Correct installation and first start-up are the foundation for the long-term operation of your equipment. Modern models of the South Korean brand LG equipped with complex cooling systems, such as Door Cooling+ and Linear Inverter Compressorthat require a careful approach. Errors at the installation stage can lead to increased noise or even breakdown of the compressor in the future.
Many users make the mistake of starting to use the unit immediately after delivery. This cannot be done. Refrigerant and the oil must take its place after transportation, especially if the device was carried horizontally. In this article we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will allow you to avoid typical problems.
Compliance with time intervals and level setting rules is not just a formality, but a necessity for correct operation electronic control. Let's look at what needs to be done before connecting the device to the network.
Unpacking and preparation for installation
The first thing to start getting acquainted with the equipment is careful unpacking. Remove all outer cardboard boxes, foam plugs and tape. Pay special attention to the inner packaging: be sure to remove all fastening tapes from doors and shelves. Inside the chambers there may be packages with activated carbon or silica gel - they need to be removed, as they are designed to absorb odors during storage in a warehouse.
Check the integrity of the housing and seals. If you notice dents or cracks on compressor (visible from the back below), it is better to immediately call a store representative to fill out a damage report. Also check the complete set: the presence of trays for eggs, grilles and instructions in your language.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects to remove tape from glossy surfaces. This may leave scratches that cannot be removed by polishing.
After visual inspection, wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. This will remove production dust and the smell of new plastic. Leave the doors open for several hours for ventilation.
Dwell time and choice of location
The critically important stage is the dwell time. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, it needs to stand for 2 to 4 hours. In the case of horizontal transportation, the time increases to 8–12 hours. This is necessary so that the oil flows into the crankcase compressor. If you start the engine without oil, it may jam.
The installation location must be level and stable. It is not recommended to place the refrigerator close to a wall or furniture. For models with the system Total No Frost a gap of at least 5-10 cm is required at the back and sides for free air circulation. Overheating condenser due to poor ventilation will lead to increased energy consumption.
Avoid installation near heat sources: radiators, stoves or in direct sunlight. Heating the housing forces the cooling system to work in increased mode, which reduces the life of the inverter motor.
What will happen if you do not allow the refrigerator to settle?
If you start the compressor immediately after horizontal transportation, oil may get into the cooling circuit. This will lead to clogged capillary tube and costly system repair.
Make sure that the outlet is grounded. The use of extension cords and tees is undesirable, as they can cause poor contact and heating of the wiring.
Alignment and adjustment of legs
The stable position of the housing directly affects the level of noise and vibration. Even a slight tilt can cause the doors to not close tightly or to fit unevenly. This causes cold leakage and ice formation. magnetic seal will fit unevenly. This causes cold leakage and ice formation.
Use a building level to check the horizontal level. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. They can be threaded or plastic with screws. Rotate them clockwise to raise the corner, and counterclockwise to lower it.
- 🔧 Take an open-end wrench or pliers (depending on the model).
- 📏 Place a level on the top lid of the refrigerator diagonally.
- 🦶 Tighten the front legs until complete disappearance of wobbling.
- 🚪 Check that the doors close themselves when opened by 30-40 degrees.
The rear legs are usually fixed or have a smaller range of adjustment. The main task is to ensure a tight fit of all four supports to the floor. If the floor is slippery, you can place special anti-vibration stands.
| Parameter | Normal value | Critical deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Gap at the back | 10 cm | Less than 5 cm |
| Body tilt | 0 degrees | More than 2 degrees |
| Settling time | 4-12 hours | Less than 2 hours |
| Temperature in the room | +16...+32 °C | Below +10 °C |
☑️ Check before turning on
First switching on and setting the temperature
After the refrigerator has settled and leveled, you can connect it to the network. When first turned on, the control panels may light up and the compressor may not start immediately. This is normal: electronics conduct self-diagnosis systems.
Modern models LG are often equipped with function Smart Diagnosis and Wi-Fi modules. If you plan to control the refrigerator from your smartphone, download the application LG ThinQ. It allows you to monitor the temperature, receive notifications about an open door and diagnose faults remotely.
