SplitAtlas

LG / High Efficiency R-32

LG High Efficiency 18k R-32 230V Mini-Split

Certified capacity
18,000 BTU/h[2]
SEER2
23 SEER2[2]
Heating floor
-4 F[1]
Voltage
208/230V[1]
Install path
Professional install

The LG High-Efficiency 18k is the 1.5-ton value-efficiency unit: SEER2 23, EER2 13, HSPF2 10, with 21,600 BTU of heat at 47F and 15,200 BTU at 5F on R-32 - the Art Cool Mirror 18k's ratings in a standard head at a lower price. Strong large-room output without the designer premium.

1 zoneProfessional installCurrent

Refrigerant generation

R-32 - current-generation refrigerant

This system's warranty depends on licensed installation — get quotes from installers in your area.

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Error Codes
LG High Efficiency R-32 18,000 BTU (230V)

Image: LG

Data completeness: 95%
Last sourced
Jul 23, 2026

SplitAtlas score

8.3 / 10

Methodology
Cooling efficiencyAbove average

(23.0 SEER2) among 18k systems

Heating efficiencyBelow average

(10.0 HSPF2) among 18k systems

Cold-weather performanceBottom quartile

(70.4% heat retained at 5F; -4 F heating floor) among 18k systems

NoiseTop quartile

(-47 dBA indoor min / 55 dBA outdoor) among 18k systems

WarrantyAbove average

(10 yr parts / 10 yr compressor) across the catalogue

Feature setBelow average

(4 verified features) across the catalogue

Documentation & partsBelow average

(8 manuals; spec sheet) across the catalogue

Not evaluated

  • Installation accessibility — not applicable (professional install)N/A

    professional install - DIY-accessibility not applicable

  • Price-to-value — not evaluatedN/A

    This is a professionally installed, quote-only system, so we can't score its price. Get an installed quote to compare real cost.

    Get a quote

Key ratings

Rated cooling

18,000BTU/h[2]

Rated heating

21,600BTU/h[2]

Buyer review snapshot

Best for / skip if

Best for

  • High-efficiency shortlists; SEER2 is 23.

Install difficulty

Professional install
  • Electrical: 208/230V; MCA 17 A; breaker/fuse 30 A.
  • Line set: connection type not sourced; precharged 24.6 ft; max 114.8 ft.

Alternatives

Availability and price context

  • Verified current price: $2,759.00 at HVACDirect; availability in_stock; checked Jul 23, 2026. Dealer-installation condition: The online source must be expressly authorized by LG; the system must also satisfy LG's qualified-system installation terms..

Purchase channel policy

LG allows the online-purchase path only when the online source is expressly authorized by LG; an online purchase from a non-authorized source voids the limited warranty.

Warranty impact
The limited warranty is void and LG has no liability when the system is purchased online from a source not expressly authorized by LG.
Installation condition
The online source must be expressly authorized by LG; the system must also satisfy LG's qualified-system installation terms.
Authorized channel
Expressly authorized LG source with qualified installation by a trained, licensed HVAC contractor under LG warranty terms.

Buying online can keep warranty coverage only when the seller is expressly authorized by LG; confirm that status and the qualified installation path before purchase.

Compare online-purchase warranty rules by brand

Source: LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.: LG R32 Residential / Light Commercial Systems Warranty Card; retrieved Aug 15, 2026.

Source date

Model data sourced
Jul 23, 2026
Page reviewed
Jul 23, 2026
Source-backed records
4
Newest source retrieved
Jul 23, 2026

Warranty tiers

Warranty: 5 years parts and 7 years compressor as standard; 10 years parts and compressor if qualified registered installation.

Review methodology

Model context

Install path
This is professional-install equipment; retail offer context is shown separately from installation labor. Brand purchase-channel policy is shown in the buyer review snapshot.

Strengths

  • 21,600 BTU at 47F and 15,200 BTU at 5F - strong output for a large room.
  • SEER2 23 with current R-32 refrigerant; matches the pricier Mirror 18k.
  • LG dealer support.

Weaknesses

  • Plain indoor head; not as efficient as LG's Art Cool Premier at this size.

Climate suitability

Minimum heating ambient
-4 F[1]
Rated heating at 5F
15,200 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating at 17F
13,300 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating at 47F
21,600 BTU/h[2]

