LG - Experts & Thought Leaders

Supporting LG Electronics’ global business-to-business (B2B) expansion, the company aims to double its U.S. HVAC product sales by 2030, executives announced at LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA’s 2024 Dual Channel Leadership Summit. The two-day summit, which brought together pioneers from LG’s distribution customers and applied representatives, cultivated a collaborative environment supporting LG’s substantial B2B growth strategies. LG executives and gain insights Attendees had the opportunity to connect with LG executives and gain insights into products Attendees had the opportunity to connect with LG executives and gain insights into products, processes, the upcoming refrigerant transition, marketing initiatives, and more. "As we actively expand our B2B business in the United States, we intend to more than double our HVAC product sales by 2030," said Chris Jung, President and CEO of LG Electronics North America, who highlighted LG's innovations and aggressive B2B acceleration with HVAC being a primary growth driver worldwide. Smart HVAC solutions "Smart HVAC solutions are in demand due to rising commercial construction, energy-saving regulations, electrification and decarbonization, as well as Inflation Reduction Act rebates and incentives," adds Chris Jung. Thanking the applied reps and distributors for their partnership in transforming the industry, Chris Jung said, "We will never stop innovating and investing in solutions that help grow your business and will continue to build on the foundations of innovation and collaboration and collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible in the HVAC industry." New residential HVAC systems Chris Jung said LG aims to strengthen its U.S. air solutions business through strategic partnerships, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of HVAC, especially as the electrification movement continues to expand. A significant LG focus is the company’s extensive range of HVAC solutions, particularly its hydronic and heat pump products. Heat pumps are a crucial element in the United States’ pursuit of achieving goals by 2030 Heat pumps are a crucial element in the United States’ pursuit of achieving electrification goals by 2030, with some states aiming to have 65 percent of all new residential HVAC and hot water heating systems consist of heat pumps by the end of the decade. The U.S. heat pump market, valued at $13.6 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at over 8.9 percent CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Related to building emissions Underscoring its commitment to electrification and decarbonization, LG invited Panama Bartholomy, Head of the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) as the summit’s keynote speaker on 'The Path to a Decarbonized Future'. Bartholomy spoke about emerging laws and regulations related to building emissions, the trajectory for the decarbonization movement and the opportunity the changes bring for the HVAC industry.  Sustainability and climate goals Steve Scarbrough, Senior Vice President and General Manager for LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA, said, "LG is dedicated to delivering energy-efficient, environmentally-conscious solutions that contribute to sustainability and climate goals for our professionals, their customers and the U.S." Steve Scarbrough adds, "The Dual Channel Leadership Summit provides us with a platform to not only talk through our product innovations, but the many ways in which we are providing associates solutions that help them grow their businesses today and into the future." Portfolio of HVAC solutions For example, Scarbrough explained that, as a pioneering advocate of the electrification movement, LG offers a broad portfolio of HVAC solutions that enhance energy efficiency, contribute to environmental stewardship, and support the industry’s transition towards a greener future. LG Electronics’ global acceleration of B2B operations as a central component of its overall business portfolio innovation strategy. B2B capabilities By 2030, the company expects that its B2B areas will account for 45 percent of total sales versus 35 percent. Beyond air solutions, LG Electronics is rapidly strengthening its B2B capabilities across a wide range of other areas, including vehicle components, information displays, robots, EV charging systems, built-in appliances, and smart factory solutions.

