A Guide to LG Inverter Air Conditioners

With the ever-rising prices of utilities, inverter air conditioners provide a cost-efficient way of cooling your home without breaking the bank. And LG’s line of inverter ACs combine the benefits of inverter technology with the expertise and durability of one of the world’s foremost appliance brands.

What is an Inverter Air Conditioner?

Conventional air conditioners run on a fixed capacity: they are either off (0%), or on (100%). This means it’s always running at its highest capacity, which makes it inefficient.

An inverter AC is able to adjust its output capacity to suit the cooling need. The inverter directs the compressor unit to either increase or decrease the output based on the room’s air temperature, instead of blasting away at full volume all the time.

Advantages of Inverter ACs

Reduced power consumption

• Inverters have a variable electrical consumption based on their workload.

Longer operational lifespan

• Since the motors or compressors are more efficient and don’t have to work as hard, inverter air conditioners tend to have a longer lifespan than conventional AC units.

Faster cooling

• Inverter ACs start off strong, then gradually decrease the power level as the room temperature goes down. This means faster cooling.

More quiet

• AC units tend to be noisier on higher settings. Inverter ACs can lower their setting when the room temperature is cool enough, which makes them more quiet.

Long-term savings

• Depending on the appliance, inverter-equipped units can be up to 27% more efficient than traditional appliances, which translates to lower utility bills in the long run.

LG’s Inverter AC Technology

LG’s line of inverter air conditioners combine inverter technology with a variable speed compressor. This adjusts the speed of the compressor motor to more accurately regulate room temperature compared to traditional air conditioners, which can only turn the compressor on or off.

The result is a quiet, more efficient, and longer lasting AC unit that also boasts higher energy savings. In fact, LG inverter air conditioners can save up to 70% more in energy consumption, based on testing by third-party laboratory Intertek on LG’s LA200WC AC model.

Compressors are one of the most critical elements of air conditioners. Unlike most other brands that outsource their compressors, LG manufacturers its own compressors in-house with LG’s very own parts.

Our Recommended LG Inverter Air Conditioners for 2022

Single-zone inverter mini-split:  

LG LA090HYV3 9000 BTU 27.5 SEER Art Cool Premier Single Zone Mini Split System with Heat Pump and Built-In WiFi

LG’s HYV3 series of inverter ACs features low ambient heating operation down to -13°F, making these units a viable option as a primary heat source. This particular model is rated at 9,000 BTUs and can service a space up to about 375 sq. ft. It boasts a high efficiency rating of 27.5 SEER and an EER of 15.8, and HSPF rating of 13.5.

Apart from its impressive ratings, one of the upgraded features on the LA090HYV3 is built-in WiFi (previous HYV models required an optional module for WiFi) for smart home control. Also included is the ability to have more of a height differential between the indoor and outdoor units. The HYV3 allows for elevations up to 39.4 feet (vs. 32.8′).

The line is also available in 12,000, 15,000, 18,000 and 24,000 BTU models.

Multi-zone inverter mini-split:

LG LMU180HV 18,000 BTU Configurable 2 Zone Mini-Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

LG’s Flex Multi-Split Dual Zone series allows you to install two indoor units in separate areas of your home. This 18,000 BTU mini split AC is a dual-zone air conditioning and heating system with a combined connectivity BTU rating of up to 24,000 and can be configured to include a combination total of 2 wall mounted and/or ceiling units. Whether connected with non-ducted, ducted units or a combination, the system maintains its Energy Star Qualification.

The Multi-F / Flex Systems are not only cost and energy efficient, they are also able to offer comfort year round with enhanced cooling and heating ranges. It is capable of heating when outdoor temperatures are as cold as -4°F, so it can function as a primary heating system in most parts of the country. Cooling-wise, it can operate in the cooling mode with outside temperatures as low as 14°F. With the addition of the optional drain pan heater (PQSH1203), the cooling operation can be enhanced to -4°F.

Each unit operates with its own remote or thermostat (depending on the units you choose), so there is no need to condition the room you are not using.

Ceiling cassette inverter mini split:

LG LC128HV4 12,000 BTU Single Zone Ceiling Cassette Mini Split with Heat Pump

Ceiling cassette mini split systems are a great alternative when floor space is at a premium. The LC128HV4 Single Zone Mini Split System is a great option for colder climates, capable of operating in conditions down to -4°F in heating mode and down to 0°F in cooling mode. An optional wind baffle can further enhance the cooling operation down to -4°F.

This indoor unit boasts 11,100 BTUs of cooling power and 14,000 BTUs heat pump capacity when used with the compatible LUU127HV outdoor unit. It is Energy Star-qualified with 19.4 SEER, 12.6 EER and 10.4 HSPF ratings.

Features include Jet Cool mode, which operates the unit at high speed for up to 30 minutes to quickly cool a room down to 64°F; Swirl Wind, a four-way controlled louver and fan speed system that creates a stronger, wider air flow and reduces temperature stratification; and a Dehumidifying Mode that controls humidity by shutting down the compressor before the space gets over-cooled.

For more recommended AC units, check out our Top Air Conditioners list.