LG Refrigerator Fridge and Freezer Both Too Warm
On an LG, both compartments warming together means the single cooling source has failed — most likely the Linear Compressor — but the condenser fan, the evaporator fan, a sealed refrigerant leak, or the inverter board can each cut cold air to both sections at once, and because this is a food-safety situation you…
Why both go warm at the same time#
LG refrigerators make cold in one place: a single evaporator in the freezer, whose air the evaporator fan then shares to both compartments. So a warm fridge with a cold freezer is an airflow or damper problem — but when BOTH sections warm together, the cooling source itself has failed. That points you straight at the shared heart of the system: the compressor, the condenser, the sealed refrigerant loop, or the board that runs them.
Food safety comes first#
Both compartments warm is a food-safety emergency. The USDA says to discard perishables held above 40°F for more than a couple of hours. Keep the doors closed — a shut LG French Door holds safe fridge temperatures for roughly 4 hours and a full freezer far longer. If the repair will take longer than that, move perishables to a cooler with ice, and throw out anything that has sat warm too long.
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Refrigerant gauges ($200+), vacuum pump ($250), leak detector ($150), and EPA-certified recovery equipment. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Causes at a glance#
| Likely cause | What you'll notice | Share of cases | First move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Compressor failure | No cooling; silent or clicking | 30% | Check compressor and warranty |
| Condenser fan failure | Compressor runs, no heat rejection | 25% | Confirm the condenser fan spins |
| Evaporator fan failure | Weak airflow to both sections | 20% | Listen for the evap fan |
| Sealed refrigerant leak | Runs constantly, slow warm-up | 15% | Professional diagnosis |
| Inverter / control board | No start command to compressor | 10% | Inspect the board and relay |
Working through the causes#
Linear Compressor failure (30%). LG's Linear Compressor is the sole mechanical heart of the system, and when it fails all cooling stops. It can fail electrically (an open or shorted winding), mechanically (a seized piston), or in its start system (a relay or inverter board that will not spin it up). This is the leading cause of a whole-box warm-up — and the part most likely to be under warranty, so confirm coverage before authorizing a paid repair.
Condenser fan failure (25%). The condenser fan pulls air across the coils to reject heat. If it stops, the sealed system cannot shed the heat it removes, and the whole box warms even though the compressor is trying. Confirm the condenser fan spins whenever the compressor runs; a stalled fan starves the system of cooling capacity.
Evaporator fan failure (20%). The evaporator fan distributes cold air from the freezer evaporator to both compartments. A failed fan leaves cold air stuck at the coil, so both sections warm despite the compressor and condenser working. Listen for the fan; silence there points to the evaporator fan motor.
Sealed refrigerant leak (15%). A slow, steady warm-up with the compressor running hard and everything else intact suggests refrigerant has leaked from the sealed system. This is licensed, specialist work — leak location, repair, and recharge — never a DIY step.
Inverter or control board (10%). The inverter board drives the Linear Compressor. If it fails, the compressor never gets its start command even though the compressor itself may be fine. Inspect the board and its relay once the mechanical parts are ruled out.
Safety First — Know the Risks
Refrigerant (R-134a/R-600a) requires EPA certification to handle. Improper discharge is a federal violation and health hazard. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Diagnostic decision tree#
Listen and look at two things — the compressor and the condenser fan:
- Silent compressor, silent fan: a board or power problem.
- Click-pause-click, fan running: a compressor relay or mechanical failure.
- Compressor running steady, fan silent: condenser fan failure.
- Both running steady but warm: clogged coils or a refrigerant leak.
- Compressor running hard, fan running: a refrigerant leak with the compressor compensating.
Check your warranty first#
LG's 10-year Linear Compressor warranty covers the compressor's parts and labor, and a 1-year full warranty covers other components like the board, fan, and relay. Certain 2014–2019 models also fall under extended class-action coverage. Verify your warranty status with the model and serial number before paying for a compressor repair.
The Real Cost of DIY
Average DIY attempt: $150-400 in tools you may use once, plus the risk of further damage. Our diagnostic visit costs $0 — we find the problem and give you an honest quote.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Preventing a repeat#
- Clean the condenser coils every 6 months — every 3 with pets or in dusty Sacramento summers.
- Give the unit adequate clearance (about 4 inches rear, 2 inches sides) for condenser airflow.
- Don't run it in a space that exceeds about 110°F ambient, such as a hot garage.
- Keep it level so the refrigerant lines are not stressed.
Both sections warm on your LG? Our technicians diagnose compressors, fans, and boards same-day across Sacramento and the Bay Area. Book your repair.
Senior Appliance Repair Technician · 15 years experience
EPA-certified technician with 15 years of experience specializing in refrigerator and cooling system repairs.