Specifications

Show
Manufacturer
LG
Brand
LG
Product line
High Efficiency R-32
Model number
KNUAB181A indoor / KUSAB181A outdoor
Indoor unit model
KNUAB181A
Outdoor unit model
KUSAB181A
Number of zones
1
Max indoor units
not published
Rated cooling capacity
18,000 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating capacity
21,600 BTU/h[2]
Voltage
208/230V[1]
MCA
17 A[1]
Maximum fuse or breaker size
30 A[1]
Breaker needed
not published
SEER2
23 SEER2[2]
EER2
13 EER2[2]
HSPF2 (Region 4)
10 HSPF2[2]
HSPF2 (Region 5)
not published
COP
not published
COP at 47F
not published
COP at 5F
1.8 COP[2]
Minimum outdoor heating temperature
-4 F[1]
Minimum outdoor cooling temperature
14 F[1]
Maximum outdoor temperature
118 F[1]
Indoor noise range
cooling 31-47; heating 37-47 dB(A)[1]
Outdoor noise rating
55 dBA[1]
Indoor weight
0.4 lb[1]
Outdoor weight
127.9 lb[1]
Refrigerant
R-32[2]
Refrigerant charge
51.2 oz[1]
Manufacturer coverage
not published
Line-set size
3/8 in liquid / 5/8 in suction
Included line-set length
LG publishes field-supplied flared line sizes, standard/pre-charge length, and line limits; no included consumer line-set length is published for the professional system.
Maximum line-set length
114.8 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
not published
Maximum elevation difference
49.2 ft[1]
Max height between indoor units
not published
Wi-Fi support
supported[1]
Energy Star status
ENERGY STAR certified[3]
AHRI certification number
215413009[2]
Warranty
Standard: 5 yr parts / 7 yr compressor (standard coverage); Best case: 10 yr parts / 10 yr compressor (qualified registered installation). Standard 5-year parts and 7-year compressor coverage; qualified registered installations extend to 10 years total parts and compressor coverage.
Install path
Professional install
Retail price
last seen at HVACDirect: $2,759.00
Available retailers
HVACDirect
Manual links
AHRI Directory public detail record 215413009, ENERGY STAR exact-match query for KUSAB181A/KNUAB181A, LG High Efficiency R-32 engineering manual, LG High Efficiency R-32 installation manual, LG HVAC API product metadata KSUAB181A, HVACDirect exact product page KSUAB181A, KSUAB181A LG High Efficiency R-32 submittal, LG R32 Residential / Light Commercial Systems Warranty Card
Specification sheet
KSUAB181A LG High Efficiency R-32 submittal
Last sourced date
Jul 23, 2026

Retail purchase context

Dealer-installation warranty note

Buying online can keep warranty coverage only when the seller is expressly authorized by LG; confirm that status and the qualified installation path before purchase.

Installation condition: The online source must be expressly authorized by LG; the system must also satisfy LG's qualified-system installation terms.

Dealer path: Expressly authorized LG source with qualified installation by a trained, licensed HVAC contractor under LG warranty terms.

Some retailer links may earn us a commission at no extra cost; paid relationships never change scores or recommendations. Affiliate disclosure

Paid link

Dealer-installation warranty note

Buying online can keep warranty coverage only when the seller is expressly authorized by LG; confirm that status and the qualified installation path before purchase.

Check price at HVACDirect

Last seen at HVACDirect: $2,759

Electrical requirements

Show
Voltage
not published
Voltage range
208/230V[1]
Phase
1[1]
Frequency
60 Hz[1]
MCA
17 A[1]
Breaker needed
not published
Maximum breaker size
30 A[1]
Maximum fuse size
not published
Maximum cooling current
not published
Maximum heating current
not published
Manufacturer wire notes
not published

Installation considerations

Show
Liquid line
3/8 in[1]
Suction line
5/8 in[1]
Line connection type
not published
Precharged length
24.6 ft[1]
Included line-set length
LG publishes field-supplied flared line sizes, standard/pre-charge length, and line limits; no included consumer line-set length is published for the professional system.
Maximum line-set length
114.8 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
not published
Max height between indoor units
not published
Indoor dimensions
not published
Outdoor dimensions
not published
Indoor weight
0.4 lb[1]
Outdoor weight
127.9 lb[1]
Drain size
not published

Related systems and guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I install the LG High Efficiency R-32 18,000 BTU (230V) myself, or do I need a pro?
LG High Efficiency R-32 18,000 BTU (230V) is built for professional installation: the line set must be flared, evacuated, and charged, which requires EPA-certified refrigerant handling. Installing it outside the manufacturer's requirements can void the warranty, so budget for a qualified HVAC installer.
Will the LG High Efficiency R-32 18,000 BTU (230V) keep heating in a cold winter?
The manufacturer publishes 15,200 BTU/h of heating output at 5F. Rated heating operation extends down to -4 F. Certified heating efficiency is 10 HSPF2. Match those numbers against your climate's design temperature - in cold regions, output at 5F matters far more than the nameplate capacity measured at 47F.
What electrical circuit does the LG High Efficiency R-32 18,000 BTU (230V) need?
Published electrical requirements: 208/230V voltage, 17 A minimum circuit ampacity, and 30 A maximum breaker or fuse sizing. Confirm the final circuit against the unit nameplate and local code with a licensed electrician.
How far can the outdoor unit be from the indoor head?
The published maximum line-set length is 114.8 ft, and the included line set comes pre-charged for 24.6 ft. Longer runs than the included set allows typically mean added refrigerant and a pro visit, so measure the planned routing before ordering.
What warranty does the LG High Efficiency R-32 18,000 BTU (230V) carry?
The manufacturer publishes these warranty tiers: Standard: 5 yr parts / 7 yr compressor (standard coverage); Best case: 10 yr parts / 10 yr compressor (qualified registered installation). Registration requirements and proof of qualified installation commonly affect coverage, so read the warranty terms before install day.

Data sources

Show
  1. LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.: KSUAB181A submittalSourced - manufacturer technical document

    Covers Frequency, electrical_spec.guaranteed_voltage_range, Maximum breaker size, Minimum circuit ampacity, Phase, Voltage range and more

  2. AHRI: AHRI Directory public detail record 215413009Sourced - AHRI directory

    Covers AHRI certification number, Rated cooling capacity, COP at 5F, EER2, Rated heating capacity, HSPF2 (Region 4) and more

  3. ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR exact-match record for KUSAC091A/KNSAC091ASourced - secondary source

    Covers Energy Star status

  4. LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.: LG R32 Residential / Light Commercial Systems Warranty CardSourced - manufacturer technical document

    Covers Best-case compressor warranty, Best-case warranty conditions, Best-case parts warranty, Legacy compressor warranty value, Legacy warranty value, Standard compressor warranty and more

Last updated

Jul 23, 2026