HVAC industry pioneer LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA has launched a new podcast series, “LG Pro Cast,” which aims to foster insightful and meaningful conversations within the HVAC industry. The podcast will bring together industry experts, including Pro Dealers, distributors, contractors, builders, engineers and LG pioneers, to share the latest industry trends, valuable advice, relatable and inspiring stories and technological advancements that are reshaping the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. LG Pro Cast features Select episodes will incorporate insights and trends related to other product categories Hosted by LG Air Conditioning Technologies’ Terry Frisenda, national business development manager, and Phillip Kriegbaum, manager, business development, LG Pro Cast features engaging conversations among the hosts as well as featured professional guests in interview-style discussions.  Timely topics will range from emerging HVAC technologies and trends, heat pump solutions, best practices for load calculations, useful technology solutions, whole-home solutions as well as challenges and opportunities in the HVAC industry. Select episodes will incorporate insights and trends related to other product categories such as energy storage systems and heat pump water heaters, which also support the nationwide electrification movement. Innovation in the HVAC industry “By offering a diverse array of customer and project stories, delving into new policies or regulations, and sharing light-hearted anecdotes from the field, LG is facilitating engaging conversations that offer invaluable opportunities for connection,” said Frisenda. “LG Pro Cast is all about interacting with the trailblazers who are driving innovation in the HVAC industry and having meaningful conversations to help move our industry forward.” One and two of the new podcast series Episodes one and two of the new podcast series are now available. Episode One: Temperatures in Tune: Discovering VRF Kicking off the LG Pro Cast series, the inaugural episode takes listeners on an educational journey into the world of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology. It peels back the layers of VRF’s benefits and applications, providing comprehensive insights that reveal its value and potential. More than just an informational resource, the episode serves as a deep dive for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of VRF solutions in various HVAC environments. Episode Two: Hot, Cold, and Clean: Debunking Myths Surrounding Heat Pump Technology The second podcast episode focuses on debunking prevalent myths about heat pumps. Beyond myth-busting, it underscores the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of these systems, addressing common misunderstandings and equipping listeners with essential information and practical advice to assist them in considering or recommending heat pumps as suitable heating and cooling solutions. This installment is more than just an episode—it’s a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of all things heat pumps. LG’s commitment Looking ahead, this season of LG Pro Cast has an exciting lineup of episodes scheduled to air throughout the year, including broadcasts from industry events and distributor locations, prominent HVAC sector guests, a look at other LG solutions, and more.  LG Pro Cast underscores LG’s commitment to “fostering knowledge sharing and community building within the HVAC industry,” Kriegbaum said. LG Pro Cast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship, LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA is working with Hudson Technologies, Inc., a globally renowned provider of innovative and sustainable refrigerant products and services to the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration industry, to support LG Air Conditioning Technology USA’s customer base with access to Hudson’s reclaimed EMERALD Refrigerants™. Darren Gibula, Vice President of Operations for LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA, said aligning with Hudson Technologies supports LG’s global sustainability vision of a 'Better Life for All'. Adoption of refrigerants Darren Gibula said, "At LG, we’re committed to efforts to reduce carbon emissions and drive the future of cleaner energy through our all-electric heat pump HVAC products, the introduction of hydronics solutions and the adoption of refrigerants with a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential)." He adds, "Leveraging Hudson’s extensive experience in reclaimed refrigerants will enable LG to help our customers meet new California refrigerant-related regulations, as well as reinforce our efforts to deliver more eco-conscious solutions for end-users nationwide." EMERALD Refrigerants Hudson Technologies’ EMERALD Refrigerants are certified reclaimed refrigerants made in the USA LG is continuously innovating its technologies to support carbon emission reduction efforts, energy conservation, and to make living more sustainable, which includes use of lower-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants such as R-32. Hudson Technologies’ EMERALD Refrigerants are certified reclaimed refrigerants produced in the United States. EMERALD Refrigerants help reduce the unintended release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and, as a recycled product, combat the environmental impact associated with the production of new virgin refrigerants. They meet or exceed AHRI 700 specifications and contain only certified verifiable reclaimed refrigerant. Refrigerant management Kate Houghton, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Hudson Technologies, commented, "With our industry-pioneering reclamation technology and long-standing commitment to responsible, sustainable refrigerant management, Hudson is delighted to work with LG in support of providing more environmentally friendly products that operate using reclaimed refrigerants." She adds, "Together, Hudson and LG can make a tremendous impact as the industry transitions to cleaner, more environmentally-friendly, cooling solutions."  Heat pump HVAC solutions Kate Houghton continues: "LG’s environmental leadership and award-winning heat pump HVAC solutions make them the perfect partner for Hudson and our longtime focus on responsible refrigerant management and sustainable practices." Darren Gibula said: "By leveraging emerging technologies and thoughtful resources, LG products can help deliver peak performance, energy efficiency, and cost savings, while adapting to the dynamic conditions of residences or buildings."

