LG Mini Split Review: In-Depth Comparison With Top Brands

LG is one of the major producers of ductless mini split HVAC systems, and it has a large selection of single-zone systems to multi-zone systems capable of heating and cooling a whole house.

This review gives a detailed overview of LG mini split models – the sleek Art Cool line and highly efficient LGRED o cold-climate models – and compares their features, performance, and price to the best competitors such as Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Fujitsu.

We discuss energy efficiency (SEER/HSPF), noise levels, smart features, capacities, costs, and reliability to make you decide whether an LG mini split is a right choice to meet your demands.

LG Model/Series	Type	Capacity (BTU)	SEER (Cooling)	HSPF (Heating)	Indoor Noise (dB)	Notable Features
Art Cool Gallery	Single-zone (Wall)	9,000–12,000	≈16 SEER	≈9 HSPF	≈26–38 dB	Picture frame style display; Aesthetic design focus; Standard efficiency
Art Cool Premier (Mirror)	Single-zone (Wall)	9,000–18,000	Up to 27.5 SEER	Up to 11.8 HSPF	21–42 dB	High efficiency inverter; Sleek mirror finish; LG ThinQ Wi-Fi built-in; LGRED° cold climate heat
Standard Wall-Mount	Single-zone (Wall)	9,000–24,000	18–22 SEER	9–11 HSPF	21–45 dB	Energy Star models available; Quiet operation; Remote control; Auto-clean function
Multi F Series	Multi-zone (2–5 zones)	18,000–48,000 (total)	16–20 SEER	9–10 HSPF	23–49 dB	Single outdoor unit for multiple rooms; Mix of indoor types (wall, cassette, ducted); Zoning comfort

LG Mini Split Lineup Overview

Single-Zone Systems

LG has a variety of single-zone mini split heat pumps that are meant to treat single areas. Such systems are comprised of a single outdoor condenser and a single indoor unit. The single-zone product line of LG consists of the standard wall-mounted units and the premium ones with the advanced design.

The capacities are normally between 9,000 BTU in small rooms to 24,000 BTU in large rooms. Even the basic single-zone units of LG have inverter technology to operate efficiently and in variable speeds. The majority of the models have high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) of 18-22, which is higher than the minimum requirements in the industry of new systems. The heating performance is also good and most of the units have Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings of 9-11, which guarantees comfort throughout the year in moderate climates.

The LG High Efficiency single-zone series is a good example of what such systems can do. To give an example, a 12,000 BTU LG inverter wall unit (model KSUAB121A) has an approximate 22.5 SEER rating and indoor sound levels as low as 21 dB . This implies that it is able to keep the temperature of a room in a quiet and efficient manner without wasting energy.

Cooling, heating and dehumidification modes are available in all single-zone models, and they have such features as multi-speed fans, programmable thermostats/timers and remote controls to make them convenient. In general, LG single-zone mini splits span a wide range of simple low-cost systems to highly-featured high-SEER systems to those who want the best efficiency in a single room.

Multi-Zone Systems

LG has Multi F series of multi-zone mini split systems, which are applicable in whole-home or multi-room applications. These systems have a single larger outdoor unit (or a modular combination) and are linked to 2 to 8 indoor units, which enables each zone to be independently controlled in terms of climate.

LG multi-zone systems allow flexibility to combine various forms of indoor units (wall-mounted, ceiling cassettes, concealed duct units, etc.) on the same condenser . The design allows homeowners to condition more than one room without ductwork that can significantly increase efficiency by removing duct losses. Multi F outdoor units are available in many capacities (usually between 18,000 BTU at 2 zones and 48,000+ BTU at 5-8 zones) to suit houses of different sizes.

LG multi-zones mini splits are usually in the high teens (16-20 SEER), a little less efficient than the most efficient single-zone, but very efficient multi-room cooling. As an example, an LG 4-zone system has a rating of ~18.8 SEER and ~10.5 HSPF .

The indoor air handlers are independently controllable, providing the real zoning, i.e. you can have different temperatures in the living room, bedrooms, etc., and even turn off units in rooms where no one is present to save energy. The ability to zone and the absence of ducts also allow multi-zone mini splits to save a lot of energy compared to central HVAC when not every room requires conditioning at all times.

