Mini split installation and heat pumps in Connecticut
Samsung vs LG mini splits: cold-climate specs, side by side
Neither maker wins every row. At 9,000 Btu/h, LG’s Art Cool Deluxe lists the higher SEER2 and HSPF2 and a lower minimum outdoor temperature. Samsung’s WindFree Max Heat lists more rated heating capacity at 17°F on the NEEP cold-climate list and a lower sound figure at high fan speed. The two makers also describe their own cold-weather output in different words, and this page shows both.
If you are weighing a mini split installation in Waterbury or anywhere else in Connecticut, read the numbers below before you read a quote. Every figure comes from a manufacturer document or the NEEP record we opened on October 14, 2026, and each carries its model number and link. Where two sources disagree, we print both and do not pick one.
Takeaways
- LG lists SEER2 27.0 and HSPF2 13.5 for the KSSAL091A system; Samsung lists SEER2 25.0 and HSPF2 10.5 for the AR09DXDACWKXCV (LG manual, Samsung submittal).
- The lowest outdoor temperature listed for heating is -22°F for the Samsung unit and -31°F for the LG unit (Samsung, LG).
- Samsung states 100 percent heating at 5°F on its product page and at -4°F in its submittal; those are its own two statements (page, submittal).
- Both 10 year warranties need registration within 60 days; LG also needs an LG-trained installer (Samsung statement, LG card). Questions? Call 203-756-5040.
The two systems we compared, and why these two
Both are single-zone, wall-mounted heat pumps on R-32 refrigerant, rated at 9,000 Btu/h cooling and 11,000 Btu/h heating. The Samsung is the WindFree Max Heat, indoor unit AR09DXDABWKNCV with outdoor unit AR09DXDACWKXCV (submittal data). The LG is the Art Cool Deluxe, indoor unit KNSAL091A with outdoor unit KUSAL091A, sold as system KSSAL091A (engineering manual, Table 2).
We picked them because each maker marks them as cold-climate models. Samsung’s submittal carries a Cold Climate badge, and LG’s table reads “ENERGY STAR / Cold Climate: Yes / Yes.” Both also appear on the NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Product List, which we read through its public data records for AHRI certificates 215399292 (Samsung) and 216368959 (LG), last modified August 24, 2026. A 12,000 Btu/h version of each follows the main table. Specs can change without notice; both makers say so in their own documents.
Cold-climate heating specs, side by side
The table is for the 9,000 Btu/h class. Each cell names where the figure comes from. Heating capacity is in Btu/h, and every temperature is outdoor air.
| Spec | Samsung WindFree Max Heat, AR09DXDACWKXCV | LG Art Cool Deluxe, KUSAL091A (system KSSAL091A) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal cooling / heating, Btu/h | 9,000 / 11,000 (submittal p. 2) | 9,000 / 11,000 (manual Table 2) |
| SEER2 | 25.0 (submittal) | 27.0 (manual Table 2) |
| HSPF2 | 10.5, region IV (submittal); NEEP lists region IV 10.5 and region V 8.5 (record) | 13.5 (manual Table 2); NEEP lists region IV 13.5 and region V 12.0 (record) |
| Heating at 5°F | NEEP: rated 8,500, maximum 12,500, COP 2.19 (record) | NEEP: rated 12,000, maximum 12,000, COP 2.04 (record) |
| Heating at 17°F | NEEP: rated 9,900, maximum 16,000 (record) | NEEP: rated 7,000, maximum 13,730 (record). Manual: rated low heating capacity 11,000, outdoor 17°F wet bulb (Table 2) |
| Lowest temperature on the NEEP record | -22°F, maximum capacity 6,800 (record) | -31°F, maximum capacity 7,700 (record) |
| Outdoor heating range | -22 to 75°F (product page; submittal) | -31 to +65°F wet bulb (manual Table 3) |
| Indoor sound, dB(A) | 22 silent, 38 high (submittal) | Cooling 42 high, 35, 27, 21 sleep; heating 42, 35, 27 (manual Table 2) |
| Outdoor sound, dB(A) | 45 cooling, high (submittal) | 48 cooling, 50 heating (manual Table 3) |
| Refrigerant | R-32 (submittal) | R-32 (manual Table 3) |
Read the table by temperature, not by brand. At 5°F the LG record shows the higher rated capacity. At 17°F the Samsung record does. Near the bottom of each range, LG lists a lower minimum temperature and a higher maximum capacity. We would not pick on the headline efficiency number alone; the cold-weather rows are where a Connecticut January gets decided.
