LG Air Conditioner Error Code 22

Error code 22 on an LG air conditioner means the outdoor unit inverter board has detected input over current on the RMS measurement. The input power current has exceeded the allowed limit, which is 31 amperes in cooling mode or 34 amperes in heating mode. The system shuts down to protect the inverter board and compressor drive electronics from damage caused by sustained overcurrent.

No, you should not attempt to bypass or ignore this fault. Error code 22 is a protective shutdown triggered because the system is drawing dangerously high current. Continuing to operate the unit under these conditions risks permanent damage to the inverter board and compressor, which are among the most expensive components in the system. Leave the unit off until the cause of the overcurrent condition has been identified and corrected.

Repair costs vary widely depending on the cause. If the issue is a refrigerant line restriction or blocked outdoor unit, the service call and labor may range from around 100 to 250 dollars. A refrigerant recharge typically adds 150 to 400 dollars depending on the refrigerant type and amount needed. Replacing an EEV can range from 200 to 500 dollars in parts and labor, while inverter board or compressor replacement can cost anywhere from 600 to over 2000 dollars depending on the unit size and parts availability.

Some basic checks are within reach for a handy homeowner, such as inspecting refrigerant lines for visible kinks, removing any objects blocking the outdoor unit, and confirming nothing is covering the outdoor coil. However, checking refrigerant pressures, testing the EEV, and diagnosing compressor or inverter board faults require specialized tools and EPA certification for refrigerant handling. A licensed HVAC technician should handle those steps.

A power reset may temporarily clear the displayed error and allow the unit to restart, but the fault will return if the underlying cause has not been corrected. The inverter board monitors input current continuously, so as soon as operating conditions drive current back above the 31A or 34A threshold, the system will shut down and display the code again. Resetting without diagnosing the root cause is not a fix.