LG Electronics USA Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Previewing heat pump and chiller innovations expected to transform the HVAC industry in 2025 and beyond, global HVAC technology pioneer LG Electronics is showcasing its comprehensive suite of heating and cooling solutions at the 2025 AHR Expo® in Orlando at Booth #6643. Catering to commercial, light-commercial, and residential applications, LG Electronics USA's Air Conditioning Technologies division is highlighting the company's commitment to improved decarbonization and electrification technologies that are "ahead of the expected." Throughout the show, LG will demonstrate its leadership in heat pump advancement through cold climate research and innovations, delivering the latest heating, cooling, water, and integrated control solutions.  LG Heat Pump Innovations Supporting Decarbonization Within the booth, LG will showcase Home Electrification and Innovation Zones, both featuring a variety of LG's advanced HVAC systems and solutions: The LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, winner of the 2025 AHR Innovation Award in the Sustainable Solutions Category, is a heat pump solution for cold climates that uses a low-GWP refrigerant cycle to retain full heating capacity at −13°F (−25°C) and functions at 70 percent capacity even at −31°F (−35°C). LG ARTCOOL™ Deluxe, with Dual Vane technology for precise airflow, features Soft Air for gentle cooling, Freeze Cleaning for healthier air and Auto Clean+ for system maintenance; an Occupancy Sensor for energy efficiency, which adjusts temperature settings based on presence to maximize comfort and minimize energy use; and R32 refrigerant for lower global warming potential. LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater, which packages innovative inverter and heat pump motor technology into a sleek, ENERGY STAR® certified water heating solution, minimizing the need for supplemental electric resistance heat, supporting electrical consumption savings across wider heating operating ranges of 23°F to 120°F (ambient temperature), and bringing state-of-the-art innovation to something as familiar as water heating. New 58- and 80-gallon models feature demand response and water leakage detection sensors. The LG A-Coil/Furnace combines the proven technology of an LG Inverter Heat Pump with an A-Coil and Gas Furnace, delivering dual-fuel effective cooling and heating and efficient management with the stable performance of an LG heat pump. Inverter heat pump technology Many of LG's HVAC solutions are ENERGY STAR® certified, offering customers the opportunity Many of LG's HVAC solutions are ENERGY STAR® certified, offering customers the opportunity to potentially take advantage of the growing number of federal, local, and utility rebates and incentives, which can help make an efficient heat pump system more accessible and affordable while capturing the long-term benefit of the technology. "LG is paving the way for technological innovation and electrification in the HVAC industry, demonstrated by our inverter heat pump technology and groundbreaking consortium research with the University of Alaska, among other advancements," said LG Electronics USA Senior Vice President Steve Scarbrough, general manager of LG Air Conditioning Technologies. "Our presence at this year's AHR is focused on efficient technologies that can be used in a variety of extreme climates, providing our customers with effective solutions that help them save money while also bettering the planet." Advanced Chiller Technologies Targeting Data Centers Capitalizing on its HVAC chiller innovations in 2025, LG is joining forces with Microsoft in the rapidly growing field of AI data centers. With LG's thermal management systems and advanced chiller technologies optimized for AI data centers, this new alliance aims to enhance energy efficiency in these critical backbones of AI infrastructure. Together, the companies plan to create next-generation data centers that are more efficient and sustainable. LG chillers on display at AHR Expo 2025 include: Centrifugal Chiller is an oil-free, inverter centrifugal chiller that enhances efficiency by eliminating oil from the refrigerant cycle, making repairs direct and swift, and helping ensure easy chiller part supply. It features improved magnetic bearing reliability through precise rotor control and online UPS for continuous power supply. The chiller also incorporates Discharge Gas Recirculation for fast restarts and enhanced availability. With a simpler structure, it offers fine refrigerant flow control and machine learning functions to reduce surges, restoring 75 percent capacity within 90 seconds. Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller is a compact air-cooled Inverter Scroll Heat Pump Chiller that optimizes heating and cooling while enabling easy installation and quiet operation. Heating and cooling efficiency is improved by increased air volume, optimized airflow, and reduced noise while maintaining heat exchange performance and a stable refrigeration cycle in frosty conditions while supplying water from −10 to 60°C. LG's Innovation Zones Additional highlights on display throughout LG's Innovation Zones include: LATS HVAC LITE is a preliminary design tool for engineers working on Multi V (R-32 VRF) systems, which includes Multi V heat recovery systems, with future versions set to incorporate Multi V S systems. Currently exclusive to LG employees and partners, it provides data such as unit type, cooling and heating capacities, refrigerant type, voltage-hertz-phase, pipe diameters, and maximum number of connected IDUs. LATS R-Checker is a web-based tool that calculates a system's releasable charge and maximum charge for a space per UL 60335-2-40 4th edition. It can account for the use of release mitigation controls, such as the addition of shutoff valves and the use of air circulation or ventilation. 1-Way Cassette is ceiling mounted, discharging air in one direction, and includes a factory-installed filter, delivering cost-effective comfort. Additionally, its 13.5-inch-depth Slim Body offers a minimal exposure design. AHR attendees at Booth #6643 AHR attendees are invited to join LG at Booth #6643 for hourly interactive presentations throughout the show, including discussions on: Hydronics Chillers Electrification Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology

The Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research, the groundbreaking partnership between LG Electronics Inc. (LG) and the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), has opened state-of-the-art, real-world-simulated labs to conduct comprehensive studies on cold-climate heat pump HVAC solutions. cold climate heat pump labs LG and university researchers will conduct studies in two dedicated cold climate heat pump labs located in Anchorage and Fairbanks. These facilities are configured to replicate home environments, enabling a realistic and practical approach to heat pump research. The labs will utilize a variety of LG’s cutting-edge HVAC solutions, including both ducted and duct-free indoor and outdoor units, to assist in the research. Advanced Heat Pump Research The work of the Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research exemplifies Alaska Governor - Mike Dunleavy’s focus on nurturing impactful technology initiatives built on strong public-private partnerships. “Together, researchers from the University of Alaska Anchorage and global innovator LG Electronics are advancing the state of the art in heat pump technology,” said Mike Dunleavy, Alaska Governor, adding “These advanced research labs show how new business and investment in Alaska can have a major impact on our nation and the world.” HVAC-related decarbonization “Heat pump technology is integral to HVAC-related decarbonization efforts, and the research conducted at these new labs will help to further drive progress,” said Chris Ahn, President of LG Eco Solutions USA. He adds, “This research into advancing progress in heat pump system technology supports the promotion of clean energy advances that are among the primary targets for IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) funding in most states, including those in colder climates.” air-source heat pumps The Cold Climate Heat Pump Labs in Alaska will leverage LG’s cutting-edge heat pump technology The Cold Climate Heat Pump Labs in Alaska will leverage LG’s cutting-edge heat pump technology to deliver region-specific comfort solutions designed to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel secondary heating sources. The Anchorage and Fairbanks labs are committed to further enhancing the capabilities of air-source heat pumps to be the primary source of heating in ambient temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. energy-efficient solutions The LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, which was just awarded the 2025 AHR Innovation Award in the Sustainable Solutions category, underscores the company’s ongoing research and development efforts for products under cold conditions. “The research conducted between LG Electronics and UAA will provide ground-breaking insight into heat pump technology to create the best performing, most energy-efficient solutions possible,” said University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor - Sean Parnell, adding “We’re proud to bring this cornerstone of our university to the HVAC market with LG.” heat pump technology and electrification The new labs christened will showcase the breadth of LG’s HVAC product capabilities in heating and cooling The consortium partnership between LG and UAA launched a year ago, brings together LG experts, university researchers, local industry and government agencies to drive market transformation through research on heat pump technology and electrification. The new labs christened will showcase the breadth of LG’s HVAC product capabilities in heating and cooling, setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency. Alaska consortium The Alaska consortium is an integral component of LG’s extensive network of heat pump research partnerships across Korea, Europe, and China. These collaborations collectively form the Global Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research, demonstrating LG’s dedication to broadening its research and development programs. LG’s strategic formation of the consortiums has resulted in a robust, global R&D infrastructure, and the wide-reaching approach equips LG with the capability to develop technologies that cater to the unique climatic and housing conditions regionally.

LG Electronics (LG) is establishing a global R&D triangle connecting North America, Europe and Asia to lead the global heat pump market and secure next-generation heat pumps specifically designed for cold climate zones. The company aims to develop regionally specialized core technologies optimized for the cold climate of Northern Europe through the establishment of the European Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research (ECAHR). Next-generation heat pumps The collaboration with European universities follows the foundation of the LG Advanced Cold Climate Heat Pump Laboratory in Alaska last year, and the company plans to expand efforts to enhance the performance of its Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) products in low-temperature climate conditions. This August, LG will also continue its research on cold climate heat pumps in Harbin in partnership with a prestigious Chinese university. LG held a signing ceremony on June 18 at the main auditorium of Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway to mark the commencement of the consortium. Members include Oslo Metropolitan University, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet) and the University of Naples Federico II, an institute in Italy actively pursuing research in cold-climate HVAC. Expanding supplemental heating LG established a consortium to develop heat pumps that deliver top-tier heating performance During the winter of this year, Northern Europe experienced record-breaking cold weather, with temperatures dropping below minus 40 degrees Celsius. In these regions, achieving high heating efficiency is challenging due to the difficulty of compressing refrigerants at lower pressures. To address this, LG established a consortium to develop heat pumps that deliver top-tier heating performance even in extreme cold conditions. Furthermore, the company is looking to enhance its core technologies to lead global electrification efforts and expand supplemental heating availability in Europe. Achieving carbon neutrality In 2022, the EU launched the REPowerEU plan, aiming to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and expand new and renewable energy sources by 2030. As a result, the demand for high-efficiency electric appliances and heat pump heating and cooling systems has surged across Europe, fueling efforts to lower energy consumption and achieve carbon neutrality. What’s more, LG is in the process of establishing a comprehensive local operation system for its HVAC business, which is expected to drive growth in its business-to-business (B2B) operations. The system covers all stages locally, from research and development to sales, maintenance and operations. Three major growth factors In the announcement of LG’s Future Vision 2030 last year, CEO William Cho highlighted B2B capability enhancement as one of three major growth factors. Aligning with this vision, the HVAC business has set an ambitious goal to more than double its sales by 2030 and become a top-tier global heating and cooling company. “We aim to expand our presence around the world by developing next-generation heat pump technology tailored to the diverse climate conditions of each region,” said James Lee, Head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company, adding “We will continue to expand our footprint in the global market, adding value to drive growth in our HVAC business.”

The HVAC market is in the midst of monumental change this year as trends such as electrification, refrigerant transition, and greater connectivity transform the technology building blocks central to our business. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable to weigh in on this question: What will be the biggest trends in the HVAC industry in 2023?

Some of the technologies in the HVAC market are mature, although the newest innovation is always just around the corner. Newer systems seek to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, and digital control technologies play a role in maximizing their performance. Trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart systems are the basis for the newest connectivity and control approaches. These innovations tie into the broader environment of smart buildings. Systems are also providing remote access to enable technicians to analyze system operation and troubleshoot any problems. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What's new in connectivity and control systems for HVAC?

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.