Adjust the temperature mode. For the main compartment, the optimal temperature is +3...+4 °C. The freezer should be set to -18°C or lower for long-term food storage. Do not load the chambers with products immediately - let the unit run idle for 2-3 hours to reach the mode.
⚠️ Attention: Do not set the minimum possible temperature immediately after turning on. A sudden load on compressor during the first hours of operation is undesirable.
If your model has a zone Fresh Zone (zero zone), adjust the humidity depending on the type of product. For meat and fish, the humidity should be low, for vegetables and fruits - high.
Setting up smart functions and modes
Refrigerators LG offer many additional functions that make operation easier. Let's look at the main ones, available through the control panel or application.
Mode Express Freeze (Fast freezing) is useful when you need to quickly freeze a large amount of fresh food. The compressor operates at maximum power. Do not keep this mode turned on constantly so as not to overload the system.
Function Eco Friendly or Energy Saver optimizes the operation of the unit to save energy. In this mode, the temperature in the chambers may be slightly higher than standard, but sufficient for safe storage.
- ❄️ Ice Plus: accelerated ice production in the freezer.
- 🔒 Child Lock: child locking of the control panel.
- 💡 Lamp Control: control of interior lighting (in some models).
- 📶 Wi-Fi Connect: connection to home networks for remote monitoring.
To activate Wi-Fi, you usually need to hold down a combination of buttons (for example, Ice Plus and Child Lock simultaneously for 3 seconds), after which the connection icon will appear on the display. Follow the instructions in the application for pairing.
Common errors and their solutions
During the first launch, users may encounter situations that seem to be malfunctions, but are not. Understanding the principles of operation No Frost systems will help to avoid unnecessary panic.
Noise and gurgling. During the first hours of operation, you may hear sounds of refrigerant flowing or cracking of plastic. This is due to the expansion and contraction of materials when temperature changes. Inverter compressor can also produce a low-frequency hum, which is quieter than conventional motors, but more noticeable in quiet conditions.
Heating of the side walls. The side walls of the refrigerator may become noticeably hot. This is the system Anti-Condensation (condensation protection) built into the walls of the case. In places where a pipe with hot refrigerant passes, the temperature can reach 50-60 °C.
⚠️ Attention: If the heating is localized in one point (for example, only in a corner) and is accompanied by a burning smell, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate a wiring problem.
Error on the display. If an error code (for example, FF, dH, rF) lights up on the screen, this is a signal of a problem with the temperature sensor, defrost or fan. Write down the code and contact the service center. Repairing electronics yourself may void your warranty.
Moisture under drawers. In the first days, a small amount of condensation may appear inside. This is normal until the humidity inside stabilizes. If water appears constantly, check the drainage hole in the back wall of the refrigerator compartment - it should not be clogged.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time?
When first started, the compressor can work continuously for up to 12 hours. This is necessary to cool the entire volume of the chambers and walls to a given temperature.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long does it take for an LG refrigerator to get cold after the first turn on?
Usually the process of reaching operating mode takes from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the temperature in the room. Complete temperature stabilization at all points can last up to 24 hours. Do not load food before this time has expired.
Can an LG refrigerator be connected to the network via an extension cord?
The manufacturer does not recommend using extension cords and surge protectors. Direct connection to a grounded outlet provides better surge protection and fire safety. If you cannot do without an extension cord, make sure that its wire cross-section corresponds to the power of the device.
What to do if after installation the lamp inside does not light?
In some models, the LED backlight may not light up if the doors are closed or the initial diagnostic cycle has not passed. If the lamp does not light when the door is open after several hours of operation, check to see if the protective film has been removed from the door sensor. If the problem persists, contact the service.
Is it necessary to defrost an LG refrigerator with the No Frost system?
The system No Frost eliminates the need for manual defrosting to remove ice. However, it is recommended to carry out hygienic cleaning of the refrigerator 1-2 times a year. Before washing, the appliance must be defrosted by unplugging it for 10-15 minutes (the ice will melt quickly).
Why is the Wi-Fi icon flashing on the display?
A flashing icon means that the Wi-Fi module is active, but the refrigerator is not connected to the network or router. If you don't plan to use smart features, you can ignore this. To connect, follow the instructions in the application LG ThinQ.