Vacation function on the Samsung refrigerator: why is it needed and how to use it correctly

You are going on vacation and noticed on the control panel refrigerator Samsung mysterious button or menu item Vacation Mode? Or maybe your refrigerator has been operating in this mode for a long time, but you don’t understand what it does? This function is one of the key novelties of modern models, which helps save energy and extend the life of equipment when you leave the house for a long time. But how exactly does it work, when should it be turned on, and when is it better to do without it - questions that require detailed analysis. Samsung, which helps save energy and extend the life of equipment when you leave the house for a long time. But how exactly it works, when it should be turned on, and when it’s better to do without it are questions that require detailed analysis.

In this article we will not only explain what Vacation Mode (or “vacation mode”) means, but we will also analyze in detail:

• 🔹 How to activate and deactivate the function on different models Samsung (including No Frost, Twin Cooling Plus etc.).
• 🔹 What happens to the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments when the mode is turned on.
• 🔹 How much electricity you can save - real numbers and calculations.
• 🔹 Dangerous mistakesthat users allow when using Vacation Mode.

And you will also find out why some experts recommend do not leave the refrigerator completely empty even in vacation mode - and what to put inside to avoid unpleasant surprises upon your return.

What is Vacation Mode in Samsung refrigerators

Vacation Mode (or “vacation mode”) is a special function designed for situations when the refrigerator is left unattended for a long period of time (from several days to months). Its main task is minimize energy consumptionwhile maintaining the minimum required functionality of the equipment.

In this mode, the refrigerator goes into “sleep” mode, but does not turn off completely. This is what happens when activated:

• ❄️ The refrigerator compartment maintains the temperature around +15°C (instead of standard +4...+5°C). This is sufficient to prevent mold and unpleasant odors, but is not suitable for storing perishable foods.
• ❄️❄️ The freezer compartment continues to operate as normal (usually -18°Cunless configured otherwise). In some models, it can also be switched to an economical mode.
• 🔌 The compressor turns on less often, which reduces the load on the engine and reduces energy consumption by 30–50%.
• 💡 Backlight and display (if any) are turned off or switched to a reduced mode energy consumption.

It is important to understand that Vacation Mode is not just “turning off” the refrigerator. If the power is completely turned off, condensation may form inside, mold may appear, or even corrosion on metal parts. The vacation mode is precisely designed to prevent these problems by maintaining minimal air circulation.

Which Samsung models have the Vacation Mode function

The function Vacation Mode appeared in the line Samsung relatively recently - it can be found in models released after 2016–2017 year. However, not all refrigerators are equipped with this option. Here's how to determine if your model has it:

To find out exactly whether Vacation Mode is in your refrigerator, check:

1. User manual (section “Special functions” or “Energy saving”).
2. Control panel: there may be an icon on the display or among the buttons 🏝️ or an inscription Vacation.
3. Settings menu: go to in Settings → Energy Saving → Vacation Mode (the path may differ).

How to check the presence of a function if there is no instruction?

Press the button Power Cool (or Fridge) for 5 seconds If the refrigerator supports Vacation Mode, the corresponding indicator or menu will appear on the display.

If your model was released before 2016 year, most likely, this function does not exist. In this case, to save energy during vacation, you can manually set the temperature in the refrigerator compartment to +10...+15°C, and leave the freezer at standard -18°C.

How to turn on and off Vacation Mode: step-by-step instructions

The process of activating the vacation mode depends on the type of control panel of your refrigerator. Let's look at the three most common options.

1. Refrigerators with a touch screen (series Family Hub, Bespoke)

On models with a screen) turning on Vacation Mode takes just a few touches:

1. Touch the icon ⚙️ Settings (or Settings) on the display.
2. Select section Energy Saving (Energy Saving).
3. Tap on Vacation Mode and confirm activation.
4. On some models you will need to set the duration of the mode (from 1 up to 99 days).

To exit the mode, repeat the same steps or simply press the button Vacation on the main screen.

2. Refrigerators with mechanical buttons (series Twin Cooling Plus, No Frost)

Here the algorithm is a little more complicated:

1. Find the button Vacation (usually it is signed or has a 🏝️ icon). If it is not there, use the combination: press Power Cool + Fridge for 3-5 seconds.
2. On the display the indicator flashes VA or VAC —this means that the mode is activated.
3. To turn it off, press the same button again or hold it for 3 seconds.