It should be mentioned that multi-zone systems are convenient and have a clean installation (only small refrigerant lines between units), but their efficiency is slightly lower than similar single-zone units. The reason behind this is that the outdoor unit will have to cycle to satisfy partial loads and sustain multiple evaporators.

Nevertheless, LG multi-zone systems are ENERGY STAR © certified, and they also employ the same inverter compressor technology to adjust capacity as required. The Multi F series also has models that have LGRED 0 heating technology to perform better in cold weather (more below). Overall, the multi-zone mini splits offered by LG offer a flexible approach to whole-home comfort without ducts, which is both reliable and allows customizing comfort in each zone.

Art Cool Series (Designer Models)

The lineup of LG has one peculiar feature the Art Cool series that is concentrated on the interior design and aesthetics. These are one-zone systems that replace the usual plain indoor unit look with a more fashionable one but without compromising performance. The two most prominent models of Art Cool are:

• Art Cool Gallery: In this model, the indoor unit is made to look like a picture frame. The front panel is able to show an artwork or a picture of your preference so that the air handler can merge with decor. The unit continues to offer dependable cooling/heating (approximately 9,00012,000 BTU capacity) but in a much more appealing appearance than a standard HVAC unit. The Art Cool Gallery is of moderate efficiency (~16 SEER) and is common in living spaces where looks are important.
• Art Cool Mirror (aka Art Cool Premier): These indoor units feature a smooth reflective panel (typically a dark charcoal mirror finish) rather than the typical white plastic. The mirror-style Art Cool units are not only good to look at, they are also one of the best performers of LG. Indeed, an LG Art Cool Premier 9,000 BTU system had an industry-leading 27.5 SEER and 11.8 HSPF rating, and was named an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient model . Art Cool mirror units are available in the range of approximately 9k to 18k BTU with top-of-the-line features such as Wi-Fi app control and plasma air filtration. They are a compromise between luxury looks and outstanding performance.

The Art Cool line shows that LG pays attention to the flexibility of design. These units enable the homeowner to integrate the mini split into the decor of the home, literally concealing it as a piece of art or making it blend with contemporary interior design with a mirrored finish. Nevertheless, even the unconventional appearance of Art Cool models does not deprive them of all the fundamental LG features (inverter compressors, quiet operation, etc.).

They are slightly more expensive in the styling and in the Gallery model, the efficiency is slightly lower than the best of LG because it is slim. However, to the people who care about the look, Art Cool offers a unique alternative that is not provided by many rivals. Mitsubishi and Daikin have a few designer units abroad, but LG picture-frame unit is very unique in the American market.

High-Efficiency & LGRED° Cold-Climate Models

LG high-efficiency mini splits are fronted by such models as the Art Cool Premier series and others with LGRED o (LG Reliable to Extreme Degrees) technology. These systems are designed to offer optimum cooling and heating. On the cool side, LG has its finest units rated to SEER ratings well into the mid-20s, as mentioned, up to ~27.5 SEER on a 9k BTU unit.

This makes LG one of the most efficient mini splits in the highest bracket, with only the industry leaders having models with SEER ratings of 30+. When in heating mode, LG flagship units have HSPF ratings of about 1112, which again ranks them among the best in terms of heat pump performance.

The LGRED o heat performance should be noted especially in cold climates. Heat pumps with LGRED are able to provide full rated heating capacity at outdoor temperatures as low as 5°F, and can operate (producing significant heat) to temperatures as low as -13°F . This is an important aspect to any person living in an area that experiences severe winters since the usual heat pumps tend to lose their capacity when the temperature goes down.

LGRED, LG mini split can be used as the main source of heat during cold weather as with Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating H2i systems or Fujitsu low-ambient XLTH models. LG does this by having an improved compressor system and inbuilt base pan heaters to avoid frost formation on the outdoor unit. The outcome is dependable heat without the need of backup resistance heat in the majority of applications. As an example, an LG 12k BTU LGRED unit will continue to output 12k BTU of heat at 5°F, a non-LGRED unit may drop to half output at that temperature.

