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      18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · KUMXB181A

      LG KUMXB181A

      Average cooling efficiency and below average heating efficiency for a 18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #181 of 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $508 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      22.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Average · beats 56%
      HSPF2
      9.8 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 33%
      EER2
      13.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Very good · beats 74%
      Heat at 5°F
      15,800 BTU/h72% of its 47°F output
      Very good · beats 78%

      A good fit if…

      • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

      Think twice if…

      • You often see nights below 0°F - it is not cold-climate certified.
      • You mainly need heat - its HSPF2 is below average for mini-splits.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications18,000 BTU, R-32
      General
      BrandLG
      Outdoor unit modelKUMXB181A
      SeriesKUMXB181A
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size18,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-32
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceJune 26, 2024
      Last certifiedOctober 6, 2025
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better22.5 (range 18.5-22.5)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.5-13.5
      Cooling capacity17,200-18,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.0-9.8
      Capacity at 47°F20,000-22,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F13,800-14,800 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F15,600-15,800 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00-2.20
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder72% 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 unitSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
      -22.513.59.815,800214848481
      -20.513.09.415,700214848485
      -18.512.59.015,600214848482
      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$372-$1,282

      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 KUMXB181A?
      The LG KUMXB181A is rated at up to 22.5 SEER2 and 13.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.8 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 3 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 18.5-22.5.
      Is the LG KUMXB181A good for cold climates?
      It is not cold-climate certified: none of its matchups meet the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria (a COP of at least 1.75 at 5°F among other limits). In places with frequent sub-zero nights, pick a cold-climate 18,000 BTU model.
      How much does the LG KUMXB181A cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $372-$1,282 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $499 in Phoenix and $1,102 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 KUMXB181A 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 $515/yrYou save $448/yrSee details ↓
      1. Where you live
      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.

      2. The heat pump LG KUMXB181A
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $515
      Current system, per year
      $963
      You save per year
      $448
      Payback
      14.5 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$2,022

      Cooling $275Heating $240Electricity used: 3,221 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $231

      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.

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      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of October 6, 2025. How we use the data.