LG Refrigerator Change Air Filter: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing the air filter in your LG refrigerator is a simple five-minute task that is critical for maintaining food freshness, ensuring energy efficiency, and preserving the quality of the ice and water dispensed. This guide provides detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for locating, purchasing, and installing the correct air filter for your specific LG refrigerator model.
Understanding the Importance of the Refrigerator Air Filter
The air filter inside your LG refrigerator is not a minor accessory; it is a fundamental component of the appliance's air purification system. Its primary job is to continuously scrub the air circulating within the fresh food compartment. As you open and close the refrigerator door, external air enters, carrying odors, gases, and bacteria. The air filter works to neutralize these contaminants. A fresh, clean filter effectively eliminates odors from strong-smelling foods like onions, fish, and leftovers, preventing them from transferring to other items like milk and desserts. More importantly, it helps preserve the freshness of your fruits, vegetables, and other perishables by reducing the ethylene gas they naturally produce, which accelerates ripening and spoilage. When the filter becomes saturated and old, it loses its effectiveness. You may notice lingering smells, faster food spoilage, and a decline in the taste of ice and water. Therefore, changing the filter according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule, typically every six months, is a key maintenance practice for any refrigerator owner.
Step 1: Identify Your LG Refrigerator Model and the Correct Filter
The single most important step is to purchase the correct air filter. Using an incompatible filter will result in a poor fit and potentially damage the filter housing. LG refrigerators use several different filter types, and the right one is determined by your refrigerator's model number.
To find your model number, look for a sticker or engraved plate. Common locations include:
- Inside the refrigerator, on the side wall of the fresh food compartment.
- On the ceiling of the refrigerator interior.
- On the door frame of the fresh food compartment.
The model number typically starts with letters like "LRE," "LRF," "LRM," or "LS." Once you have the model number, you have two reliable options for finding the correct filter part number. First, you can consult your refrigerator's user manual, which will specify the required filter. Second, and often easier, you can visit the official LG website. The website has a compatibility tool where you enter your model number, and it will display the exact OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filter designed for your appliance. Using an OEM LG air filter is highly recommended. These filters are guaranteed to fit perfectly and perform to the specifications of your refrigerator's system. While third-party or generic filters may be cheaper, they can vary in quality and filtration efficiency, potentially voiding your appliance's warranty if they cause damage.
Step 2: Purchase a Genuine LG Replacement Air Filter
With the correct part number in hand, you can purchase your new filter. The most reliable sources are:
- The official LG website: This ensures you get an authentic part.
- Authorized LG parts distributors: These can be found online or in-store at major appliance retailers.
- Large reputable online marketplaces: If purchasing from a site like Amazon, verify that the seller is an "Authorized LG Parts Dealer" to avoid counterfeit products.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as counterfeit filters are common. A genuine LG filter will have proper branding, packaging, and a security seal. It is a good practice to keep a spare filter on hand so you are never caught without one when the indicator light comes on.
Step 3: Prepare for the Filter Change
The replacement process requires no tools and is very straightforward. Before you begin, you should locate the filter housing. In most modern LG French door and side-by-side refrigerators, the air filter is housed in the upper right-hand corner of the fresh food compartment, behind a protective cover. Some older models may have the filter located on the back wall of the refrigerator. You should also reset the filter indicator light on your refrigerator's control panel. The process for this is simple but varies by model. Consult your manual for specific instructions, but it often involves holding down the "Filter Reset" or "Ice & Water" button for 3-5 seconds until the light turns off or changes color. It is helpful to have a small towel ready to wipe up any minor condensation or drips that may occur.
Step 4: The Step-by-Step Replacement Process
Follow these steps for a quick and safe filter change:
- Open the refrigerator door to access the fresh food compartment.
- Locate the filter cover in the upper right-hand ceiling. You will see a rectangular or square panel.
- Remove the old filter cover. The cover is usually attached by a simple pressure-fit or a tab. Gently press the tab or push on one side of the cover to release it, then pull it downward. It should come off easily without force.
- Remove the old air filter. Once the cover is off, you will see the filter itself. It is typically inserted at a slight angle. Grip the filter and pull it straight down and out of its housing.
- Unpackage the new filter. Take your new, genuine LG filter out of its packaging. You will notice it has a protective foil or plastic seal over the grille. Remove this protective seal completely before installation. Failure to do this is a common mistake that will prevent air from flowing through the filter.
- Insert the new filter. Align the new filter with the slot in the housing. It is designed to fit only one way. Slide the filter upward into the slot at the same angle you removed the old one. Push it firmly until it is fully seated and flush with the housing.
- Reattach the filter cover. Align the cover with the housing and snap it back into place. You should hear a gentle click indicating it is secure.
The entire physical process should take less than two minutes.
Step 5: Reset the Filter Indicator Light
After installing the new filter, the final step is to reset the indicator light on your refrigerator's display. This light is your reminder to change the filter and is typically based on a six-month timer or on actual usage. Resetting it is crucial so you get an accurate reminder for the next change. The method varies by model:
- For models with a "Filter Reset" button: Simply press and hold the "Filter Reset" button for about 3 seconds until the light turns from red or orange to blue or green, or turns off completely.
- For models with an "Ice & Water" button: Press and hold the "Ice & Water" button for 3-5 seconds until the light changes.
- For models with a control panel: You may need to navigate the menu on the display panel to find the "Filter Reset" option.
If you are unsure of the procedure for your specific model, refer to the user manual or look up your model number on the LG support website for a visual guide.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter minor issues after changing the filter. If the filter indicator light does not reset, double-check your model's instructions. Ensure you are holding the correct button down for a long enough duration. If the light still will not reset, try unplugging the refrigerator for one minute and then plugging it back in before attempting the reset again. If the new filter does not seem to fit, confirm you have the correct part number for your refrigerator model. Do not force it. If you notice a plastic taste or odor in the water or ice after changing the filter, this is normal for a new filter. To flush the system, discard the first two to three batches of ice and run about a gallon of water through the dispenser. The taste should disappear within 24 hours.
Conclusion: A Simple Habit for Major Benefits
Changing the air filter in your LG refrigerator is one of the easiest and most impactful maintenance tasks you can perform. It directly contributes to a healthier appliance, fresher and better-tasting food, and more pleasant ice and water. By following this detailed guide—identifying your model, purchasing a genuine LG filter, performing the simple swap, and resetting the indicator—you can ensure your refrigerator continues to perform at its best for years to come. Make it a habit to change the filter every six months, and you will consistently enjoy the full benefits of your LG refrigerator's advanced filtration system.