These best LG models come with all the features of comfort and durability in addition to raw efficiency. Most have Gold FinTM anti-corrosion coating on coils to extend life, have a Jet Cool/Heat mode to quickly change temperature, auto restart and self-diagnostics, and sophisticated airflow controls (multi-directional vanes).

Almost all LG indoor units available today are also Wi-Fi ready right out of the box, either with built-in modules or simple add-ons, so they can be controlled by smartphone using the LG ThinQ app and can be integrated into a smart home with Alexa or Google Assistant . In the following section, we will discuss more on smart features. In brief, LG high-efficiency product line provides not only excellent SEER/HSPF ratings, but also the operational improvements and engineering to support year-round efficiency (low-temp heating performance). Such models are more expensive, but they also attract numerous energy rebates and tax credits because of their efficiency which helps to cover the initial cost.

Key Features and Performance of LG Mini Splits

Energy Efficiency (SEER & HSPF)

LG mini splits are good in energy efficiency. All LG ductless systems have inverter-driven compressors which vary their speed to suit the cooling/heating load, and do not waste energy by turning on and off . Due to this technology, LG units are able to attain very high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings.

As mentioned above, the highest single-zone models of LG are up to 27.5 SEER, which implies that they can deliver the same cooling effect using only about half the amount of electricity that an old 13 SEER unit consumes. The majority of LG systems, including multi-zone systems, easily surpass the minimum SEER 14-15 by 2023 standards. Realistically, an LG mini split can reduce electricity consumption (and bills) to cool a home by a substantial amount (and more so when used with zoning to cool only the rooms in use).

The heat pump systems are also equally important in heating efficiency as indicated by HSPF. LG mini splits have the best HSPF ratings of approximately 11-12 on their best models, which makes them among the best performers. This is equivalent to reduced heating costs during the winter months and eligibility to ENERGY STAR and utility rebate programs.

It should be mentioned that efficiency also depends on model size: the smaller the capacity, the higher the SEER/HSPF (since the smaller units can be modulated to very low power draws). As an example, a 9k BTU high end LG could be 25-27 SEER and a 24k BTU in the same series could be about 18-20 SEER. Nevertheless, the whole line of LG is made to be efficient first, and even their ducted mini-split systems work at up to ~19.6 SEER, which is much higher than the average ducted systems .

LG is not bad in comparison with other brands when it comes to efficiency. Mitsubishi and Daikin are rated a bit higher (30+ SEER on some small units), but in actual use the difference is minimal – one test of common 12,000 BTU models found Mitsubishi and Daikin at ~23 SEER compared to LG and Fujitsu at ~22 SEER .

The point is that LG mini split is a great option to choose in case you are an energy-wise customer. The savings on utilities over a 15 20 year life span can be significant to justify the initial cost of a high-efficiency LG system. We will talk more about operating cost in the cost section but one of the reasons mini splits (and LG in particular) are frequently suggested in retrofit or addition projects where efficiency and control of comfort are important is efficiency.

Cooling & Heating Capacity and Performance

LG mini splits are available in various capacities to meet the size of rooms and climatic requirements. Single-zone units come in a range of about 9,000 BTU (0.75 ton) to 36,000 BTU (3 ton) to serve a single room or open space. Multi-zone outdoor units are even more capacious (up to 4-5 tons in total shared between zones).

The capacity is also important to select: not too big because it will short-cycle and not too small because it will not keep comfort. LG gives sizing instructions and professional installers perform load calculations to size to space. Regarding the real-world performance, LG systems are reputed to perform their rated capacity even under adverse conditions. As stated, with the LGRED tech, an LG heat pump can deliver the full heating capacity to 5 F, which is an impressive number. Standard models (not enhanced low-ambient) can normally be used down to approximately -4 F heating and 14 F cooling . This implies that even the non-boosted units are good in cold weather, in milder winter weather or shoulder seasons.

