Modern refrigerators LG equipped with many intelligent functions that are designed to make the user's life easier and save energy. One of these options is mode Vacation, or “Vacation”. Many appliance owners are faced with the question: what to do with the refrigerator when you leave for several weeks? Leaving it turned on full of food is wasteful, and turning it off completely is fraught with the appearance of an unpleasant odor and mold.
It is for such situations that the engineers of the Korean company have developed a special algorithm for the operation of the compressor. It maintains a temperature in the refrigerator compartment sufficient to prevent the growth of bacteria, but does not spend excess energy on freezing empty space. The key feature of the mode is maintaining a temperature of about +15°C in the main compartment when the freezer is actively operating.
In this article we will analyze in detail the principle of operation of the function, step by step we will describe the activation process on different control panels and answer frequently asked questions. Understanding the nuances of operation Smart Saving and Vacation will help extend the life of your unit.
Principle of operation and purpose of the function
The main task of the “Vacation” mode is to create optimal conditions for the empty refrigerator compartment. When you leave, moisture remains inside the cameras. If you simply turn off the appliance, the humidity combined with room temperature will create an ideal environment for fungus to grow. If you leave the normal mode, the compressor will turn on cyclically, cooling the empty volume to +3...+5°C, which is a waste of electricity.
In the mode Vacation the control system LG stops cooling the fridge compartment to standard values. Instead, the temperature rises to a level at which microorganisms are not active, but energy is not wasted in deep cold. At the same time, the freezer continues to operate as normal, preserving your frozen supplies.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store perishable foods such as meat, milk or ready-made meals in the refrigerator compartment in this mode. The temperature there will be too high for their safety.
It is important to understand the difference between this mode and a complete shutdown. Complete shutdown requires careful defrosting, washing and drying with the doors open, otherwise a musty smell is guaranteed. The function Vacation allows you to avoid this time-consuming procedure, leaving the unit in a “sleeping” but controlled state.
How to activate the mode on various panels
Refrigerator control interface LG may differ depending on the model and year of manufacture. In most modern devices with a display on the door, activation occurs through the touch panel. You need to find a button with the appropriate name or palm tree/sun icon.
On models without an external display, control can be carried out through the internal panel or a combination of buttons. Often you need to hold down the Mode or Freezer button for 3 seconds. In some lines, such as DoorCooling+, the settings are duplicated in the application LG ThinQ, which allows you to turn on the mode remotely if you suddenly forgot to do this before leaving.
- 🔹 Find the button Vacation on the external control panel.
- 🔹 Press and hold the button
Modeuntil the indicator appears. - 🔹 Use the application LG ThinQ for remote activation via Wi-Fi.
- 🔹 Check the lit indicator confirming activation.
After switching on, the corresponding indicator usually lights up on the display. If you have a model with a “smart” home, a notification will be sent to your smartphone. This gives confidence that the system has switched to economy mode.
☑️ Check before starting
Temperature conditions and power consumption
Saving energy is the main argument in favor of using the function. In normal mode, the refrigerator spends energy to compensate for heat gain every time the temperature rises above +5°C. In holiday mode, the compressor shutdown threshold rises to +15°C. The difference in the frequency of motor activation can be twofold.
The exact numbers depend on the compressor model (Linear Inverter or regular) and chamber volume. However, practice shows that in two weeks of inactivity in normal mode, you can spend the same amount of energy as the refrigerator consumes in a month in mode Vacation.
Below is a table comparing operating parameters in different modes:
| Parameter | Standard mode | Vacation mode | Complete shutdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature in the refrigerator compartment | +3...+5°C | ~ +15°C | Room |
| Freezer operation | Active (-18°C) | Active (-18°C) | Disabled |
| Energy consumption | 100% | ~40-50% | 0% |
| Risk of odor | No | No | High |
It is worth noting that even at elevated temperatures in the main chamber, the system No Frost continues to work. This means that air circulation does not stop completely, which prevents moisture from stagnating in hard-to-reach places.
Protection against mold and odors
Why can’t you just turn off the refrigerator and close the door? The answer lies in biology. The moisture and microparticles of food remaining on the walls become a nutrient medium. At room temperature, mold spores germinate within 24-48 hours. The mode Vacation breaks this cycle.
By maintaining a temperature of about +15°C, the refrigerator creates conditions that are unsuitable for the rapid proliferation of bacteria, but also do not require active cold. In addition, the operation of the fans ensures easy exchange of air, preventing it from “suffocating.”
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to be away for more than a month, it is still recommended to completely defrost, wash and dry the refrigerator with the doors open, regardless of the presence of the vacation function.
For additional protection against odors, you can use special absorbers or activated coal, putting them on the shelves before leaving. This will enhance the freshness effect upon your return.
What happens if you leave the food?
If you forget to remove the food, it will spoil at a temperature of +15°C. Meat and dairy products will become hazardous to health within a few hours after switching to this mode.
Nuances of working with the freezer
It is important to emphasize that the mode Vacation affects only the refrigerator compartment. The freezer continues to operate normally, maintaining a temperature of -18°C or lower. This allows you not to empty the freezer of supplies before leaving.
However, there is a nuance associated with loading. An empty freezer loses cold faster during rare power outages. Therefore, if the freezer is empty, it makes sense to fill the free space with plastic bottles of water or special cold accumulators.
- ❄️ The freezer operates independently of the main chamber.
- ❄️ The temperature in the freezer does not change when vacation is activated.
- ❄️ It is recommended to fill the voids to accumulate cold.
This approach provides double benefits: the safety of frozen products and energy savings in the main compartment. The system LG automatically balances the load, prioritizing the freezer if necessary.
Returning from vacation: user actions
When you return home, the first thing you need to do is deactivate the vacation mode. Usually, to do this, just press the same button Vacation or Mode. The refrigerator will immediately begin to cool the chamber to the set values.
You should not load products right away. Give the equipment 2-3 hours to enter operating mode and stabilize the temperature. During this time, you can wash the shelves if dust has settled on them, and check the door seals.
If you use the application LG ThinQ, you may receive a notification that the refrigerator has exited energy saving mode. This is convenient, as it allows you to control the process remotely while you are still on the road.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Vacation mode if there is food left in the refrigerator?
It is strictly not recommended. The temperature of +15°C is not sufficient for storing meat, fish, dairy products and prepared foods. They will spoil and become a source of dangerous bacteria. Remove all perishable items before turning on.
How much energy does this mode save compared to normal?
The savings are approximately 40-60% of the normal consumption of the refrigerator compartment, since the compressor is turned on much less frequently to maintain a higher temperature.
What to do if the Vacation indicator flashing?
Flashing may indicate a door that is not tightly closed or a system failure. Check the tightness of the refrigerator door. If the problem persists after a reboot, contact the service.
Does the No Frost function work in holiday mode?
Yes, the air circulation and ice prevention system continues to function, which guarantees that there is no ice and air stagnation inside the chambers.