LG air source heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency, reliability, and durability. They’re a popular choice among consumers across the globe, offering eco-friendly and cost-efficient options for homes of all sizes.
If you’re looking to upgrade to an LG air source heat pump, stick around. In this comprehensive LG air source heat pump review, we’ll walk you through the latest LG Therma V models, their efficiency ratings, and installation costs.
LG Air Source Heat Pump: A Brief Overview
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are advanced HVAC systems that transfer heat from one place to another. They extract heat from the outside air and bring it indoors and are also capable of removing heat from your home and releasing it outside during the warmer months.
ASHPs are three to four times more efficient than traditional heating/cooling systems because they move air rather than generate it. This results in lower utility bills, reduced energy consumption, and a smaller carbon footprint overall.
There are two main types of air-source heat pumps: air-to-air heat pumps and air-to-water heat pumps.
Air-to-air heat pumps heat and cool your space by transferring heat through air. In contrast, air-to-water heat pumps move heat to a water-based system, which then provides heating and cooling for your home.
LG manufactures air-to-water heat pumps under the name Therma V. At the time of writing, LG doesn’t offer air-to-air heat pumps for residential use.
Why Buy an LG Air Source Heat Pump?
LG air-to-water heat pumps provide numerous benefits over traditional heating and cooling systems, making them a smart and economical choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Cost Saving
LG air-to-water heat pumps use up to 60% less energy than traditional heating systems, which translates into substantial energy savings. They can also be powered using solar or wind energy, potentially reducing electricity consumption to zero.
Easy Installation
Beyond operational cost savings, installation costs are lower than most other heating systems.
LG heat pumps don’t rely on extensive ductwork to distribute air throughout the home. In most cases, it only needs one hole in the wall to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit for the electrical wiring and drain piping.
Long Lifespan and Minimal Maintenance
Unlike traditional heating/cooling systems, with extensive maintenance requirements, LG heat pumps require minimal upkeep to maintain their performance and efficiency over time.
All you need to do is to keep the air filters and evaporator coils clean, and occasionally check for duct leakages, wear and tear, and low refrigerant levels.
Most LG models feature built-in self-diagnostic systems that alert you of any potential issues before they become major problems. Running the occasional diagnostics prevents costly repairs and ensures your LG heat pump operates at its maximum efficiency year-round.
With proper maintenance, LG air source heat pumps can last for 20 years or more.
Main Models in the LG Air Source Heat Pump Range
LG’s air-to-water heat pump line—Therma V—is divided into four main models:
Split
Therma V Split is an air-to-water heat pump with an indoor and an outdoor unit.
The outdoor unit houses the condenser coil, compressor, and expansion valve, while the indoor unit contains the fan, evaporator coil, and control system.
The indoor unit can be placed strategically within the home for optimal cooling and heating distribution.
Split systems can also be configured with multiple indoor units to accommodate large homes or different zones.
Hydrosplit
Unlike the Therma V split, which uses refrigerant piping between the indoor and outdoor units, hydrosplit uses water piping. Water piping eliminates the risk of refrigerant leaking inside your house, where it can pose serious health hazards if inhaled.
Other than that, performance and installation are fairly similar.
Monobloc
Therma V monobloc heat pumps are HVAC units that house all essential components—including the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve—in one outdoor unit. This makes them ideal for homes with limited outdoor space.
Monobloc units connect similarly to conventional boilers, so they need to be situated as close to the heating as possible to limit the length of the pipe. The good news is that they’re much quicker to install than split systems because they don’t have multiple points of connection.
R290 Monobloc
R290 monobloc units are essentially upgraded versions of Therma V monobloc units.
Unlike monobloc units, which rely on refrigerants, R290 monobloc units use R290, a natural refrigerant with a considerably lower GWP (Global Warming Potential). They also feature anti-icing and deicing technologies, which aren’t available on the standard monobloc.
Comparison Table of LG Air Source Heat Pumps
| Model | Refrigerant | Capacity Range (kW) | Indoor Unit Sound Power Level (dB(A)) | Outdoor Unit Sound Power Level (dB(A)) | Typical COP (Coefficient of Performance) |
| Split | Traditional refrigerant | 5.0 kW – 16.0 kW | 30 – 40 dB(A)) | 45 – 55 dB(A)) | 3.5 – 4.5 |
| Hydrosplit | Traditional refrigerant | 8.0 kW – 20.0 kW | 44 dB(A)) | 61 – 63 dB(A)) | 3.2 – 4.2 |
| Monobloc | Traditional refrigerant | 5.0 kW – 12.0 kW | 32 – 35 dB(A) | 46 – 56 dB(A)) | 3.4 – 4.0 |
| R290 Monobloc | R290 (natural refrigerant) | 5.0 kW – 12.0 kW | 39 dB(A) | 49 – 51 dB(A)) | 3.6 – 4.6 |
How Much Do LG Air Source Heat Pumps Cost?
In the UK, LG air-source heat pumps cost between £5,000 to upwards of £10,000, depending on the efficiency, model, and capacity. This doesn’t include installation, which costs at least £6,000.
Fortunately, the UK government offers heat pump grants and relates to help ease the financial burden of purchasing and installing air-source heat pumps.
One such grant is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers up to £7,500 for the installation of air-source heat pumps. The Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO4) also provides some financial support to encourage low-income families to install energy-efficient systems.
The initial investment for installing LG air-source heat pumps can still be quite high even with government assistance, especially if you live in a large home. However, the energy efficiency of heat pumps can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. There’s also the fact that LG air source heat pumps can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance, offering a long-term return on investment.
If you have solar panels in your home, you can save even more money on heating and cooling by connecting them to your LG air source heat pump via the solar thermal system.
Heating and Cooling Performance of LG Air Source Heat Pumps
A heat pump’s heating and cooling performance is measured using two key ratings: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor).
SEER measures an air conditioner’s maximum energy efficiency over a cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the heat pump.
LG air source heat pumps offer excellent cooling efficiency, with up to 27.5 SEER. Heat pumps with a rating of 18+ are considered to have above-average energy efficiency. The best high-efficiency heat pumps have a SEER rating of 26 and higher.
Another performance indicator to pay attention to is the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). Like the SEER rating, the higher the HSPF, the less electricity the system needs to heat a room.
The minimum HSPF rating of ENERGY STAR-rated heat pumps is 8.2. Most LG air-source heat pumps exceed this number by at least two points, ranging from 10.2 to 13.5 HSPF.
Which Size Air Heat Pump Is Right for Your Home?
A heat pump’s size is measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit).
BTU represents the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Large homes need higher BTU because they have greater heating and cooling demands due to their larger square footage.
Here’s a simplified sizing guide for air heat pumps based on room size:
| Home size (in square feet) | Heat pump size (in BTUs) | Heat pump size (in tons) |
| 500 square feet | 12,000 BTUs | 1 ton |
| 1,000 square feet | 24,000 BTUs | 2 tons |
| 1,500 square feet | 36,000 BTUs | 3 tons |
| 2,000 square feet | 48,000 BTUs | 4 tons |
| 2,500 square feet | 60,000 BTUs | 5 tons |
| 3,000 square feet | 72,000 BTUs | 6 tons |
Final Thoughts
LG is a highly sought-after household brand with a stellar reputation in the appliance industry.
Their air source heat pumps are among the highest-rated in the market, winning multiple awards for their design and performance.
They have no less than an A+++ rating and operate at incredibly low volumes, saving you money on electricity bills in the long run.