One of the things that should be considered is that various brands are strong in some niches. Fujitsu, e.g., has a reputation of being a bit more heating capacity than their nominal size, some Fujitsus will overheat a little above their rating in moderate cold.

The performance of LG in terms of capacity is quite good, although one expert review observed that at very low compressor speeds (where only a small amount of heat or cool is required) the LG unit had a lower efficiency (COP) than an equivalent Mitsubishi . That is to say that Mitsubishi may be a little more graceful in the ultra-low load situations, which may provide it with an advantage in terms of comfort preservation efficiency in mild days. That being said, both brands rev up and down quite well in normal circumstances. The inverter compressor that LG will have will adapt to provide only the amount of BTUs necessary to maintain the setpoint without large temperature fluctuations.

LG mini splits have an operating range that will fit most climates. Cooling mode usually operates between about 14°F and 118°F outdoor temperatures (with low ambient cooling kits some models can operate down to near 0°F to cool server rooms, etc.). Standard models tend to have heating mode that works between -4 and 65 F outdoors, and with LGRED 0, between -13 and 75°F or so.

This broad spectrum implies that an LG system can be used nearly all year round in most locations except when it is too cold or hot and it is beyond its scope. Comparatively, the hyper-heat of Mitsubishi will also reach -13°F, the cold-climate models of Daikin about -5°F and Fujitsu somewhere in the middle. That way LG is as good as the best in cold weather operation when you select the right model. In the very hot climates, all brands can accommodate normal peak highs (110-115°F); some LG units are rated to 125°F with proper installation, which is well above what is required in the U.S.

Noise Levels (Quiet Operation)

The quietness of mini splits is one of the major benefits of this type of equipment and LG is not an exception. Indeed, the outdoor units of LG are one of the quietest in the market – a comparison showed that LG outdoor condenser had the lowest sound level of approximately 45 dB(A), which is lower than similar models of Mitsubishi, Daikin or Fujitsu .

To give you an idea, 45 dB is approximately the noise of a library or a conversation in a low voice, so you are not likely to be bothered by an LG compressor running outside, and neither will the neighbors. LG units also work well indoors: at the lowest fan speeds, most LG wall units are in the low 20 dB range (essentially whisper quiet). As an example, the 12k BTU LG unit discussed above has an indoor sound level of about 21 dB at low speed . All you may be able to hear is a slight hum or the slight whoosh of air.

How does this rank with other leading brands? Mitsubishi is commonly reported as the quietest overall, with indoor units capable of reaching down to 19 dB on some models, and one article reported Mitsubishi to be operating at 34 dB in typical conditions as being whisper-quiet .

Fujitsu is more or less in the same league; its wall units also reach down to ~22 dB (in fact, Fujitsu and Mitsubishi were tied as quietest indoor unit at 22 dB in one test, with LG very close behind at 24 dB). In real life, all of these high-end mini splits are very quiet inside the house, the difference of a few decibels on the lowest fan speed is insignificant. On full blast, you will notice a little whooshing of air, but still, it is much less than a window AC or even a central system blower. Most users note that they can hardly tell when the mini split is running.

The noise advantage of LG may be on the outside side. The 45 dB rating of LG outdoor units is very low, in fact, some Daikin and Fujitsu outdoor units may be 50-55 dB under full load, and older central A/C condensers can be 70+ dB (which is a night and day difference).

Less noise in the outdoor unit translates to a greater degree of placement options and satisfied neighbors. Inside, when you are particularly noise-sensitive (e.g. you are putting it in a bedroom), Mitsubishi or Fujitsu may be a bit ahead in terms of absolute lowest sound, but LG is not far behind at all. Each of them has a nighttime mode with low fan speeds or sleep mode. To conclude, LG is silent; they are made to operate almost soundlessly at low speeds. Noise is not going to be a problem with an LG mini split system unless you are in the market to find the quietest unit that money can buy (and even then, LG is in that discussion).

Smart Features and Controls

LG uses its consumer electronic experience to incorporate powerful smart capabilities into their mini splits. As stated, almost all the existing LG models are Wi-Fi enabled. Most of them have an integrated Wi-Fi module (particularly in the premium models), so you can pair the device with the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone without the need of extra devices.