AHR Expo was back in a big way for 2022, reflecting a dynamic industry that not only survived the pandemic but has found new ways to thrive. Technical developments on display in Las Vegas spanned traditional product categories, which continued to display new levels of innovation in a mature market. Also reflecting progress were new digital offerings that increase control and efficiency of HVAC products and link them to the expanding world of data.  Omar Tabba, the Chief Product Officer at Brainbox AI, said “You see a lot of vendors at the show, who are software value-adds to equipment, to systems, to sensors, and there is a more genuine openness and acceptance that this is a valuable thing,” Connected cloud-based applications Omar Tabba adds, “An important driver in the market is the ability to have cloud-based applications connected to buildings. Another driver is an intense scrutiny to come up with environmentally friendly solutions and to reduce the carbon footprint.” Brainbox AI is among the companies leveraging the value of data in the building environment and applying it to increasing energy efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Brainbox cloud-based system At the AHR Expo 2022 show, Brainbox announced a distribution agreement with ABB The Brainbox cloud-based system leverages data from building systems, analyzes it in the Cloud using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and then guides the system to optimize building HVAC operations in real time. The company has three primary pathways into the market - strategic accounts for large end users, systems integrators/resellers, and through OEM partners. At the AHR Expo 2022 show, Brainbox announced a distribution agreement with ABB, to sell their cloud-based product around the world, thus taking advantage of a large global platform. “The show has been great,” said Omar Tabba, echoing the feedback heard throughout the show from multiple exhibitors, adding “We were kind of apprehensive, given the pandemic, about whether the attendance would be good. We have been blown away. We had a full booth the first two days, and the third day was good as well.” Transitioning to Heat Pumps Electrification is a driving trend in the market and Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US introduced a product that can help to smooth the transition from gas- and oil-fire furnaces to heat pump systems. Their intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system is a heat pump that is installed on top of a furnace with an intelligent system that enables switch-over back and forth between the two systems to maximize efficiency. Mitsubishi Electric’s intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel system This intelli-HEAT system helps home owners who are comfortable with a furnace system make the transition to a heat pump that provides hyper-heating, down to minus 13 degrees F. Depending on the climate zone, the changeover temperature can be adjusted to ensure efficiency and every hour the heat pump operates, means no burning of fossil fuels, which is good for the environment. At 40% better efficiency, the system provides a return on investment (ROI) within 5 to 10 years. Also, the system creates a pathway for contractors into the home for future business, as the electrification transition continues.  Kumo cloud system At the AHR Expo 2022, Mitsubishi Electric also highlighted the Kumo cloud system At the AHR Expo 2022, Mitsubishi Electric also highlighted the Kumo cloud system, an app-based controller for residential systems that manages every indoor unit from a single app and connects with Google assistant and Alexa for voice control of each zone. Also previewed at AHR Expo was the Lossnay system from Mitsubishi Electric, a new wall-mounted residential ERV (energy recovery ventilator); a fan moves air through opposing channels, with a heat membrane that transfers the heat from one air stream to the other. In effect, incoming fresh air is preheated by the exhaust air going out. Hybrid VRF on display On the commercial side, Mitsubishi Electric offered a hybrid VRF that uses water as a hydronic energy exchange medium rather than refrigerant. A refrigerant loop connects the outdoor VRF unit to the BC controller, while a water loop is provided to each indoor unit. One cost benefit is to avoid the rising cost of refrigerant, while water also avoids the possibility of a refrigerant leak that could impact fire safety, especially in a setting such as a school. HEAT2O system using VRF technology The HEAT2O system from Mitsubishi Electric uses VRF technology to heat water in tanks from 175 to 500 gallons and using CO2 as a refrigerant. Heating water with heat-pump technology allows for just the capacity needed, can prepare for peak flows, or can phase down when demand is low. A shift to concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) and healthy buildings was evident at the Carrier booth, which highlighted a new certification program called ‘Carrier Certified Quality Air Systems’. “It’s important to educate people about air quality,” said Holly Rhodes, Associate Director for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Products for Carrier Corporation. OptiClean Air Scrubber using long-life HEPA filter The booth highlighted the OptiClean Air Scrubber that uses a long-life HEPA filter for larger spaces The booth highlighted the OptiClean Air Scrubber that uses a long-life HEPA filter for larger spaces, such as school cafeterias; the unit is on wheels and plugs into an outlet for easy deployment. There was also a smaller Room Purifier, available as a consumer product, which can purify air in up to 550 square feet of a home, with prices ranging from US$ 350 to US$ 500. Carrier Corporation displayed at the AHR Expo for the first time as an independent company, since spinning off from United Technologies Corporation (UTC). The Carrier booth assembled all their brands under one footprint at the show, providing one face to the market. Also featured was the Abound cloud platform that unites air handling, air purifier systems and services to enable users to visualize indoor air quality with graphs and a dashboard that balances air quality and energy usage concerns. 19MV Water-Cooled Centrifugal chiller On the commercial side, Carrier displayed a smaller-footprint 19MV Water-Cooled Centrifugal chiller, at 300- to 700-ton capacities, with an EquiDrive compressor for better efficiency and small enough to pass through double doors. A higher-tier product, the 19DV chiller, at 300 to 1150 tons, uses low-pressure, low-GWP refrigerant and leverages “free cooling” (i.e., with the compressor off) to increase sustainability. Complementary Lines for Ducted and Ductless Air and Water Solutions is the new brand that combines the GE Appliances, Haier and Hotpoint brands under an umbrella that combines resources and renews their dedication to the professional side of the business. At the AHR Expo 2022, Air and Water Systems announced reentry into the ducted space for the first time in 40 years; with a full line of the Unitary brand residential products, including heat pumps, air handlers and other equipment. The new line is complementary to their mature ductless line and provides a more complete menu of options. SmartHQ Service diagnostics platform There is also a template that allows installers to pre-drill holes to simplify installation The emphasis is ease of installation and service. For example, a ‘kick-stand’ allows a unit to pull out from the wall to make connections and then pop back flush to the wall. There is also a template that allows installers to pre-drill holes to simplify installation. When changing a PCB, it is not necessary to take the unit apart. The SmartHQ Service diagnostics platform provides visibility into the internal parameters and operation of a system. A plug-in interface tool collects data to provide dealer-installers insights to help with troubleshooting and maintenance, and to analyze historical operation data. Performance, efficiency and enhanced ventilation LG displayed Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, energy efficient heat pumps, and emphasized indoor air quality and building connectivity products. The LG Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller uses inverter technology to provide hot and cold water for comfort and process applications with new levels of performance and efficiency. The LG Split Compact Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) helps to address ventilation concerns in the age of COVID-19.

