Global Research Boosts LG HVAC Innovation for Efficiency and Sustainability

SEOUL — LG Electronics is advancing research and development in HVAC through partnerships with leading universities worldwide. The company is focusing on technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and indoor air quality.

A recent study published in REHVA Journal highlighted the performance of LG’s Air-to-Air Heat Pump in cold-climate testing conducted in Norway. The research, led by Oslo Metropolitan University in collaboration with LG, found that the system consumed up to 90% less energy and reduced carbon emissions by about 99% compared to traditional oil-fired boilers. Based on these findings, LG plans to launch a new model designed for Northern European markets later this year.

In addition to heat pump innovation, LG is conducting studies with universities to address air quality challenges. Research with Yonsei University in South Korea demonstrated that photocatalyzed titanium dioxide could help reduce allergens indoors, supporting the development of a future air care system. In China, a year-long study with Tianjin University evaluated household air purifiers in cooking-heavy environments. Results showed that oil fumes degraded filter performance, prompting LG to create improved filters with higher efficiency and faster deodorization, which are now included in the company’s latest air purifiers.

LG has also partnered with the University of Florida to study the effects of wildfires on indoor air quality. The research examined how secondary organic aerosols form during fire events and the environmental factors influencing their impact. Findings have been published in journals such as Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics and Science of the Total Environment.

“Through close collaboration with leading universities, we are advancing technologies that enhance HVAC energy efficiency and performance to create healthier, more sustainable living environments,” said Oh Sai-kee, head of the LG ES R&D Lab.

Why This Matters: Trends You Can’t Ignore

• Heat pumps are emerging as a key replacement for oil-fired heating systems in cold climates;

• Indoor air quality concerns are expanding HVAC innovation beyond comfort and energy savings; and

• Academic and corporate collaboration is accelerating the pace of HVAC product development.

What This Means for You, Your Team, and Your Industry

• Contractors will need to understand new heat pump systems optimized for cold climates;

• Service providers may see growing customer demand for allergen- and smoke-mitigating indoor air systems; and

• HVAC businesses should prepare for technology that integrates sustainability with real-world air quality solutions.