LG provides a plug-in Wi-Fi adapter to models that do not have it as standard. With this connectivity, you can remotely control your mini split in full: turn units on/off, adjust temperature, set schedules, switch modes, and monitor energy usage all via the app. In addition, LG platform is connected with voice assistants and smart home systems LG ThinQ is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to be voice-controlled, and it can be a part of a wider LG smart home system (fridge, washer, etc., in case you have other LG appliances). Conversely, the Wi-Fi is regarded as an optional add-on by many of its competitors (e.g. Mitsubishi Kumo Cloud adapter). The strategy of LG is remarkable because it makes smart control available to many people.

Besides connectivity, LG mini splits also have a number of convenience features. The handheld infrared remote is standard and allows you to control mode, fan speed, vane direction and programmable timer.

Wall-mounted thermostats or controllers can be used as well in most models, in case they are wanted (particularly in a multi-zone system or commercial use). LG indoor units are auto-restart memory (so they restart to the previous settings in case of power failure) and self-diagnostic (error codes are flashed to allow easy troubleshooting). Another prominent aspect in most of the LG systems is the auto clean self-cleaning coil, which dries and cleans the evaporator coil to prevent molds and odors. This assists in keeping the air quality and minimizes maintenance. Also LG has multi-stage filtration on their units, usually a washable anti-dust filter and an optional finer filter or ionizer. As an example, there are Art Cool models with plasma air purification filter to trap allergens and enhance indoor air quality.

The other convenience is the number of operating modes offered by LG. In addition to the standard cool, heat and fan-only settings, LG models frequently include a special Dehumidify setting that dries out the room without over-cooling, which is excellent on sticky days.

They also have an auto mode which alternates between cooling and heating according to the requirement to keep a fixed temperature- this comes in handy during seasonal changes. Such features as Jet Cool/Jet Heat (turbo mode) can bring the system to full output in a short period of time to achieve a new setpoint in a short time . And a Sleep mode will slowly change the temperature setpoint during the night to be more comfortable and save energy, then turn off or restart as programmed . Briefly, LG offers all the latest controls and features one would expect of a high-end HVAC system. The user interface (either through remote or app) is usually easy to understand, and the smart integrations provide an extra convenience to tech-savvy homeowners. LG mini splits will not disappoint you, in case you cherish connectivity and automation, as they are one of the leaders in turning HVAC into a smart home component.

Cost and Installation of LG Mini Splits

The price of LG mini split system consists of two parts: the price of equipment and the cost of installation. LG units are readily found in HVAC distributors and online retailers and their equipment pricing is frequently competitive with other high-end brands.

As an example, a single-zone 12,000 BTU LG mini split (equipment only) may cost about 1,200-1,800 dollars depending on the model and any specials. The higher capacity or Art Cool models will be on the higher end, and multi-zone outdoor units are just more expensive (a large 4-5 zone condenser can be a few thousand dollars just on the unit).

In the case of installed cost, the majority of homeowners will spend between 3000 dollars to 5000 dollars on a single-zone LG mini split that is fully installed . Precise cost is dependent on such factors as the complexity of installing refrigerant lines, amount of line set required, the necessity of a new dedicated electrical circuit, and local labor rates.

Depending on the type of indoor unit you select (an Art Cool Gallery or other special indoor unit), you may need to pay a little extra to have it installed (as it is not exactly the same as a regular wall unit). In multi-zone systems, each extra indoor unit increases the costs, so a dual-zone system with two indoor and one outdoor could be expected to cost about 8000 to 10000 dollars installed . A 4 or 5-zone system can cost more than 12,000 dollars. Mini split installation national averages are very broad (approximately 2,000 on the low end of a small unit that can be installed by a DIYer, to 14,000+ on a whole-home multi-zone installation) .

What are the prices of LG compared to other brands? As a rule, the LG equipment is slightly cheaper than Mitsubishi and Daikin in terms of similar capacity equipment.