Same comparison at 12,000 Btu/h, for a larger room:
| Spec | Samsung AR12DXDACWKXCV | LG KUSAL121A (system KSSAL121A) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal cooling / heating, Btu/h | 12,000 / 12,000 (product page) | 12,000 / 13,000 (manual Table 2) |
| SEER2 / HSPF2 | 24.0 / 10.5 (product page) | 25.5 / 11.2 (manual Table 2) |
| NEEP heating at 5°F | Rated 9,000, maximum 9,000 (record) | Rated 14,700, maximum 14,700 (record) |
| NEEP heating at 17°F | Rated 10,600, maximum 10,600 (record) | Rated 8,400, maximum 16,820 (record) |
| NEEP lowest temperature | -22°F, maximum 6,800 (record) | -31°F, maximum 9,100 (record) |
Want these numbers matched to your house?
Tell us the room and the heat source it will replace, and we will work from the model’s own capacity table.
Where the two makers say different things
Five places where the documents do not line up. We print each source as it reads and do not reconcile them.
| Question | What the documents say |
|---|---|
| When does heating output reach 100 percent? | Samsung product page: “100% heating performance at 5°F (-15°C).” Samsung submittal: “100% heating capacity at -4°F outdoor temperature.” LG manual, Table 2: outdoor -13°F (WB), 11,000 Btu/h, 100 percent. (page; submittal; manual) |
| What is rated capacity at 17°F for the LG? | LG manual: 11,000 Btu/h at outdoor 17°F (WB). NEEP record for the same outdoor unit: 7,000 Btu/h rated at outdoor 17°F dry bulb. The manual labels its figure by wet bulb and the record by dry bulb; we do not know whether that explains the gap. (manual; record) |
| Which HSPF2 region? | The Samsung submittal says region IV. The LG manual gives 13.5 with no region on that table. NEEP lists both regions for each unit, and region V is lower for both, 8.5 for Samsung and 12.0 for LG. (submittal; manual; Samsung record; LG record) |
| How loud is it? | LG states its sound pressure was tested in an anechoic chamber under ISO 3745. The Samsung submittal page lists its figures with no test method. (manual; submittal) |
| Is there a base pan heater? | Samsung says the outdoor unit has one as standard. The LG engineering manual’s functions table lists a sump heater and a crank case heater, and the NEEP record for the LG lists a pan heater with an input power of 90 that runs at 0°C and below with the indoor unit in heat mode. The documents use different names, and we do not equate them. (Samsung submittal; LG manual, Table 5; LG record) |
If a salesperson quotes you one number from either brand, ask which document it came from and which temperature it applies to.
The cooling half of a heat pump
A heat pump is also your air conditioner, so the cooling rows matter. Both are rated at 9,000 Btu/h cooling. Samsung lists an outdoor cooling range of 0 to 115°F (submittal). LG lists 14 to 118°F, and says an optional low ambient wind baffle kit, sold separately, extends cooling down to 0°F (manual, Tables 3 and 10).
Comfort features differ by name. Samsung says its WindFree mode closes the louver and disperses air through micro-holes, at an air current under 0.15 m/s, which it calls still air (submittal; product page). LG’s manual lists airflow modes called Natural Wind, Comfort Air and Soft Air (manual, Table 5). Both indoor units ship with built-in Wi-Fi, through Samsung’s SmartThings app and LG’s ThinQ app. A yearly mini split cleaning keeps the cooling side honest; ours is on the ductless tune-up page.
Warranty terms, read side by side
Both makers print a 10 year number, and both attach conditions to it. These are the terms as the documents word them.
| Term | Samsung | LG |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and compressor | 10 years if registered within 60 days of installation; 5 year parts and 7 year compressor if not (registered warranty statement) | 5 year standard term, plus 2 more years on the compressor; both extended to 10 years in total with an LG-trained installer and registration within 60 days (R-32 warranty card) |
| Labor | 1 year limited labor allowance, registered products only, paid to the dealer at Samsung fixed rates; excludes diagnosis and travel (statement) | Not covered (card) |
| Name on the maker’s page | “10/10/1” on the FAQ; “10 Year Warranty, Product Registration Required” on the product page (FAQ; page) | Residential and light commercial R-32 limited warranty (LG warranty page) |
| Maintenance | Excludes failure to maintain per manufacturer instructions, item 3(e) (statement) | Excludes failure to perform recommended routine maintenance, exclusion 4 (card) |
One caution on dates. The Samsung warranty statement we read is a copy hosted by a distributor and carries a 2017 date; the warranty documents page on Samsung’s site returned no document list when we opened it. Ask any installer for the current statement for your model. Because both warranties exclude missing maintenance, a maintenance plan that covers ductless systems protects the paperwork as well as the equipment.
