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Vacation Mode
Vacation Mode is a built-in feature in many LG fridges designed for energy savings and reduced cooling duty when you’re away from home for an extended period (like a vacation or long trip).
Unlike normal cooling, this mode changes how the refrigerator compartment operates to reduce power consumption while still protecting your freezer items.
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What It Does
>- Adjusts Temperatures
- The fridge compartment warms up to a higher, energy-efficient target (e.g., around 7°C to 15°C) — much warmer than normal food-storage temperatures.
- The freezer compartment stays cold enough to keep frozen food, typically close to its normal setting (e.g., around −15°C to −18°C).
- Reduces Active Cooling in the Fridge
- It’s warmer
- Doors aren’t opened (as you’re away)
- Locks Out Most Functions
This balance helps save electricity while preventing freezer contents from thawing.
When in Vacation Mode, the fridge section runs less often, because:
This cuts down on the compressor’s workload and energy use.
While Vacation Mode’s on, other buttons may not operate except for Lock or Wi-Fi controls — preventing accidental changes.
When and Why to Use It
>Great for:
- Weeks-long vacations or business trips
- Periods when you won’t be using the fridge much
- Cutting down on your power bill while away
How to Activate / Deactivate
>- Press and hold the Vacation button for a few seconds on many models.
- The Vacation indicator will light up when it’s active.
- Press the button again to turn it off, and the fridge will return to its previous temperature settings.
Some newer LG smart fridges also let you control Vacation Mode remotely via the LG ThinQ app.
If You Leave the Refrigerator Turned ON
>If you plan to keep your refrigerator running while you are away for a few weeks:
- Consume or discard all perishable food items (fresh meat, dairy, cooked meals, and produce).
- Freeze food that can safely be stored long-term to prevent spoilage.
- Empty the ice bin to avoid ice clumping, odors, or meltwater overflow.
- Ensure refrigerator and freezer temperatures are set to normal recommended levels.
- Clean up spills and wipe shelves to prevent odors from developing while the doors remain closed.
This approach helps protect frozen food while minimizing the risk of spoiled items or unpleasant smells when you return.
If You Turn the Refrigerator OFF
>If you choose to switch the refrigerator off completely:
- Remove all food items from both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
- Clean and thoroughly dry all interior surfaces, drawers, shelves, and door bins.
- Prop the doors open using a door stopper or folded towel to allow airflow.
- This is essential to prevent bad odors, mold, and fungal growth during extended periods of inactivity.
Important Notes
>- Empty or minimize food in the fridge before activating — a warm fridge doesn’t safely preserve perishables.
- Some models rename “Eco Friendly” mode to “Vacation Mode”, but the idea is the same: energy savings when not in everyday use.
- Ice makers and rapid freeze features normally do not work while this mode is active.
That function has since been discontinued. On current LG refrigerator models, Vacation Mode should be understood not as a selectable setting, but as a set of best-practice recommendations for preparing your refrigerator when you will be away from home for an extended period.
Additional Recommendations
>- If your area is prone to power outages, turning the refrigerator off and emptying it may be the safer option.
- Upon returning from vacation, allow the refrigerator to run several hours before restocking food so temperatures stabilize.
- For models with smart features, check the user manual or LG ThinQ app for model-specific guidance.