On a head-to-head quote, an LG system was the lowest price system of major brands. Homeowners have also discovered that an LG mini split can be several hundred to a couple thousand dollars less than a Mitsubishi equivalent. This is what makes LG a good value option, since you are still getting a high quality unit with similar features. Fujitsu and LG tend to be at the same price range, both of which undercut the high prices of Mitsubishi. With that said, the labor required to install it and the markups by the contractor can bridge the gap, assuming your installer is more comfortable with one brand or another, that may affect the price. One story told that Mitsubishi was 8k more on a multi-unit project than LG, mostly because of the difference in equipment costs.

It is advisable to have a licensed HVAC professional to install it. The warranty of LG is usually valid only in case of professional installation and commissioning (evacuation of lines, etc.). The installer will size the system, install mounting of the indoor and outdoor units, run the refrigerant lines and install the electrical connections.

LG mini splits are standard 208/230V (there are some smaller ones that can use 115V, but most 12k+ BTU are 230V). They will also fill the system with refrigerant in case it is necessary (many units are pre-charged to a specific line length) and test operation. Due to the complexity, mini split installation is not a normal do-it-yourself project unless you have experience in the HVAC field. The installation is however normally quicker and less obtrusive than the installation of ductwork to a central system, which is often completed in a day or two per system.

Other expenses to be aware of are: concrete pad or wall bracket to mount the outdoor unit, line set cover (to conceal the piping on the outside wall to make it less unsightly), and electrical (addition of a disconnect box and perhaps upgrading your panel, should that be necessary). These may cost some hundreds of dollars.

On the positive side, a lot of LG units are eligible to rebates. High-SEER heat pumps may have local utility rebates of up to $200 to over $1,000 per system, and net cost can be reduced further by federal tax credits (under the Inflation Reduction Act and Energy Star programs). LG observes that efficient systems have given rebates of up to 2,500 to some customers. That is why it is worth doing some research on incentives when pricing an LG mini split.

In short, an LG mini split can be a very cost-effective investment in home comfort, even though the initial cost of installation is high, the long-term energy savings and possible rebates may make it a very cost-effective investment. And in comparison with the rivals, LG tends to offer a comparable performance at a cheaper initial cost, which makes it a good value.

LG vs Mitsubishi Mini Splits

Mitsubishi Electric is usually regarded as the gold standard in mini split industry, so any comparison between LG and Mitsubishi is of high interest. Both brands are of high quality and high performance systems, yet there are certain differences and considerations to be taken into account when making a choice between them.

• Efficiency: The best mini split models of Mitsubishi are incredibly efficient, e.g. a 9,000 BTU Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating can achieve approximately 30.5 SEER and 13+ HSPF under perfect conditions. The best that LG can offer is about 27.5 SEER and 11.8 HSPF . Practically, the mainstream models of both brands of a particular size tend to be in the low-20 SEER. Some sources say that Mitsubishi is ~5% more efficient on average . This is a minor advantage, and Mitsu has a minor advantage in raw efficiency.
• Low-Temperature Performance: Mitsubishi and LG both have low-temperature heat pump technology, which is called Hyper-Heat (H2i) and LGRED, respectively. They are rather similar, both can give full heating at 5°F and work down to approximately -13°F . Mitsubishi has a reputation of great cold weather reliability and may have a little more field experience in extremely cold areas. When it is regularly colder than -10°F, a lot of contractors tip Mitsubishi. But LGRED 1 has effectively bridged the gap, providing comparable performance at freezing temperatures.
• Noise Levels: Mitsubishi mini splits have a reputation of being quiet. Indoors units are as quiet as 19 dB(A) on low fan which is virtually silent. The indoor units of LG are also quite quiet (approximately 21-24 dB on low) and the majority of users would not feel the difference. Mitsubishi units are very quiet outdoors (~49-50 dB usually), and LG ones are even quieter, about 45 dB . Both are therefore superb; Mitsubishi may have the tiniest edge inside (which is basically insignificant), and LG may be a little quieter outside.
• Features and Technology: Both brands have inverter technology, multi-stage filtration, and various modes. LG leans ahead in built-in Wi-Fi – nearly all LG models are Wi-Fi enabl