Vacation mode in the LG refrigerator: why is it needed and how to use it without risking equipment

Are you going on vacation and don’t know what to do with the refrigerator? Leaving it running normally means wasting electricity, and turning it off completely risks damaging the seals and encountering an unpleasant odor upon return. There is a solution: Vacation mode in refrigerators LG. This function is specially designed for long-term downtime of equipment, but many users either do not know about its existence or are afraid to activate it.

In this article we will look at how the Vacation mode works in models LG, how it differs from a complete shutdown, and why its use can save money up 30-40% of electricity without harm to the refrigerator. You will also learn which models support this feature, how to enable it correctly, and what mistakes users most often make. If you plan to leave the refrigerator unattended for a long time, this material is for you.

What is the "Vacation" mode in the LG refrigerator and why is it needed

The "Vacation" mode (Vacation Mode) is a special function in refrigerators LG, which optimizes the operation of equipment during a long absence of owners. Unlike a complete shutdown, it maintains the minimum required temperature in the chambers, preventing:

• 🦠 Development of mold and bacteria due to high humidity
• 🧊 Drying of rubber seals on the door
• 💡 Overload of the compressor when turned on again after idle
• 💰 Unnecessary energy consumption for cooling empty shelves

In this mode, the refrigerator goes into energy saving mode, where the freezer (if there is one) continues to maintain a temperature of about -12°C, and the main compartment is cooled to +15…+17°C. This is enough to prevent damage to equipment, but not enough to store perishable products. Important: The "Vacation" mode does not replace complete defrosting —if there is ice or condensation in the refrigerator, they must be eliminated to activation of the function.

Which LG models support the “Vacation” mode

The function Vacation Mode is not available in all refrigerators LG. It appeared in mid- and premium-segment models released after 2016. Here are the key series where you can find it:

• 🔹 LG Door-in-Door (models with an additional door)
• 🔹 LG InstaView (with a transparent panel)
• 🔹 LG ThinQ (with support for Wi-Fi and smart control)
• 🔹 Series GR-, GC-, GN-, GS- (starting from 2018)

To find out for sure whether your model has a "Vacation" mode, check:

1. User's instructions (section Special functions or Energy saving).
2. Refrigerator menu: path Settings → Modes → Vacation (or Vacation).
3. The sticker on the back wall - there may be indicated Holiday Function.

How to enable the "Vacation" mode on an LG refrigerator: step-by-step instructions

Activating the function takes no more than a minute, but requires preliminary preparation. Follow this algorithm:

1. Clean the refrigerator: remove all products, wipe the shelves with a solution of soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water), remove the removable elements and rinse them.
2. Defreeze (if there is ice): in models No Frost enough to wipe off the condensation, in drip models - wait for complete thawing.
3. Turn off the ice maker (if available): in the menu Settings → Ice → Off.
4. Activate the mode:

   Settings → Modes → Vacation → On

   In some models, the path may differ: Smart mode → Vacation or Energy saving → Vacation.

After turning on the mode, an indicator will appear on the display Vacation (most often in the form of palm tree icon or suitcase). Some models also turn off the interior lighting to save energy.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator connected to Wi-Fi, after activating the Vacation mode, it can automatically disconnect from the network. This is normal - the function reduces energy consumption, including by limiting background processes.

How does the Vacation mode differ from completely turning off the refrigerator

Many users mistakenly believe that it is easier to pull the plug from the socket. However, this is fraught with consequences:

The main difference: in the “Vacation” mode, the refrigerator does not turn off completely, and goes into “sleep” mode with minimal load on the compressor. prevents:

• 🔌 Power surges when turned on again (risk for electronics).
• 🧊 Drying out of seals (when completely turned off, the rubber loses elasticity).
• 🦠 The appearance of odor due to stagnant air in a closed space.

Common mistakes when using the “Vacation” mode

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that negate all the benefits of the function. not. do:

1. Turn on the mode with food inside. Even if you think that “there is nothing perishable there,” leftover sauces, spices or a forgotten jar of jam can become moldy when +15°C.
2. Ignore defrosting. If there is ice in the refrigerator, when the mode is activated it will begin to melt, and the moisture will become a breeding ground for bacteria.
3. Close the refrigerator “tightly”. In models without No Frost it is recommended to leave a gap of 1-2 cm for air circulation (for example, place a towel in the door).
4. Expect for 100% protection from odors. The Vacation mode reduces the risk of their occurrence, but does not completely eliminate them. Use an odor absorber (for example, a bag of soda).

