or freon leakage occurred during transportation, a call to a technician is required.
Frequent errors during operation and shutdown
Many users make typical mistakes that shorten the service life of equipment. One of them is frequent switching on and off. Cyclic starts with an interval of less than 10 minutes destroy the start relay and the compressor itself. If you accidentally turn off and immediately turn on the refrigerator, let it stand for at least 10-15 minutes.
Another mistake is the use of aggressive chemicals when cleaning. Abrasive agents and solvents can damage the coating of the internal walls and plastic elements of the system No Frost. Use only special products or a weak soda solution.
Ignoring the noise level after turning it on can also be a sign of a problem. If the humming is accompanied by a knocking or vibration that can be felt with your hand on the body, the refrigerator may not be level or touching the back wall of the furniture.
Is it possible to turn off the refrigerator at night to save energy?
Absolutely not. Constant cycles of defrosting and freezing will lead to food spoilage and rapid breakdown of the compressor. Modern LG refrigerators of class A+ and higher consume a minimal amount of energy, and the savings are not comparable to the risk of losing equipment.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Do you need to drain the water from the tray above the compressor manually?
In most cases, water from the evaporation tray located above compressor, evaporates naturally due to the heat of the running motor. However, if you turned off the refrigerator for a long time (more than a day) and the room is cool, it is better to remove the water with a sponge or syringe before restarting to avoid increased humidity.
What does the flashing indicator mean after turning on?
If after turning on the control panel LG the temperature indicator or icon flashes No Frost, this means that the cooling process is in progress. As soon as the set temperature is reached in the chambers, the flashing will stop and a constant light will come on. If the blinking continues for more than 5 hours, check that the doors are tightly closed.
Is it possible to wash the refrigerator with water under pressure?
No, washing the internal chambers of the refrigerator under running water or using a steam generator is prohibited. Water may flow into the insulation layer or onto electrical components, causing a short circuit or deterioration of the insulation. Use only a damp cloth.
How to understand that oil has leaked into the compressor?
Visually it is impossible to determine this without opening the system. That's why there is a 4-hour (or more) layoff rule. If the compressor is started prematurely, oil may be present in the cooling circuit, causing water hammer. Observing the rest time is the only guarantee of safety.