What is the SEER2 rating of the LG KUSXA481A?

The LG KUSXA481A is rated at up to 20.8 SEER2 and 12.7 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.6 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 2 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 17.8-20.8.

Is the LG KUSXA481A good for cold climates?

Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 44,500 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.20, so it is still 2.2 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.

How much does the LG KUSXA481A cost to run per year?

At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,087-$3,061 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,361 in Phoenix and $2,573 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.

Which indoor units work with the LG KUSXA481A?

ENERGY STAR lists 2 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use KNSCB481A, KNSJB481A.

48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · KUSXA481A

LG KUSXA481A

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

Ranks #71 of 146 48,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,265 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2: 20.8 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 26%
HSPF2: 10.6 Heating efficiency over a season
Average · beats 65%
EER2: 12.7 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 54%
Heat at 5°F: 44,500 BTU/h86% of its 47°F output
Very good · beats 78%

A good fit if…

Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 44,500 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	KUSXA481A
Series	KUSXA481A
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	April 14, 2026
Last certified	April 17, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	20.8 (range 17.8-20.8)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors	12.0-12.7
Cooling capacity	48,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	9.3-10.6
Capacity at 47°F	52,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F	31,800-33,400 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F	44,000-44,500 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater	2.08-2.20
ENERGY STAR cold climate	Yes

Heating output as it gets colder86% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with KNSCB481A at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups2 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.
KNSCB481A · cold climate	20.8	12.7	10.6	44,500	214837933
KNSJB481A · cold climate	17.8	12.0	9.3	44,000	214837931

Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$1,087-$3,061

Phoenix, AZ$1,361/yr
Miami, FL$1,087/yr
Houston, TX$1,221/yr
Atlanta, GA$1,265/yr
Los Angeles, CA$1,238/yr
New York, NY$3,061/yr
Chicago, IL$2,492/yr
Denver, CO$2,077/yr
Seattle, WA$1,281/yr
Minneapolis, MN$2,573/yr

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

Questions5

What is the SEER2 rating of the LG KUSXA481A?: The LG KUSXA481A is rated at up to 20.8 SEER2 and 12.7 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.6 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 2 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 17.8-20.8.
Is the LG KUSXA481A good for cold climates?: Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 44,500 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.20, so it is still 2.2 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the LG KUSXA481A cost to run per year?: At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,087-$3,061 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,361 in Phoenix and $2,573 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Which indoor units work with the LG KUSXA481A?: ENERGY STAR lists 2 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use KNSCB481A, KNSJB481A.
What refrigerant does the LG KUSXA481A 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 $1,362/yrYou save $1,179/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 KUSXA481A

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: $1,362
Current system, per year: $2,540
You save per year: $1,179
Payback: 15.3 years
Net after 10 years: -$6,213

Cooling $812Heating $549Electricity used: 8,511 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $596

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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MDV M5OF-48HFN1-MQ1(2)20.5 SEER2 · 9.8 HSPF2
Blueridge BMM48C21.1 SEER2 · 9.5 HSPF2
Arcoaire DLCMRBH48EAK21.1 SEER2 · 9.5 HSPF2
1HVAC EZ-48Z-M520.5 SEER2 · 9.2 HSPF2
PerfectAire 3PAMS48-HH-MZO5 · cold climate21.2 SEER2 · 10.0 HSPF2

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

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of April 17, 2026. How we use the data.