How To Change Air Filter In Lg Refrigerator – For Fresh Food

ByJim Boslice Home & Kitchen

To change the air filter, locate the “Fresh Air Filter” cover inside the back of the refrigerator, rotate it counter-clockwise to remove it, and swap the old filter for a new one with the side labeled “Front” facing out.

After replacing the cover, press and hold the “Air Filter” button on the control panel for three seconds to reset the indicator light.

Have you ever opened your fridge only to be greeted by the lingering scent of last night’s garlic chicken or a pungent onion? It is a common frustration that can make even a clean kitchen feel unorganized. Keeping your food tasting fresh starts with maintaining the systems designed to scrub the air inside your appliance.

I promise that learning how to change air filter in lg refrigerator units is one of the simplest DIY tasks you can perform, requiring zero tools and less than five minutes of your time. This small maintenance step prevents odor transfer and keeps your refrigeration system running efficiently.

In the following guide, we will walk through the exact steps to locate your filter, the proper way to orient the new carbon element, and how to clear that annoying “Change Filter” light on your display. Let’s get your kitchen back to its peak performance.

Understanding the LG Fresh Air Filter System

Most modern LG refrigerators, especially the French Door and Side-by-Side models, feature a Fresh Air Filter system. This isn’t just a piece of plastic; it is a forced-air system that uses a fan to push air through a deodorizer. This deodorizer is typically a carbon-based honeycomb structure that traps odor-causing molecules.

Unlike a box of baking soda that sits passively in the corner, this active system circulates air through the filter. This means the air is cleaned multiple times an hour. Over time, the carbon becomes saturated with particles and loses its ability to neutralize smells. That is why consistent replacement is key to a high-functioning kitchen workshop.

If you ignore this filter, you might notice that ice cubes start to taste “funny” or that delicate foods like butter or milk begin to absorb the odors of stronger items nearby. Keeping the air clean is just as important as keeping the temperature stable for food preservation.

Why You Need to Know How to Change Air Filter in LG Refrigerator Models

You might wonder if you can just skip this maintenance item. After all, the fridge still stays cold, right? While the cooling system will continue to function, the air quality will rapidly decline. Learning how to change air filter in lg refrigerator ensures that your appliance operates exactly as the engineers intended.

A clogged air filter can actually put a very slight strain on the small internal fan responsible for air circulation. While it won’t burn out the compressor, it can lead to uneven cooling zones within the fridge. Furthermore, the activated carbon inside the filter is specifically designed to handle the high-moisture environment of a refrigerator, something a standard shop-vac filter or generic charcoal can’t do.

From a DIY perspective, performing this task yourself saves you the high cost of a service call. Appliance technicians often charge a flat fee just to show up. By mastering this five-minute swap, you keep that money in your pocket for your next woodworking project or tool upgrade.

Essential Tools and Materials

One of the best things about this job is that it requires almost nothing in terms of hardware. You won’t need your impact driver or a set of wrenches for this one. However, having the right supplies ready will make the process seamless.

  • Replacement Filter: Most LG models use the LT120F air filter. Always double-check your manual or the model number on the inside wall of your fridge.
  • A Step Stool: Since the filter is usually located at the very top back of the interior, a small stool helps you see what you are doing without straining.
  • A Microfiber Cloth: Use this to wipe down the filter housing area while the cover is off. Dust and moisture can accumulate there.
  • A Permanent Marker: It is a pro tip to write the date of installation on the side of the filter frame before you slide it in.

When purchasing your replacement, I highly recommend sticking with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. While “knock-off” filters are cheaper, they often contain less carbon or have poor fitment, which can allow air to bypass the filter entirely.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Air Filter in LG Refrigerator

Now, let’s get into the meat of the project. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the new filter is seated correctly and the system is reset.

Step 1: Locate the Filter Cover

Open both doors of your refrigerator. Look at the back wall, usually near the top shelf. You will see a plastic cover, often circular or square with vents, labeled “Fresh Air Filter.” In some models, you may need to move a few tall jars or a milk carton out of the way to get a clear reach.

Step 2: Remove the Old Filter Housing

Grasp the filter cover firmly. You typically need to rotate the cover counter-clockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn. It should “click” out of its locked position. Pull the cover toward you. The old filter will likely be stuck to the back of the cover or sitting loosely in the housing.

Step 3: Swap the Filter Element

Pop the old filter out of the plastic cover. Take your new filter and look at the edges. One side will usually be labeled “Front” or have an arrow indicating the direction of airflow. Place the new filter into the cover with the “Front” side facing outward, so it will face the interior of the fridge once installed.

Step 4: Reinstall the Cover

Align the tabs on the filter cover with the slots in the refrigerator wall. Push it in and rotate it clockwise (to the right) until it locks into place. It should feel secure and flush against the back wall. If it feels wobbly, you likely haven’t engaged the tabs correctly.

Step 5: Reset the Indicator Light

This is the step most people forget. Go to your refrigerator’s exterior control panel. Look for the button labeled “Fresh Air Filter.” Press and hold this button for 3 seconds. The “Replace” light should turn off, and the internal timer will reset for the next six months.

Where is the Air Filter Located? (Model Specifics)

While most LG French Door models follow the steps above, some Side-by-Side or older units might have slight variations. Knowing the nuances of how to change air filter in lg refrigerator across different designs is helpful if you are helping a neighbor or working on a different unit in your shop.

In some older models, the filter isn’t a “twist-off” design. Instead, it might be a small drawer that slides out from the top ceiling of the fridge. If you don’t see a circular cover on the back wall, look up. You might find a small plastic tab that you can pull down to reveal the carbon element.

