LG Electronics USA Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

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.”

Based in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, Zook Cabins designs and builds custom park model homes for people who prioritize comfort while enjoying minimalist living. Park model homes include both rustic, prefabricated log cabins and sleek, modern tiny houses, each offering customized floorplans utilizing quality materials and skilled Amish workmanship. Zook stands out from its competitors by prioritizing quality and customization for homeowners. efficient cabin-buying experience Matt Meshey, lead designer at Zook Cabins, notes, “We work backward from the end goal and design for how our clients are going to use the homes.” Purchasing a custom cabin can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive for would-be homeowners. Zook works with its manufacturing partner CampPad to give customers a cost-effective and efficient cabin-buying experience. heating and air conditioning systems Upon delivery, homeowners can move into their new homes and begin using amenities immediately Using prefabricated construction techniques, Zook manufactures homes in CampPad’s Gordonville, Pennsylvania warehouse and ships them to customers.  Upon delivery, homeowners can move into their new homes and begin using amenities immediately, including heating and air conditioning systems. Plug-and-play models “Park models are plug and play. They work great if you have land somewhere and want to build a place for a quick getaway,” said Melissa Meshey, Marketing Director, Zook Cabins. The Amish custom home builder has delivered more than 500 modular cabins to almost every state since 2006. Project highlights Park model homes are usually around 400 square feet and are typically located in remote areas or secluded camp-like settings, such as wooded areas, western deserts, and northern coastal hillsides. Cozy and efficient, the homes appeal to minimalists seeking to enjoy natural environments without distractions. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, hunting, farming or simply breathing in the fresh air, satisfied Zook customers can enjoy their hobbies with the comfort of having a place to retire to at the end of the day. ductless -split systems While Zook’s clients like to be close to nature, they still want modern heating and air conditioning While Zook’s clients like to be close to nature, they still want modern heating and air conditioning in their cabins, according to Matt Meshey. “Early on, our clients expressed how climate control was very important to them,” he said. As their trusted HVAC distributor, Thos. Somerville Company helped Zook and CampPad evaluate heating and cooling products, comparing quality, affordability, availability, limited warranties, and serviceability. Together, the partners selected ductless-split systems from LG Electronics for the park model homes. Challenges Designed for efficiency and minimalism, park-model homes have no space for traditional ductwork, requiring the heating and cooling equipment to fit into the physical space of each home without distracting from the Zook experience. Zook also delivers cabins to customers across the country in varied geographies and climates. The heating and cooling equipment would need to provide reliable comfort in different outdoor environments, with support and service readily available nationwide if any issues arise. Easily serviceable “They [LG split systems ] don’t take up much space, and they keep the homes comfortable, which is very important to us. They’re available across the country, and they’re easily serviceable, too." "With other brands we explored, it’s difficult to service units across the country, which made it an easy decision to go with LG," said Matt Meshey, Lead Designer, of Zook Cabins. All-in-one heating and air-conditioning solution The units work with LG’s modern inverter heat pump technology to keep Zook’s customers comfortable LG systems solved each challenge. Each system is an all-in-one heating and air-conditioning solution with the option to use ductless or ducted indoor units connected to a compact outdoor heat pump. Matt Meshey said LG’s ductless indoor units fit the cabins perfectly. With quiet operation, the units work with LG’s modern inverter heat pump technology to keep Zook’s customers comfortable in all seasons wherever they live. LG’s support and service network Also, experience has given Zook confidence in LG’s support and service network, he explained. “When we put LG equipment into one of these cabins, regardless of where it’s being shipped, we know those units will perform,” said Tim Holmes, Sales & Product Manager, Thos. Somerville Company. Solution  he project team selected LG’s Multi F Inverter Heat Pump Outdoor Units with ductless, wall-mounted indoor units for each cabin. Depending on the cabin footprint, model, location, and outdoor climate, cabins have 1-1/2-ton or 2-ton multi-port outdoor heat pumps. The indoor units are sized at 7,000, 9,000, or 12,000 BTUs, and cabins may have a single-head or dual-head system depending on the homeowner’s conditioning needs. Tim Holmes, Sales & Product Manager at the Thos. Somerville Company said LG’s 98-foot pre-charged line set enabled the team to install the outdoor unit and run pipes to the indoor unit without adding additional refrigerant. This saved time and money compared to options with 49-foot line sets. Heat pumps In colder outdoor temperatures, the heat pump compression cycle generates heat Heat pumps operate like two-way air conditioners. In warm outdoor temperatures, heat pumps provide air conditioning by absorbing indoor heat and rejecting the heat outdoors. This is similar to how conventional one-way air conditioners work, but heat pumps also provide heating.  In colder outdoor temperatures, the heat pump compression cycle generates heat, and it absorbs heat from the outdoors and transfers it indoors to keep occupants comfortable. “Moving heat is more efficient than burning fossil fuels to generate heat and helps to reduce air pollution,” said Holmes. Inverter motors The heat pumps use inverter motors to vary compressor speeds and heating or cooling capacity based on environmental conditions and occupant comfort needs. Inverter technology enables LG’s heat pumps to extract ambient outdoor heat to warm homes at temperatures far lower than conventional heat pumps. Also, by varying heating or cooling capacity to match real-time needs, the LG system conserves energy and provides cost savings by using less electricity. Energy efficiency “One thing that’s very important to a lot of our clients is the energy efficiency of these units. They’re very inexpensive to operate, which is a benefit to our clients. They have very low electric bills, and the mini splits certainly contribute towards that. They’re very efficient in different climates, so it makes it very easy and then also very affordable for our clients,” said Matt Meshey, Lead Designer, of Zook Cabins The LG mini-split units give homeowners precise internal climate control and comfort in their cabins. Besides the thermostat, each unit has wi-fi capabilities, enabling the owner to set temperatures and operate the system from anywhere using a smartphone application. Result Zook delivers a turnkey option to people who want to build a cabin home at an affordable price Zook delivers a turnkey option to people who want to build a cabin home at an affordable price without sacrificing quality or comfort. People who may have been priced out in the past now have access to cabin living, enhanced with energy-efficient heat pump technology for quality comfort control. “The LG brand is a product that we stand behind, and we know our customers will have a really good experience with it,” said Melissa Meshey.“They’re going to have a comfortable home that is as warm or cool as they want.” “LG is one of the best lines of equipment we have brought in within the last 20 years. Their service and support are outstanding, and their equipment is of the highest quality,” said Tim Holmes, Sales & Product Manager, Thomas SomervilleCompany. LG HVAC Products LG Multi F Inverter Heat Pump Outdoor Units LG Multi F Wall Mounted High-Efficiency Indoor Units

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.