The electronics giant LG has been alleged to be cheating on energy-use tests for a popular fridge and will have to compensate customers in the USA and now in Australia as well. So this would appear to be a global tactic although we obviously can’t say that for sure.
Nick Stace, CEO of Choice which uncovered the trick, said LG had agreed to cover the difference in power bills to consumers who bought the fridge between September and December last year.
“This fridge is both a potential danger to your food, your wallet and the environment.,” Mr Stace said.
“LG has fitted a circumvention device to this fridge which detects testing conditions and activates an energy savings mode.
“The result is fluctuating temperatures inside the fridge, potentially compromising the quality of the food.
“It is also misleading around energy and cost savings; the average consumer will spend more than $235 over 10 years on increased energy usage.”
Mr Stace said this was not the first time LG had been caught out, with the manufacturer making false claims about certification on the water efficiency of washing machines in 2004, and the energy efficiency of air-conditioners in 2006.
No one from LG has been prepared to answer questions about the fridge.
Whether UK models are affected or not we don’t yet know but this, along with all the other false energy use claims are making us very suspicious of them all right now.
