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LG vs THERMAL ZONE: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical LG model beats 56% and a typical THERMAL ZONE model 30%. LG rates higher overall.

Covers heat pumps sold new today (R-454B and R-32 refrigerant). See older R-410A models · Updated

LG

56%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Above average

100 models listed

THERMAL ZONE

30%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

101 models listed

Rating by ratingEach bar is the share of same-size, same-type heat pumps that a typical model beats, so the two brands compare fairly even if they make different sizes.
  • Efficiency on a 5°F dayCOP at 5°FLG: Beats 56%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 40%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FLG: Beats 57%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 26%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2LG: Beats 51%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 23%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2LG: Beats 49%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 24%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2LG: Beats 64%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 31%

Average (50%)Dashed outline: the other brand, for comparison

Want ranks, distributions per size class and cold-weather curves? Switch to Advanced

Rebate standards

Share of each brand’s models that meet the level. Programs can have other rules too.
  • CEE 2025

    LG
    86%
    THERMAL ZONE
    8%
  • Xcel CC

    LG
    78%
    THERMAL ZONE
    8%
  • CEE Advanced

    LG
    11%
    THERMAL ZONE
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    LG
    64%
    THERMAL ZONE
    8%

All-around best, ductless 2.5–3 tons

Balances heating (5°F output and efficiency, HSPF2) and cooling (SEER2, EER2), each rating against units their size.

LG

  1. 1KUSXA301Awith ductless indoor unit KNSCB301ALG2.5 tons · 30,000 Btu/h · DuctlessCold-climate pick, score 82.3Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Winter efficiency
    10.4 (HSPF2)
    Good
    Cooling efficiency
    25.0 (SEER2)
    Top 10%
    Hot-day cooling
    15.2 (EER2)
    Top 10%
    90.3score / 100Heating 82 · Cooling 98
  2. 2ZRUM036GSS0LG3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessCold-climate pick, score 89.8Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.30 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Winter efficiency
    10.6 (HSPF2)
    Great
    Cooling efficiency
    23.0 (SEER2)
    Great
    Hot-day cooling
    15.5 (EER2)
    Top 10%
    88.8score / 100Heating 90 · Cooling 88
  3. 3KUMXA361ALG3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessCold-climate pick, score 93.7Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.27 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Winter efficiency
    11.0 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    Cooling efficiency
    22.0 (SEER2)
    Good
    Hot-day cooling
    14.5 (EER2)
    Top 10%
    86.3score / 100Heating 94 · Cooling 79

THERMAL ZONE

No ductless, 2.5–3 tons model from THERMAL ZONE.

These are certified test ratings, not a recommendation for your home. The right size comes from a load calculation by a contractor.

Next steps

The advanced view adds ranks, both brands’ models inside every size class, standout models per rating and cold-weather curves.

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