It’s great time to be in the HVAC industry. That was the optimistic vibe as the AHR Expo opened in Las Vegas, the first such in-person gathering of the industry since the beginning of the global pandemic. Attendance was moderate and steady throughout the first day of the show as HVAC professionals took stock of technology developments that have emerged over the last two years. COVID changed the HVAC market, probably forever, and the changes extend beyond the masks that were dutifully worn by 99% of the AHR attendees. COVID has increased awareness of issues such as indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, all of which spells opportunity for HVAC businesses. Johnson Controls However, beyond reacting to COVID, the industry is also on the cusp of a new wave of technology development built around electrification, decarbonization and greater energy efficiency. There is a trend toward digitization, making more things possible by applying computer technologies to complement and enhance improvements in equipment operation. Smarter systems that are more autonomous and/or deploy the principles of artificial intelligence are among the approaches. “It is an incredibly important moment in time that we can totally rethink buildings and what buildings are about in our business and on our balance sheet,” said Katie McGinty, VP and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer for Johnson Controls. “Right now, with the technology we are talking about, the building becomes a strategic asset to drive your business plan. I think we are in a place where we are not just beating down problems, such as climate change and COVID, but now buildings are a key strategic asset that drives your business, excites your employees and helps you meet and exceed your goals.” “Right now, with the technology we are talking about, the building becomes a strategic asset to drive your business plan” - Katie McGinty, VP and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer for Johnson Controls New regulations from DoE Regulations are driving much of the innovation in HVAC, including new U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) minimum efficiencies for central air conditioners and heat pumps that take effect in January 2023. Also on the horizon are limits on use of low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants that take effect in 2025. Throughout AHR Expo, there is evidence of how the industry is hard at work to achieve these requirements. Prompting greater decarbonization are demands from the Securities and Exchange Commission to disclose carbon emissions in buildings and to draw down the amount of CO2 per square foot. Also driving innovation is greater investment, such as the U.S. Infrastructure Bill, and legislation including the “Fit for 55” plan in the European Union. LG Electronics An important technical trend evident at AHR is the need for manufacturers to extend the effective temperature range of compliant technologies; in other words, to create heat pumps that are effective in even colder climates without being augmented by other means. For example, LG’s Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller provides heating and cooling from minus 22 degrees F to 122 degrees F, making it acceptable in Phoenix or in New York. Even if a system opts for supplemental heat, it can be provided by electrical sources. Open Blue system New business models are also emerging, including the “as a service” approach, in which companies provide a full range of services from the cloud in a “subscription” arrangement with the customer making monthly payments. An example is Johnson Controls’ “Open Blue” system, which provides “indoor air quality (IAQ) as a service.” Indoor air quality matters and is directly connected to mitigating the spread of airborne infection, but it has broader implications, too. “If we can make the pivot from reacting to COVID to being proactive about the benefits to better productivity provided by a well-managed building environment, then we win,” said Tyler Smith, Executive Director, Healthy Buildings, Services and Solutions, Johnson Controls. Another trend evident at AHR Expo is a labor shortage in the industry. Approaches to the problem include remote maintenance and service systems that can analyze a problem before a truck rolls, thus saving on labor resources. Another approach is creation of technologies that are easier to install and new tools that simplify installation and save labor hours. Look for more coverage of these trends and technologies after the show ends.

Welcome to our Expert Panel Roundtable, a new feature of HVACInformed.com. We will be asking timely questions about the HVAC market and seeking out experts in the field to provide responses. Our goal is to promote a useful exchange of information on a variety of topics and to create a forum for discussion of important issues facing the industry. Launching this new feature in the middle of a global pandemic made choosing our first question quite easy. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What has been the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the HVAC market?