LG Electronics has offered to make in-home modifications on French door refrigerator models that were improperly certified as Energy Star compliant in the United States.
Under terms of an agreement with the United States Department of Energy (DOE), LG will also compensate owners, modify unsold inventory and remove five current models from the Energy Star program.
According to both parties, LG rated the refrigerators on the basis of a standard test procedure that has been widely used for nearly 30 years. LG said it didn’t take into account different applications of the testing rules for newer technologies used in the latest energy-efficient products. DOE said LG specifically didn’t set the refrigerators’ temperature-controllable compartments to their coldest levels, a requirement for energy-usage measurements.
Affected models include 10 LG-branded SKUs and 12 Kenmore-branded Trio units designed and manufactured by LG and sold by Sears.
Current LG models include the LFX23961, LFX25971, LFX21971, LMX25981 and LMX21981, all with in-the-door ice and water dispensers.
Five discontinued models include the LFX25950, LFX25960, LFX21960, LFX25980 and LFX21980.
The affected Kenmore units have in-the-door ice and water dispensers and model numbers beginning with 795.
Under terms of its agreement with DOE, LG will offer to modify consumers’ refrigerators at the company’s own expense. The modification, which involves replacing the ice maker’s circuit board and reprogramming the fridge, will make the units more energy efficient but not Energy Star compliant.
According to LG spokesman John Taylor, the company is working with servicers, servicing dealers and through its own service network to implement the modifications.
LG will also provide consumers with a one-time cash payment covering the difference between the energy rating listed on the original EnergyGuide label and the restated energy rating, plus annual payments for future incremental energy usage for the expected useful life of the appliance, up to 14 years.
LG said it will attempt to contact all previous purchasers of the affected units, and has established a special hotline “” (888) 848-1266 “” and Web site (www.lgrefrigeratoroffer.com).