What is the SEER2 rating of the LG KUMXA481A?

The LG KUMXA481A is rated at up to 20.5 SEER2 and 13.1 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 3 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 18.5-20.5.

Is the LG KUMXA481A good for cold climates?

Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 48,000 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.11, so it is still 2.1 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.

How much does the LG KUMXA481A cost to run per year?

At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,103-$3,117 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,383 in Phoenix and $2,622 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.

48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · KUMXA481A

LG KUMXA481A

Below average cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #73 of 146 48,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,288 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2: 20.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 24%
HSPF2: 10.5 Heating efficiency over a season
Average · beats 61%
EER2: 13.1 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 68%
Heat at 5°F: 48,000 BTU/h91% of its 47°F output
Very good · beats 71%

A good fit if…

Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 48,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

Think twice if…

Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for mini-splits.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications48,000 BTU, R-32

General
Brand	LG
Outdoor unit model	KUMXA481A
Series	KUMXA481A
Type	Mini-split heat pump
Nominal size	48,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low power	Continuously variable
Refrigerant	R-32
Connected (smart) capable	No
On the market since	December 4, 2024
Last certified	March 4, 2025
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	20.5 (range 18.5-20.5)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors	12.6-13.1
Cooling capacity	48,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	10.0-10.5
Capacity at 47°F	52,500 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F	34,000-35,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F	47,000-48,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater	2.09-2.11
ENERGY STAR cold climate	Yes

Heating output as it gets colder91% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its best matchup at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups3 indoor units

The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.

Indoor unit	SEER2	EER2	HSPF2	Heat @5°F	AHRI ref.
- · cold climate	20.5	13.1	10.5	48,000	215408636
- · cold climate	19.5	12.9	10.3	47,500	215408638
- · cold climate	18.5	12.6	10.0	47,000	215408637

Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$1,103-$3,117

Phoenix, AZ$1,383/yr
Miami, FL$1,103/yr
Houston, TX$1,240/yr
Atlanta, GA$1,288/yr
Los Angeles, CA$1,260/yr
New York, NY$3,117/yr
Chicago, IL$2,538/yr
Denver, CO$2,116/yr
Seattle, WA$1,305/yr
Minneapolis, MN$2,622/yr

At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.

Questions4

What is the SEER2 rating of the LG KUMXA481A?: The LG KUMXA481A is rated at up to 20.5 SEER2 and 13.1 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 3 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 18.5-20.5.
Is the LG KUMXA481A good for cold climates?: Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 48,000 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.11, so it is still 2.1 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the LG KUMXA481A cost to run per year?: At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,103-$3,117 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,383 in Phoenix and $2,622 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
What refrigerant does the LG KUMXA481A use?: It uses R-32.

Running cost and savings

Pre-filled with this model. Pick your city and what you heat with today; everything else is optional.

Heat pump $1,384/yrYou save $1,164/yrSee details ↓

1. Where you live

StateCityElectricity ¢ per kWh

Adjust heating and cooling hours

Filled in from your city's climate. Change them if you run the system much more or less than usual.

Cooling hours full-load hours per yearHeating hours full-load hours per year

2. The heat pump LG KUMXA481A

Find a model (fills in the ratings below)

SEER2 cooling efficiencyHSPF2 heating efficiencyCooling capacity BTU/hHeating capacity BTU/h

3. What it replaces

Current heatingFurnace efficiency (AFUE %)Gas price, $/thermCurrent coolingOld AC rating SEER2 (10 ≈ 15+ years old)

4. Price replace the example with your quote

Installed price, $Rebates and incentives, $ utility, state

Heat pump, per year: $1,384
Current system, per year: $2,549
You save per year: $1,164
Payback: 15.5 years
Net after 10 years: -$6,356

Cooling $824Heating $560Electricity used: 8,651 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $581

Estimates use the unit's rated SEER2 and HSPF2, full-load hours derived from NOAA 1991-2020 degree days, average residential electricity prices from the U.S. EIA (12 months to July 2026) and fuel prices from EIA (2025 for natural gas, week of 2026-10-05 for propane and heating oil). Very cold days that need backup heat are not modelled. Federal minimum for comparison: 14.3 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2.

Similar 48,000 BTU models

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TOSOT TM48H32MO · cold climate21.0 SEER2 · 10.0 HSPF2
1HVAC EZ-48Z-M520.5 SEER2 · 9.2 HSPF2
TOSOT TM48D6MO · cold climate21.0 SEER2 · 10.0 HSPF2
Fujitsu AOUK048SSAN7 · cold climate20.2 SEER2 · 10.2 HSPF2
ECO AC EMH-*O48KBB · cold climate21.0 SEER2 · 10.0 HSPF2
Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-AK48NLHZ · cold climate20.2 SEER2 · 9.2 HSPF2
Blueridge BMM48C21.1 SEER2 · 9.5 HSPF2

See all 146 48,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of March 4, 2025. How we use the data.