3. Refrigerators without a display (budget models with No Frost)

In rare cases Vacation Mode turns on through the “hidden” menu:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply for 30 seconds.
2. Turn on the power and within 5 seconds press:
- Light button (if any) 4 times.
- Refrigerator temperature button 1 time.
3. The VA indicator will light up on the panel.

⚠️ Attention: This method does not work on all models. If nothing happens after the manipulations, your refrigerator most likely does not support the function.

Make sure the door is tightly closed|Remove all perishable food|Wipe the inside surfaces with a dry cloth|Check that the freezer is not overloaded (if it remains on)|Turn off the water supply (if there is a dispenser)-->

What happens to the refrigerator in Vacation mode: detailed analysis

Many users are afraid to turn it on Vacation Mode, fearing that the refrigerator will “go bad” or stop freezing. Let's look at exactly how the operation of equipment changes in this mode.

1. Temperature mode

The main change concerns the refrigerator compartment:

• 🌡️ Standard mode: +4...+5°C (optimal for storing food).
• 🌡️ Vacation Mode: +15°C (enough to prevent mold, but not for food).

The freezer usually remains on -18°C, but in some models (for example, Samsung RB37J5230SS) it can also be switched to economy mode (-12°C). This is useful if you leave only deep-frozen foods (meat, berries) in the freezer that do not spoil at lower temperatures.

2. Operation of the compressor and fans

In normal mode, the compressor turns on every 10–20 minutes and operates 5–15 minutes, maintaining the set temperature. In Vacation Mode:

• ⏳ The compressor is activated less often - once every 40–60 minutes, and works shorter (3–7 minutes).
• 🌀 Fans (in models with No Frost) turn on once every 2–3 hours on 1–2 minutesto prevent air stagnation.

This reduces the load on the engine and extends its life, especially if the refrigerator is idle for months (for example, at the dacha in winter).

3. Electricity consumption

Saving is the main advantage of the holiday mode. data-i="197">, electricity consumption is reduced by Samsung, energy consumption is reduced by 30–50% compared to the normal mode. For example:

• 💡 The refrigerator Samsung RB33J3420BC in standard mode consumes ~35 kWh/month.
• 💡 B Vacation Mode — ~15–20 kWh/month (savings up to 15 kWh).

At the tariff 5 rubles/kWh this gives savings 75–100 rubles/month. It seems that it is not much, but in a year it adds up 900–1200 rubles - an amount comparable to the cost of minor repairs.

When to turn on Vacation Mode - and when it’s better not to do it

Despite the obvious advantages, vacation mode is not suitable for all situations. Let's figure out when to use it, and when it is better to do without it. advisable use and when is it better to do without it.

✅ When to turn it on:

• ✈️ You are leaving for 1–4 weeks (or longer), and the refrigerator will remain empty.
• 🏡 At the dacha or in a country house where equipment is used seasonally.
• 💰 Do you want to save on electricity (for example, with high tariffs or solar panels).
• 🛠️ The refrigerator is new, and you want to reduce wear on the compressor during downtime.

❌ When NOT to turn it on:

• 🍎 Remains in the refrigerator perishable foods (milk, cheeses, ready meals).
• ❄️ The freezer is filled fresh frozen with products (fish, meat, berries) that can defrost when the temperature rises.
• 🌡️ The room has very high humidity (risk of condensation formation even in mode Vacation).
• 🔌 The refrigerator is old (manufactured before 2010 year) - the function may not work correctly.

⚠️ Attention: If you leave the refrigerator in the mode Vacation Mode for a period longer 2 monthsevery 3–4 weeks it is recommended to 1–2 hours return it to normal mode. This is necessary to:

• Prevent oil stagnation in the compressor.
• Avoid drying out door seals.
• Renew air circulation in the chambers.

Common mistakes when using Vacation Mode and how to avoid them

Many users make mistakes that negate all the benefits of the vacation mode. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them.

