Roughly half of all LG refrigerators have a built-in air filter that helps to keep odors to a minimum while the door is closed. Replacing them is easy as long as you install it with the filter facing the right direction.
LG recommends installing new filters every 6 months. If you’ve recently noticed any of these problems, it may be time to replace your filter:
- Lingering odors when you open the refrigerator, even after removing the source.
- Stale air or food ripening too quickly.
- The Replace Filter light on your refrigerator has turned on.
I will cover all the steps needed to replace the air filter so that you don’t run into any problems and can reset the filter light.
How To Change Air Filter On LG Refrigerator
First, locate the air filter on the back wall of the refrigerator. Rotate the cover counter-clockwise to remove the cover, then remove the used filter from the cover. Insert the replacement filter so that the side labelled “Front” faces towards you, then place the cover back on.
It’s important to make sure that the air filter is installed correctly or the air flow could get obstructed. This means that the filter won’t be as effective and it could even cause damage to the fans designed to circulate the air when the door is closed.
Next, I’ll walk through each step mentioned above so that you can follow along while replacing the air filter on your refrigerator.
Step 1: Remove the air filter cover
If your LG refrigerator is equipped with an air filter, it will be located on the back wall of the refrigerator and towards the top. You’ll notice a square or rectangular box that says “Fresh Filter”.
To open it, twist the filter cover counter-clockwise about 30º or until it comes loose and you are able to pull it away.
Inside of the cover that you just removed, take out the old filter and throw it away.
Step 2: Insert replacement air filter
Take your new air filter and push it into the cover until it’s secure. Make sure that the side that the words “front” on the air filter are facing towards you after you install it.
Step 3: Re-install the air filter cover
To put the air filter cover back on, hold it at a 30º angle, press it in towards the filter compartment, and twist it until it locks into place.
The air filter cover is held by several small plastic tabs, so you might hear a “click” sound once it’s properly installed.
Step 4: Reset the “Replace Filter” light
The final step is to let the refrigerator know that you’ve replaced the filter.
On the control panel, locate the button that says “Fresh Air Filter” or “Filter Reset”. Press and hold it down for 5 seconds, or until the “Replace Filter” light turns off.
Optional step: Replace water filter at the same time
If your LG refrigerator has an air filter, there’s a good chance that it has a water filter too. I recommend changing both of them at the same time, since they each need to be replaced every 6 months.
In some models, the air filter and the water filter are even located in a similar place, so it makes sense to save time by only moving your food and shelves out of the way once.
I’ve written a whole article on the process of changing your water filter when you’re ready.
Where To Find Replacement Filters
In my experience, it’s best to go with official LG air filters when it comes time to replace them. You don’t save much money going with third party filters, and many of them have issues with not fitting properly or losing their effectiveness sooner.
Since it’s a hassle to move things out of the way to get to the air filter cover, I’d rather just replace it with an official LG item that I know will last for 6 months.
You can order official replacement filters from Amazon and enjoy fast and free Prime shipping. The best deal is the three pack of filters linked below, which should last you 18 months.
You can save a lot of time and money by ordering this three pack of filters, which is guaranteed to fit your LG refrigerator. Each filter will freshen the air in your frigerator for up to 6 months.
Patrick Ward