Owner’s manual
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Is top mount fridge better than bottom mount?
A top-mount refrigerator is better if you want the lowest upfront cost and simpler access to the freezer; a bottom-mount (like LG LFX25974ST) is better if you want fresh-food items at eye level and more convenient day-to-day organization. The “better” choice depends on how you use your refrigerator.
| Feature | Top mount (freezer on top) | Bottom mount (freezer on bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food access | You bend more often | More eye-level access |
| Freezer access | Easier, at chest level | More bending, usually drawers |
| Organization | Typically simpler layout | Often more bins, drawers, dividers |
| Energy use | Often slightly lower | Often slightly higher |
| Repair complexity | Often simpler | Often more features to service |
- Choose bottom mount if you use the refrigerator section most and want less bending for everyday items.
- Choose top mount if you use the freezer most and want a simpler, budget-friendly design.
- If you have kids, a bottom mount keeps common snacks and drinks easier to reach.
- If you meal prep and store lots of produce, bottom mounts usually make organization easier.
- If you want fewer features and fewer potential failure points, top mounts are often the simplest.
Most people open the fresh-food door far more than the freezer. With a bottom-mount design, you keep milk, leftovers, and produce closer to eye level, which reduces bending and makes it easier to see what you have (less food waste).
If you are comparing layouts because you are trying to improve performance or convenience on your current refrigerator, use the LFX25974ST owner's manual to confirm storage configuration, temperature recommendations, and feature operation for your exact model.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the life expectancy of an LG refrigerator?
Most LG refrigerators, including the LG LFX25974ST, have a typical life expectancy of 10 to 15 years with normal household use and basic maintenance. Keeping airflow clear, seals tight, and the water system maintained helps you reach the high end of that range.
A refrigerator’s lifespan is usually determined by how hard the sealed system and cooling airflow have to work day to day.
- Condenser cleanliness: Dust buildup makes the compressor run hotter and longer.
- Door seal condition: Leaks force longer run times and can cause frosting.
- Room temperature and ventilation: Tight cabinets and hot garages shorten life.
- Ice maker and dispenser use: Heavy use increases wear on valves, motors, and tubing.
- Water quality and filter changes: Sediment can restrict flow and stress the inlet valve.
Use the LFX25974ST owner's manual for model-specific care intervals and access instructions.
- Vacuum and brush the condenser area regularly (unplug first).
- Keep door gaskets clean; wipe with mild soap and water, then dry.
- Replace the water filter on schedule; a clogged filter can reduce dispenser flow.
- Level the refrigerator so doors close fully and consistently.
- Avoid overpacking; leave space for air circulation inside the compartments.
| What you notice | Often a maintenance/part issue | Often a major cooling issue |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps but fans run | Dirty condenser, door gasket leak | Sealed system/compressor problem |
| Slow water dispensing | Clogged filter, restricted tubing | Weak inlet valve |
| Frost buildup near doors | Gasket not sealing | Persistent cooling airflow problem |
If you are troubleshooting water flow, the LG lt500p refrigerator water filter ADQ72910911 is the correct filter listing for this model page.
A refrigerator that runs longer to hold temperature uses more energy and puts extra strain on high-cost components like the compressor and control board. Simple upkeep helps prevent premature failures and keeps food temperatures stable.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with the LG refrigerator?
For the LG LFX25974ST refrigerator, the most common issue we see is a cooling problem: the fresh food section or freezer warms up, temperatures swing, or the unit stops cooling. On this style of LG bottom-mount refrigerator, compressor-related failures are a frequent root cause, but airflow and defrost problems can look similar.
- Refrigerator is warm but lights and display still work
- Freezer is softening food or making excess frost
- Clicking, buzzing, or repeated start attempts from the back
- Ice maker slows down or stops because temperatures are too warm
- Water dispenser works but cooling performance is poor
- Confirm temperatures: set the refrigerator to about 37°F and freezer to about 0°F, then allow 24 hours to stabilize.
- Check door sealing and alignment: gaps or a warped gasket cause warm air leaks and frost.
- Look for airflow blockage: overpacked shelves can block vents and mimic a cooling failure.
- Inspect for heavy frost on the rear freezer panel: often points to a defrost or fan airflow issue.
- Clean condenser area: dust buildup reduces heat transfer and can raise temperatures.
For model-specific operating details and control settings, use the LFX25974ST owner's manual.
| What you notice | Likely area | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| No cooling or weak cooling, compressor area noisy | Sealed system/compressor | Refrigerator compressor TCA38091801 |
| Warm temps plus weak airflow from vents | Evaporator fan system | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C |
| Frost buildup, doors not closing tightly | Door sealing | Refrigerator door gasket, right ADX73550624 |
Cooling problems can quickly lead to food spoilage and can also trigger secondary complaints like “ice maker not working” or “water tastes off” because the refrigerator never reaches proper temperatures.
If the issue is specifically the ice maker or dispenser performance, our guide how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems helps you rule out common causes like low water flow and air in the line.
Last updated: February 2026