1. +15°C

In the mode Vacation Mode the refrigerator compartment does not cool down to standard +4°C, therefore:

• 🥛 Dairy products (kefir, sour cream, yoghurts) will turn sour for 1-2 days.
• 🧀 Soft cheeses (brie, camembert) will become moldy.
• 🍖 Boiled sausages, sausages can spoil in a week.

✅ Solution: Remove all perishable foods or eat them before leaving. You can leave only:

• 🥫 Canned food (in closed jars).
• 🧂 Seasonings (sauces in sealed packages, spices).
• 🥜 Dry products (nuts, dried fruits, pasta).

2. Do not check the door seals

If the rubber seals are worn out or dirty, in the mode Vacation Mode inside the refrigerator may:

• 💦 Condensation may form (due to warm air entering).
• 🍄 Mold may appear in the corners.

✅ Solution: Before activating the mode:

1. Wipe the seals with a soda solution (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water).
2. Check the tightness - there should be no gaps between the door and the body.
3. If necessary, lubricate the seals with silicone grease.

3. They forget about the freezer

Many people think that Vacation Mode turns off the freezer, but this is not true if there are food left in it and the temperature rises to -12°C (in economy mode), they can:

• 🍦 Thaw (ice cream, fruit).
• 🥩 Dry (meat, fish).

✅ Solution: Before leaving:

• Check that the freezer is set to -18°C (if it contains sensitive foods).
• Pack food in vacuum bags or wrap tightly with cling film.

What will happen if you leave the refrigerator in Vacation mode for six months?

If it is idle for a long time (more than 3 months), even in this mode the compressor lubricant may dry out, which will lead to increased noise the next time it is turned on. There is also a risk of the seals “sticking” due to the lack of door movement. It is recommended to return the refrigerator to normal mode once every 1–2 months for 10–15 minutes. data-i="293">Vacation Mode alternatives: what to do if the function is not in the refrigerator

Alternatives to Vacation Mode: what to do if the function is not in the refrigerator

If your refrigerator Samsung does not support Vacation Mode, you can manually set up a similar mode. Here are several proven methods.

1. Manual temperature adjustment

The simplest method:

1. Set the temperature in the refrigerator compartment +10...+15°C (maximum value).
2. Leave in the freezer -18°C or raise to -12°C (if there are no perishable products).
3. Disable all additional functions (Power Cool, CoolSelect etc.).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators without No Frost ice may form in this setting. Defrost the chamber within 1-2 days before returning.

2. Using a timer or smart socket

If you are afraid that the refrigerator will work without interruption, you can:

• 🕒 Connect it via socket with timer and set it to turn on 2-3 hours a day (for example, morning and evening).
• 📱 Use smart socket (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug) to remotely turn on/off the power.

🔹 Important: Complete shutdown of the refrigerator for a long period of time (more 1 day) can lead to:

• The appearance of an unpleasant odor.
• Corrosion of metal parts (due to condensation).
• Drying out of seals.

3. Preparing the refrigerator for long-term downtime

If you decide to completely turn off the refrigerator (for example, for the winter at the dacha), do it correctly:

Defreeze and dry the chambers|Wipe all surfaces with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water)|Leave the doors ajar (fix them)|Place a bag of silica gel inside to absorb moisture|Disconnect from networks-->

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Vacation Mode

Is it possible to turn on Vacation Mode if there is food in the refrigerator?

No, if we are talking about perishable products (dairy, meat, ready meals). The temperature +15°C is not sufficient to preserve them. You can only leave canned food, seasonings and dry foods.

How much electricity does Vacation Mode save?

On average by 30–50% compared to the normal mode. For example, if the refrigerator consumes 30 kWh/monthin vacation mode it will be 15–20 kWh/month.

Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before turning on Vacation Mode?

If your model has No Frost, defrosting is not necessary. For refrigerators with a drip system or manual defrosting, it is recommended to remove the ice and dry the chambers.

Can Vacation Mode harm the refrigerator?

No, if you use it for its intended purpose (no longer 2–3 months in a row). However, with a very long period of inactivity (six months or more), the compressor lubricant may dry out.

How to disable Vacation Mode if the button does not work?

Try:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 1 minute.
2. Hold the button Vacation (or Power Cool + Fridge) for 10 seconds.
3. Reset settings to factory settings (see instructions for your model).