As electrification continues to gain traction in residential construction, a new field study from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), in partnership with LG, offers compelling data on how inverter-driven heat pumps stack up against gas furnaces—even in cold climates.
The Study: 2023 Heating System Comparison in Spokane, WA
The research evaluated two newly constructed, identical homes in Spokane, Washington. One home was equipped with a high-efficiency natural gas furnace and AC. The other used an LG Multi F MAX heat pump system paired with Art Cool Mirror indoor units—a ducted mini-split solution.
Over the course of Spokane’s cold 2022–2023 winter (temperatures dropped as low as -9°F), both homes were monitored for energy use, comfort, and cost performance.
Key Findings:
• LG Heat Pump Was More Efficient
The LG inverter heat pump consumed 24% less energy compared to the gas furnace home when combining heating and cooling data.
• Lower Operating Costs
The heat pump home had 19% lower energy bills than the gas furnace home—even when factoring in regional electricity and natural gas prices.
• Year-Round Comfort Performance
Indoor temperatures in the heat pump home were consistently more stable, with tighter control over setpoint drift during extreme cold weather.
• Carbon Emissions Were Significantly Lower
The all-electric heat pump home reduced CO₂ emissions by 58% annually, highlighting a major benefit for builders focused on sustainability and energy code compliance.
What This Means for Builders and HVAC Professionals
This real-world case study proves that cold-climate inverter heat pumps like LG’s Multi F MAX can not only match the performance of traditional gas systems—they can outperform them in both energy savings and emissions reduction, all while delivering consistent indoor comfort.
For builders pursuing all-electric, energy-efficient homes, this is more than just theory—it’s proof that heat pumps are ready for prime time, even in the cold.
Want to learn more?
Check out the full study and explore LG’s lineup of residential HVAC solutions at www.lghvac.com.