You may notice an odor when using Fan mode. This happens because condensation isn't produced during this mode, allowing trapped odor particles inside the unit to spread into the room.
To help reduce odors, please follow these steps in order:
- Open the windows and run Cooling mode at 18°C (64°F) for at least one hour.
- Dry the inside of the unit using Fan mode or the Auto Dry feature.
- Wash the pre-filter with water.
- Check and replace the filter if necessary.
- Run the [AI Heat Exchanger Cleaning] or [All Cleaning] feature.
Important Notes
- Do not spray cleaners or air fresheners directly inside the air conditioner. This can damage the unit or make odors worse.
- Drying the inside of the unit and cleaning the heat exchanger are most effective on clear, dry days.
- The [AI Heat Exchanger Cleaning] and [All Cleaning] features are available on select models from 2022 and newer. See your owner’s manual for details.
Why does the air conditioner smell different in Cooling and Fan modes?
1. Why is there little to no odor in Cooling mode?
In Cooling mode, condensation forms on the heat exchanger.
This moisture helps wash away odor-causing particles, carrying them
outside through the drain hose.
Additionally, cold air keeps odors from spreading, making them less
noticeable.
2. Why are odors stronger in Fan mode?
-
[Cooling Mode]
- ① Start cooling mode
- ② Condensation containing indoor odor particles is created.
- ③ The condensation is drained outside.
-
[Fan Mode]
- ① Start fan mode
- ② Built-up condensation evaporates and circulates back into the room.
- ③ Odors spread more quickly as the temperature increases.
In Fan mode, condensation does not form.
As a result, any lingering odor-causing particles inside the unit can
spread into the room with the airflow, making the smell more noticeable.
[Reference] Common odor-causing substances in the home
| Odor | chemical formula | Indoor odor-causing materials |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | NH4 | Bathrooms, kitchens, food waste, pets |
| Acetaldehyde | CH3CHO | Cooking(microwave), wallpaper, closets, shoe racks, food waste, pets |
| Acetic | acid | CH3COOH Shoe racks, socks, dirty laundry, pets, food waste |
Move left or right to check the contents.
How to remove odors in Fan mode
Follow the steps below to reduce air conditioner odors.
Step 1. Ventilate the room and run Cooling mode on high
On a clear day, open the windows, set the air conditioner to 18°C
(64°F), and run it on a high fan speed for at least one hour.
This creates condensation, which helps wash odor-causing particles out
of the unit.
Step 2. Dry the inside of the unit
After running Cooling mode, switch to Fan or Air Purification mode for
at least 30 minutes to completely dry any moisture inside the unit.
To help prevent future odors, we recommend enabling the Auto Dry
feature when turning off the air conditioner.
To turn on Auto
Dry, press the [Auto Dry] button on the remote.
Alternatively,
press the [Settings] button, use the left/right buttons to select
[Auto Dry] or [AI Dry], and then press [OK].
Step 3. Remove and clean the filters
Dust and debris buildup on the filters is a main cause of odors. Remove the filters from the upper back or the sides of the unit to clean them.
- Floor-standing models: Remove the upper and lower filters from both sides of the unit.
- Models with side filter cases (Cool / Khan / Winner models): Pull out the filter cases from both sides. Press the hooks to remove the replacement filters, and clean only the pre-filters.
- Models with front handles (View / Dual models): Gently pull the handles on both sides to remove the filter cases.
[Filter Cleaning and Replacement Guide]
- Washable filters (Pre-filters): Remove dust using a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. If they are very dirty, wash them with a mild detergent.
- Non-washable filters (Replacement filters): Filters such as the Fine Dust Plus, Fine Dust, Fine Dust Mini, and Smog Deodorizing filters must be replaced regularly. Exposure to water will reduce their performance.
Step 4. Dry and reinstall the filters
After washing the pre-filters, dry them in a well-ventilated, shaded
area out of direct sunlight before reinstalling them.
If a
replacement filter is damaged or needs replacing, you can purchase a
new one from an LG Service Center or the official LG website under
[Parts & Accessories].
Step 5. Run the AI Heat Exchanger Cleaning or All Cleaning feature
Some models, including select floor-standing models released in 2022
or later, feature [AI Heat Exchanger Cleaning].
This feature freezes the heat exchanger to loosen dust and debris,
then washes them away as the ice melts.
To turn on this feature, press and hold the [Timer] (or [Sleep Timer])
button on the remote for 3 seconds.
Alternatively, press the [Settings] button, use the left/right buttons
to select [Heat Exchanger Cleaning], and then press [OK]. You can also
start this feature using the LG ThinQ app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. Can I completely remove Fan mode odors by myself?
-
A. In most cases,
ventilating the room, running Cooling mode on high, cleaning the
filters, and using the Auto Dry feature will significantly reduce
odors.
However, if the unit is very dirty or mold has formed deep inside the heat exchanger, a professional cleaning service may be required.
- Q. How often should I clean or replace the filters?
- A. This depends on your environment and usage. In general, we recommend replacing non-washable filters (such as the Fine Dust filter) every 6 months, and washing the pre-filters with water every 2 weeks.
This guide is based on standard models. The settings menu may vary by model.