Mini split installation: what the manuals say matters more than the logo
Both manuals spend more pages on placement than on features. Our own mini split installation page lists the scope we work to: a walkthrough and load calculation, line-set routing, the outdoor unit on a stable base or bracket, evacuation and commissioning, and condensate routing and testing. Line-set length and routing are also on that page as cost drivers. Here is what each maker’s manual adds.
Line set length
Both list a 9.8 ft minimum and a 65.6 ft maximum. Samsung’s factory charge covers 24.6 ft and its maximum height difference is 49.2 ft (installation manual, Table 3). LG needs no added refrigerant up to 41 ft, then 0.16 oz per foot, with a 39.4 ft elevation limit (manual, Table 25).
Outdoor unit above the snow
Samsung says to mount above the snow line, keep snow off the top, leave more than 3.14 in. under the unit, and prefers a bracket on a concrete pad (manual, Step 3-1). LG says to use a raised platform where snow builds up, and to clear snow of 4 in. or more from the top (manual, Planning for Snow and Ice).
Condensate and defrost runoff
Samsung warns that the drain location must let condensate run off and prevent ice on the unit in winter, and not to tie the drain hose into a waste pipe (manual, outdoor unit location). LG says to keep defrost runoff from freezing on sidewalks or driveways and to insulate drain hoses (manual, p. 38).
Indoor unit height and clearance
Samsung says to mount an R-32 indoor unit 5.9 ft or higher from the floor (manual, p. 9). LG says at least 6.5 ft, with a clearance of more than 4 in. at each side (manual, indoor unit location).
The American Heating position on placement
The two manuals disagree by inches, and both are right for their own unit. That is why we put the exact model number on the quote and size from a load calculation, as our install page describes. A pad, a bracket, a drain path and a line-set run are decisions made at your house, not on a spec sheet.
Rebates and incentives
Both NEEP records carry the ENERGY STAR cold climate flag. Whether a given program accepts a model, and what it pays, changes between program years, so we keep that in one place. Our Connecticut HVAC rebates and incentives guide explains how Connecticut heat pump incentives work, including the installer and equipment conditions, and what has ended. Check current terms with the program before you sign.
Our take: pick the row that matches your house
Here is where each document points, by priority. It is a reading of the numbers above, not a ranking.
| If you care most about | The documents point to |
|---|---|
| The lowest listed heating temperature | LG, at -31°F against -22°F |
| Rated heating capacity at 17°F on the NEEP list | Samsung, 9,900 against 7,000 at 9,000 Btu/h |
| Rated heating capacity at 5°F on the NEEP list | LG, 12,000 against 8,500 at 9,000 Btu/h |
| Stated efficiency at 9,000 Btu/h | LG, SEER2 27.0 and HSPF2 13.5 against 25.0 and 10.5 |
| Sound | Close: LG 21 at its quietest and Samsung 38 at high speed; LG states a test method and the Samsung page does not |
Our one opinion: pick the capacity row for the temperature your coldest room will see, ask for that row in writing with the model number, and weigh the installation as much as the nameplate. Whichever of the two you choose, a line set that is too long or an outdoor unit buried by drifting snow will cost more heat than the gap between these brands.
The American Heating position on choosing a brand
We would rather show you the manufacturer’s own table for your model than tell you one name is better. If you want the same side-by-side for another pair, our Samsung vs Mitsubishi comparison covers that one, and our ductless mini split page explains how we approach a ductless project.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better in a Connecticut winter, Samsung or LG?
It depends on which row you read. For the 9,000 Btu/h models, LG’s engineering manual lists a heating minimum of -31°F and Samsung’s product page lists -22°F. The NEEP records list more rated heating capacity at 17°F for Samsung and more at 5°F for LG. Neither document settles it, so we compare the rows for your design temperature.
How cold can a Samsung or LG mini split run in heat mode?
Samsung’s WindFree Max Heat page lists a heating range of -22 to 75°F outdoors for the AR09DXDACWKXCV. LG’s engineering manual lists -31 to +65°F wet bulb for the KUSAL091A. Output falls as it gets colder, and both NEEP records show a lower capacity at those minimums than at 5°F.