If you have a compact LG refrigerator, it might not have a replaceable air filter at all. These units often rely on passive cooling and don’t include the forced-air filtration system found in the full-sized “Smart” models. Always check for the “Fresh Air Filter” logo on the interior back panel to be sure.

The Science of Carbon Filtration in Your Fridge

To appreciate why we do this, we have to look at the adsorption process. Note that it is “adsorption” with a ‘d’, not “absorption.” Adsorption happens when gas molecules (odors) stick to the surface of the carbon. Activated carbon is treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms.

This creates a massive surface area. In fact, one gram of activated carbon can have a surface area of over 3,000 square meters! When the fridge fan pulls air through that little LT120F filter, the odor molecules get trapped in those pores like a moth in a web. Once those pores are full, the filter is “spent” and can no longer clean the air.

This is why DIYers shouldn’t try to “wash” or “vacuum” an air filter. You cannot easily remove the molecules trapped in those microscopic pores. The only solution is a fresh piece of activated charcoal. It’s a simple but highly effective piece of technology that keeps your leftovers from tasting like your produce.

Signs Your Air Filter Needs Replacing Early

The “Change Filter” light is usually on a simple six-month timer. It doesn’t actually “sense” how dirty the filter is. Depending on your lifestyle, you might need to know how to change air filter in lg refrigerator sooner than the light suggests.

If you store a lot of pungent foods—think kimchi, strong cheeses, or cut onions—the carbon will saturate faster. Similarly, if you have a large family and the fridge door is opened dozens of times a day, the fan runs more often, pulling more air (and potential contaminants) through the filter.

Watch for these signs:

  • Lingering Odors: If you cleaned the fridge but it still smells “off.”
  • Ice Taste: If your ice cubes have a metallic or “food-like” taste.
  • Visible Dust: If you see a buildup of grey dust on the filter vents.

In these cases, don’t wait for the light. Go ahead and swap it out to maintain optimal air quality.

Pro Tips for a Better Smelling Refrigerator

Changing the filter is the heavy lifter, but as any good garage tinkerer knows, maintenance is a multi-step process. To get the most out of your new filter, pair it with these shop-tested habits.

First, check your door seals (gaskets). If the seals are dirty or cracked, humid air from your kitchen enters the fridge. This moisture can make the air filter damp, which reduces its effectiveness. Wipe the gaskets with warm soapy water once a month to ensure a tight seal.

Second, keep an eye on the evaporator coils. While not directly related to the air filter, dusty coils make the fridge run longer and harder. If the fridge is working overtime, the internal air circulation patterns can change, sometimes bypassing the filtration path. A quick vacuum of the coils behind the bottom grille works wonders.

Finally, utilize the “Power Scrub” or “Max” setting on your air filter if your LG model has it. This usually runs the fan at a higher speed for a set period. Use this after a big grocery trip or if something accidentally spoiled in the back corner. It forces more air through the carbon to clear the air quickly.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple job can go sideways if you aren’t careful. One common mistake when learning how to change air filter in lg refrigerator is forcing the cover. The plastic tabs on the housing are relatively fragile. If the cover won’t turn, don’t grab a pair of pliers. Instead, push inward slightly while turning to help the tabs clear the locking ramps.

Another pitfall is installing the filter backwards. While it might seem like a small detail, these filters are designed for unidirectional airflow. Installing it backwards can restrict the air path, making the small fan work harder and reducing the odor-catching efficiency. Always ensure the “Front” label is facing you.

Lastly, don’t forget the reset button! If you don’t reset the light, you’ll lose track of when the next change is due. If your control panel is non-responsive, try opening and closing the fridge doors once to “wake up” the electronics before holding the button.

Frequently Asked Questions About LG Refrigerator Air Filters

How often should I really change my LG air filter?

The standard recommendation is every 6 months. However, if you store a lot of fresh produce or highly aromatic foods, you might find that changing it every 4 months keeps the air noticeably fresher.

Can I run my LG refrigerator without an air filter?

Yes, the refrigerator will still cool your food without the filter. However, the air won’t be scrubbed of odors, and dust may eventually accumulate on the internal fan blades. It is best to keep a fresh filter installed.

Is the air filter the same as the water filter?

No, they are two completely different components. The water filter (usually located in the ceiling or door) removes impurities from your drinking water and ice. The air filter (located on the back wall) removes odors from the air inside the cabinet.

Why is my “Change Filter” light still on after I replaced it?

The light does not automatically detect a new filter. You must manually reset it by pressing and holding the “Air Filter” button on the control panel for about 3 to 5 seconds until the light goes out.

Where can I find the model number for my replacement filter?

You can usually find the filter model number (like LT120F) printed on the side of the old filter. You can also find it in your owner’s manual or by looking up your refrigerator’s model number on the LG website.

Final Thoughts on Fridge Maintenance

Taking care of your home appliances is a lot like taking care of your workshop tools. A little bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way in preventing bigger, more expensive problems down the road. Knowing how to change air filter in lg refrigerator is a fundamental skill for any homeowner who wants to maintain a clean, efficient, and pleasant-smelling kitchen.

It is a quick win that provides immediate results. The next time you open your fridge to grab a cold drink after a long day of welding or carpentry, you’ll appreciate that neutral, clean air. Don’t let a small $15 part stand in the way of your appliance’s performance.

Go ahead and check your display panel right now. If that little red light is glowing, you know exactly what to do. Grab a new filter, give it that quarter-turn twist, and keep your kitchen running like a well-oiled machine. Happy DIYing!

Jim Boslice
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