⚠️ Attention: If you are leaving for more than 3 months, the “Vacation” mode may not save you from drying out the seals. In this case, it is better to completely turn off the refrigerator, defrost it, wipe it dry and leave the door ajar.

What happens if you forget to turn off the "Vacation" mode after returning?

The refrigerator will continue to work in energy-saving mode, but the temperature in the main chamber (+15°C) will not be sufficient for safe storage of food. Risks:

- Rapid spoilage of dairy products, meat, fish.

- Development of bacteria in ready-made dishes (soups, salads).

- Icing of the freezer due to incorrect operation of the compressor.

To return normal mode, just press again Vacation in the menu or select another mode (for example, Optimal).

Saving energy: how much can you save with the "Vacation" mode

By According to LG, switching to the “Vacation” mode reduces the energy consumption of the refrigerator by 30-40% compared to the normal mode. Let's look at the example of the model LG GC-B247JLVQ (energy efficiency class A+++):

• 📊 Normal mode: ~1.2 kW/day (at temperature +5°C in the refrigerator compartment).
• 🌴 Vacation mode: ~0.5-0.7 kW/day.

For a month of downtime, the savings will be:

(1.2 kW - 0.7 kW) × 30 days = 15 kW

At an average tariff 5 rubles/kW (for Moscow) this 75 rubles per monthseems insignificant, but considering that the refrigerator can be idle for 2-3 months a year, the savings are. reaches 200-300 rubles —without taking into account the extension of the service life of equipment.

Additional methods save:

• 🔌 Disable the function Ice Plus (accelerated ice freezing).
• 🌡️ Set the freezer temperature to -12°C (instead of standard -18°C).
• 📱 If refrigerator with Wi-Fi, turn off notifications in the application LG ThinQ —they also consume energy.

What to do after returning from vacation: how to exit the mode correctly

When you return home, do not rush to immediately load the refrigerator with food.

1. Turn off Vacation mode:

   Settings → Modes → Vacation → Off

   Or select another mode (for example, Optimal).

2. Let the refrigerator run empty for 1-2 hoursso that the temperature has stabilized.
3. Check the seals: if they are dry, wipe them with glycerin or special lubricant.
4. Load the food graduallystarting freezers.

If, after turning on the normal mode, the refrigerator does not cool or makes unusual soundsthe compressor may be overloaded In this case:

• Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
• Turn it on again and set the temperature +7°C (not lower!).
• If the problem persists, check error code on the display (for example, ER FF - fan malfunction).

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was in the "Vacation" mode more than 2 months, before loading the products it is recommended to carry out complete defrostingeven if the model is with No Frost. This will remove possible condensation and prevent the appearance of odor.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the mode "Vacation" in LG refrigerators

Is it possible to use the "Vacation" mode if there is food left in the refrigerator?

No. The temperature +15°C in the main chamber is not sufficient for safe storage of even canned food or spices. Exception - freezer compartment (if it is. supports -12°C), where you can leave deep-frozen foods for up to 1 month.

Why, after turning on the “Vacation” mode, did the refrigerator become louder?

This is normal. In the energy-saving mode, the compressor turns on less often, but it works. s higher loadto maintain the minimum temperature. The noise should decrease after 1-2 hours. If loud operation continues for more than a day, check if the ventilation grill is clogged (in models No Frost).

Is it possible to turn on the “Vacation” mode in an LG refrigerator with one compressor?

Yes, but with reservations. In single-compressor models (for example, LG GA-B489TGQZ), the “Vacation” mode turns off the cooling of the refrigerator compartment, leaving only the freezer to work. This is less effective for saving energy, but is still better than turning it off completely.

How to check if the mode is working. “Vacation” if there is no display?

In refrigerators without a screen (for example, LG GR-389SQF) the mode is turned on is signaled by:

• 🔴 Lighting red indicator on the control panel.
• 🔊 One short beep when activated.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator compartment after 2 hours should rise to +15…+17°C (check with a thermometer).

Is the "Vacation" mode harmful for the refrigerator with frequent use?

No, if you follow the rules. LG states that the mode can be activated up to 4-5 times a year without harm to the equipment. data-i="274">use: monthly use:

• Seals may lose elasticity.
• The compressor experiences increased load when switching modes.
• Ice can build up in the freezer (even at No Frost).

Optimal: use the “Vacation” mode no more often once every 2-3 months.