What does 100 percent heating capacity mean on these spec pages?
Each maker names a temperature at which output matches its nominal heating figure. Samsung’s product page says 5°F, its submittal says -4°F, and LG’s manual says -13°F wet bulb. Those are three different statements, so ask which document a quote relies on, and read the capacity table for the exact temperature you care about.
Which is quieter, Samsung or LG?
LG lists a lower figure at its quietest indoor setting, 21 dB(A) against Samsung’s 22. Samsung lists a lower figure at high speed, 38 against LG’s 42. LG states an ISO 3745 anechoic chamber test method. The Samsung submittal page we read gives no method, so treat the two as close, not settled.
How long are the Samsung and LG warranties?
Both reach 10 years only after a condition. Samsung’s registered statement gives 10 years on parts and compressor if registered within 60 days. LG’s R-32 card extends its 5 year standard term and 7 year compressor term to 10 years with an LG-trained installer and registration within 60 days. Neither covers labor beyond Samsung’s 1 year allowance.
Do you install both Samsung and LG mini splits in Connecticut?
Our own Samsung vs Mitsubishi post says we install and service Samsung and Mitsubishi along with LG and Fujitsu. For a mini split installation quote with the exact model number on it, call 203-756-5040. A family owned shop in Watertown since 1978, licensed in Connecticut.
Ready for a mini split quote with the model number on it?
Tell us the room and what heats it now. Family owned in Watertown since 1978. Licensed in Connecticut, HTG.0386984 and SHM.0005083.
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About the author
American Heating and Air Conditioning Service
Family owned HVAC contractor, 1114 Middlebury Rd, Watertown CT 06795
We have installed and serviced heating and cooling systems across the Greater Waterbury area since 1978, our technicians are NATE certified, and we answer the phone 24 hours a day for emergencies. Questions about anything in this article? Call us at 203-756-5040.
References and photo credits
- Samsung HVAC, WindFree Max Heat product page, model AR09DXDACWKXCV and capacities 9K to 24K
- Samsung HVAC, Submittal Data, AR09DXDABWKNCV (RNX09ABD) / AR09DXDACWKXCV (RXX09ACD), file dated 07102026
- Samsung HVAC, Air conditioner installation manual AR**DXD*****, DB68-12966A-01
- Samsung HVAC, Product Registration
- Samsung HVAC, FAQs, System Registration and Warranty
- Samsung HVAC, Registered Limited Warranty Statement for RAC and CAC Systems (copy hosted by a distributor, dated 2017)
- LG Electronics U.S.A., R32 Single-Zone Art Cool Deluxe Wall-Mounted Engineering Manual, February 2026
- LG Electronics U.S.A., Warranty Card, LG R32 Residential / Light Commercial Systems
- LG HVAC, Warranty page
- NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Product List, Samsung AR09DXDACWKX / AR09DXDABWKN, AHRI certificate 215399292 (public data record)
- NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Product List, LG KUSAL091A / KNSAL091A, AHRI certificate 216368959 (public data record)
- NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Product List, Samsung AR12DXDACWKX / AR12DXDABWKN, AHRI certificate 215399291 (public data record)
- NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Product List, LG KUSAL121A / KNSAL121A, AHRI certificate 216368960 (public data record)
- NEEP, Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Product List (search site)
- American Heating, Mini split installation page
- American Heating, Connecticut HVAC rebates and incentives guide
- American Heating, Samsung vs Mitsubishi mini splits post
References opened October 14, 2026. Specifications can change without notice and differ by exact model suffix; confirm the current document for the unit on your quote. This page compares documents and is not a substitute for a load calculation or an on-site visit.
The hero is an editorial image generated from one of the company’s own job photos; it is not a photograph of a specific customer’s home or a particular brand. Both photos are American Heating and Air Conditioning Service job photos from the company’s own library.
Heating and cooling services from American Heating
The pages behind this post, for a heat pump that has to heat and cool across Greater Waterbury and the rest of our Connecticut service area.
- Mini split installation, sized from a load calculation and commissioned
- Mini split repair across western and central Connecticut
- Mini split service and preventative maintenance, the ductless tune-up
- Ductless mini split heat pump solutions for single-zone and multi-zone projects
- HVAC maintenance plans and service contracts, including ductless and heat pump systems
- Contact us for 24/7 emergency service, or call 203-756-5040
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