Series photoLG · Single-Zone
~$2,162
LG Art Cool Deluxe LGRED 12,000 BTU
Cold-climate homes that want a cold-weather 12k from a mainstream maker without paying Mitsubishi prices.
- BTU/h
- 12k
- Volts
- 230
- Refrig.
- R-32
- SEER2
- 25.5
- HSPF2
- 11.2
- Heats to
- -31°F
LGKNUAB181A / KUSAB181A
LG · Single-Zone
LG High Efficiency 18,000 BTU
KNUAB181A / KUSAB181A
~$2,759approximate retailer price at last check, equipment only
- BTU/h
- 18k
- Volts
- 230
- Zones
- 1
- SEER2
- 23
- HSPF2
- 10
- Heats to
- -4°F
- Refrig.
- R-32
- Covers
- 850 ft²
- Wi-Fi
- Built in
Best forOpen living areas up to 850 sq ft where efficiency matters and winters stay above about 0°F.
Overview
The 18k High Efficiency pair is rated 23 SEER2 and 10 HSPF2, with 18,000 BTU cooling and 21,600 BTU heating at the rating point. The outdoor unit pulls 19 to 30 A, uses 3/8 in. liquid and 5/8 in. gas line connections, and weighs about 128 lb. LG's heating range is -4°F to 65°F. It is built for an open living area of up to about 850 sq ft. At about $2,759 which is a lot to pay for 18k when the Mega 18k is $1,838, so the $921 premium buys 2 points of SEER2, 0.6 of HSPF2 and a heating limit of -4°F rather than 5°F.
- 21,600 BTU heating rating
- -4°F heating limit
Cold-weather output
At 5°F it still makes 70% of its rated heat, according to the certified NEEP listing for this pairing. LG rates it to keep running down to -4°F.
- COP at 5°F
- 1.8
- Refrigerant
- R-32
- AHRI cert.
- 215413009
- ENERGY STAR cold climate
- Yes
Pairing: KUSAB181A with KNUAB181A. Checked October 8, 2026 on NEEP's ccASHP list; a different head or condenser posts different numbers.
Strengths and catches
Strengths
- +23 SEER2 / 10 HSPF2 with 21,600 BTU rated heat
- +Covers up to about 850 sq ft
- +3/8 x 5/8 line set standard for 18k
Catches
- −$921 more than the Mega 18k for modest efficiency gains
- −-4°F limit does not match the LGRED line's
- −Heavy outdoor unit at about 128 lb
- −10-year term needs licensed install and 60-day registration
Questions buyers ask
How large a space does the 18k cover?+
LG's listing covers about 850 sq ft, suited to an open living area. It is rated 18,000 BTU cooling and 21,600 BTU heating at the 47°F point.
What is its certified heat in the cold?+
NEEP certifies 15,200 BTU at 5°F with a COP of 1.8. That is about 70% of the 21,600 BTU rating at 47°F. The heating limit is -4°F, so plan around that rather than deep-cold performance.
What circuit and install work does it need?+
The outdoor unit pulls 19 to 30 A on 230V and uses 3/8 in. liquid and 5/8 in. gas lines. It weighs about 128 lb, so a proper pad or heavy bracket is needed. A licensed installer is required for the 10-year warranty.
Why pay $2,759 when the LG Mega 18k is $1,838?+
The $921 premium buys 23 SEER2 against 21 and 10 HSPF2 against 9.4, and a -4°F heating limit against the Mega's 5°F. That is a long payback for most households. It makes more sense where running hours are very high and electricity is expensive.
Similar systems
Everything from LGSeries photo
Series photoLG · Single-Zone
~$2,017
LG Art Cool Deluxe LGRED 9,000 BTU
Small, cold bedrooms and offices where one 9k head has to be the main heat.
- BTU/h
- 9k
- Volts
- 230
- Refrig.
- R-32
- SEER2
- 27
- HSPF2
- 13.5
- Heats to
- -31°F
LG · Single-Zone
~$1,990
LG Art Cool Mirror 12,000 BTU
Style-conscious rooms in mild-to-mixed climates where the Emura's look is wanted at a lower price with better efficiency.
- BTU/h
- 12k
- Volts
- 230
- Refrig.
- R-32
- SEER2
- 22.5
- HSPF2
- 10.5
- Heats to
- -4°F