LG Energy-Efficient HVAC Technologies Deliver Cost-Effective Solutions for LEED-Focused Architects

NEW ORLEANS, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As professional architects lead the way in designing the most energy-efficient buildings, many are embracing 21st Century ductless HVAC solutions that offer a rapid return on investment, according to global air conditioning leader LG Electronics. Catering to LEED-focused architects, LG is showcasing advanced commercial climate control products that provide aesthetic versatility and energy-saving technologies for a quicker return on investment at the 2011 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention (booth #3117) here this week.

"To justify higher initial costs for energy-efficient HVAC systems, building owners and developers are increasingly demanding a return on investment within three years or less," said Kevin McNamara, vice president of Commercial Air Conditioning, LG Electronics USA. "This week at AIA, we're featuring the LG Multi-V system, which meets this demand by offering facilities of all kinds the unique combination of energy-efficiency with easy temperature controls in a cost-effective solution."

Since its entry into the U.S. commercial HVAC market in 2004, LG has worked side-by-side with architects, engineers and contractors to develop products that provide the maximum payback – from energy-efficiency to design and scale. With more stringent energy-efficiency regulations expected in 2012 and 2013, architects and engineers will seek to work with HVAC manufacturers that have a proven track record of product innovation and quality.

"Fresh research shows that LG Multi-V Sync II, for example, reduced the annual operating expense for a commercial building to an average cost per square feet of $0.84*," McNamara explained.

"LG's air conditioning solutions feature the advanced climate controls and low sound levels that building occupants demand," said Russell Buchanan, AIA, LEED AP, Architect, Buchanan Architecture. "They also have the added benefit of being design-focused, which is a plus for architects in today's bottom-line economy. This powerful combination delivers energy-efficient products that many people don't realize are air conditioners."

Increased ROI from Energy-Efficiency and Payback of Floor Space

Using Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, LG Multi-V systems provide commercial businesses more precise climate control, eliminating excessive energy usage. As a result, the Multi-V series delivers one of the highest EER ratings available in the VRF category, along with low sound operation. LG Multi-V systems also provide advanced dehumidification as the Inverter compressor and fan do not need to cycle, leaving additional runtime to remove moisture from the air.

LG's outdoor units incorporate a modular design that can easily be scaled to suit the needs of a particular building, from high-rises, luxury resorts and high-end hotels to commercial buildings and condominium projects. This results in more attractive rooftops without cooling towers. The exception is the Multi-V Water II indoor system, which requires a cooling tower. An added benefit, however, is its compact size, which gives back valuable space inside the building.

LG Multi-V systems benefit building owners by providing increased floor space. Multi-V Water II and LG's Vertical Air Handling Unit, for example, are indoor air conditioning systems that conveniently fit in smaller areas, freeing up rentable floor space.

Duct-Free and Design-Oriented Solutions Create Artful Air Conditioning

LG's duct-free solutions allow architects to incorporate top notch HVAC while avoiding expensive retrofits and structural redesigns. On display this week are LG Flex Multi-Split Quad-Zone ductless systems. These models can operate up to four interior units mounted in separate rooms for easy temperature control in each setting, with all connected to one single exterior condensing unit.

Providing comfort and style, LG's duct-free Art Cool Series blends climate control solutions with eye-catching design. At AIA this week, LG is showcasing its latest enhancements to the Art Cool Inverter Mirror series with a new design for 2011 and higher SEER ratings. Featuring a slim rectangular wall-mounted interior evaporator with a one-way air flow system, the Inverter Mirror is available in a variety of custom finishes and can be fit to enhance any room's decor.

The 2011 Art Cool Inverter Mirror is enhanced for easier installation; this includes installation support clips that allow for 25 degrees of separation from the wall without fully removing the unit. A detachable bottom cover makes installation possible without having to dissemble or support the unit, and allows for easier access to the system's electrical wiring.

The new model also includes a 45 percent wider cavity for piping**, allowing for easier installation. Energy-efficiency for the 2011 model ranges from 18.9 SEER to 20 SEER, and allows LG to qualify for the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax benefit. Also on display this week, LG's Art Cool Picture model provides a three dimensional air flow system with the look and feel of a stylish photo frame.

Reaffirming Commitment to the Design Process with Revit Drawings

Also at AIA, LG is announcing its full catalogue of Autodesk® Revit® Architecture drawings available for architects and engineers to use in their design and planning phases. Revit drawings are three-dimensional representations of products and designs that can be easily placed in digital building models. This provides architects and engineers a better idea of what a product will look like and how it will fit into their designs. Revit drawings help architects and engineers increase productivity by saving time when creating renderings. They also improve accuracy of installations by providing uniform Building Information Modeling.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

LG Electronics USA Air Conditioning

The LG Electronics USA Commercial Air Conditioning business is based in Alpharetta, Ga. LG is a leading player in the global air conditioning market, manufacturing both commercial and residential air conditioners and providing total sustainability and building management solutions. From consumer and individual units to industrial and specialized air conditioning systems, LG provides a wide range of products for heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

LG Electronics Air Conditioning and Energy Solution Company

The LG Electronics Air Conditioning and Energy Solution Company is a complete heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and energy solution company providing Residential Air Conditioning (RAC), Commercial Air Conditioning (CAC), Solar Energy and Lighting around the world. Bringing technology leadership from the worldwide HVAC market and incorporating technologies from throughout LG, LG AE is increasingly expanding into specialized B2B solutions as an integrated energy solutions company. Through its innovative technology, heavy investments in R&D and effective marketing strategies, LG AE has broken its own sales records every year since 2000.

*LG Commercial Air Conditioning Applications Engineering Team (LG Electronics USA, Inc.) has not received professional fees or payment for this service of any kind and has provided this energy analysis report as a client courtesy. The information contained is strictly confidential. The distribution, transmission, or dissemination, either electronically, physically, or verbally to any individual, corporation or any other legal entity without written approval from LG Electronics USA, Inc is expressly prohibited.

**Increase measured against conventional inverter units.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA, Inc.