LG heat pump

ARUM048GSS5

Mini-split / multi-splitVariable-speed (inverter)ENERGY STAR cold-climateENERGY STAR Most Efficient (some pairings)

The LG ARUM048GSS5 is a mini-split / multi-split heat pump outdoor unit with a rated cooling capacity of 48,000 BTU/h (about 4 tons) and a variable-speed (inverter) compressor running on R-410A refrigerant. ENERGY STAR lists 3 certified indoor-unit pairings for it. In cold weather it still delivers 48,000 BTU/h at 5°F — 79% of its 47°F output, above the 76% median across the 308 models we track (better than 55% of them). Its HSPF2 of 10.3 is higher than 80% of models in our database, and its best certified SEER2 of 23.3 beats 89%.

Our take in 30 seconds

Best for: mixed climates with occasional hard freezes

Strengths

  • Heating efficiency (HSPF2 10.3) beats 80% of models
  • Cooling efficiency up to SEER2 23.3, better than 89% of models
  • Variable-speed compressor: quieter, steadier temperatures and better humidity control

Good to know

  • Uses R-410A, a refrigerant being phased down; future service may cost more
  • Efficiency depends on the indoor unit: SEER2 ranges 17–23.3, so ask which pairing you're quoted
Est. yearly cost
$2,285
U.S. average rates
SEER2
17–23.3
Cooling efficiency
HSPF2
10.3
Top 20% heating efficiency
Heat kept at 5°F
79%
Median is 76%
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Running-cost calculator

Pre-filled with EIA prices · edit any field
Estimated annual cost
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Heating
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Cooling
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Uses the base certified SEER2 (17) and HSPF2 (10.3). Assumes the unit is correctly sized. How we calculate.

Heating capacity as it gets colder

A heat pump's output falls as outdoor temperature drops. This is the certified heat output of the LG ARUM048GSS5 at the three ENERGY STAR test temperatures (cooling capacity is 48,000 BTU/h for reference).

47°F
61,000 BTU/h
17°F
38,500 BTU/h
5°F
48,000 BTU/h

Retention at 17°F: 63% · at 5°F: 79%. Learn how to use these numbers in our cold-climate guide.

Estimated running cost in every state

Same unit, very different bills: from about $1,260 a year in Louisiana to $5,308 in Alaska, driven by local electricity prices and how much heating or cooling the climate needs. Click a column to sort.

StatePriceHeatingCoolingTotal / yr
Louisiana12.87¢$534$727$1,260
Florida14.99¢$399$1,016$1,415
Mississippi14.43¢$769$733$1,503
Nevada12.72¢$904$646$1,550
Arizona15.05¢$624$935$1,559
Tennessee13.42¢$1,113$493$1,605
Washington14.63¢$1,473$145$1,618
North Carolina14.95¢$1,151$549$1,700
Oregon15.92¢$1,509$202$1,711
Arkansas14.37¢$1,106$609$1,715
Kentucky13.80¢$1,308$429$1,736
South Carolina15.76¢$1,027$712$1,739
Texas15.91¢$848$898$1,746
Georgia15.90¢$1,036$718$1,754
Alabama16.33¢$1,064$738$1,802
Utah13.31¢$1,498$338$1,836
Oklahoma14.82¢$1,229$628$1,856
Idaho13.37¢$1,663$264$1,927
New Mexico16.51¢$1,467$466$1,933
Nebraska13.54¢$1,684$344$2,028
West Virginia16.31¢$1,739$368$2,107
Missouri16.02¢$1,613$498$2,110
Virginia17.64¢$1,567$548$2,115
Kansas15.47¢$1,649$480$2,130
Wyoming14.43¢$2,136$204$2,340
Colorado17.17¢$2,034$339$2,373
Delaware18.70¢$1,883$528$2,411
Indiana17.02¢$2,016$408$2,424
California29.75¢$1,586$840$2,426
North Dakota13.31¢$2,286$169$2,455
Montana15.57¢$2,305$198$2,503
South Dakota15.15¢$2,243$278$2,521
Iowa17.06¢$2,324$361$2,685
Ohio19.38¢$2,295$438$2,733
Maryland21.40¢$2,155$604$2,759
Illinois19.32¢$2,403$436$2,839
Minnesota17.20¢$2,750$267$3,017
Pennsylvania21.77¢$2,579$492$3,070
Wisconsin19.41¢$2,874$329$3,203
New Jersey24.61¢$2,623$625$3,249
District of Columbia25.98¢$2,462$807$3,269
Hawaii47.18¢$140$3,464$3,603
Connecticut24.51¢$3,193$450$3,643
Michigan22.99¢$3,268$389$3,657
Vermont23.84¢$3,671$303$3,974
Rhode Island28.18¢$3,672$477$4,149
New York28.65¢$3,733$526$4,259
New Hampshire27.64¢$4,092$390$4,483
Massachusetts30.48¢$4,152$516$4,668
Maine32.11¢$4,944$363$5,307
Alaska29.41¢$5,225$83$5,308
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Similar-size alternatives

Other mini-split / multi-split units within ±15% of this model's cooling capacity, sorted by efficiency. Cost difference is versus the LG ARUM048GSS5 at U.S.-average rates.

ModelCooling BTU/hSEER2HSPF25°F keptEst. yearly cost
Samsung AC048DXSCCG48,00018–2010.4100%$2,041 (−$243)Compare

Full specifications

BrandLG
Outdoor modelARUM048GSS5
Certified byLG Electronics, Inc.
Product typeMini-split / multi-split
CompressorVariable-speed (inverter)
RefrigerantR-410A
Cooling capacity48,000 BTU/h
Nominal size4 tons
SEER2 (certified range)17 – 23.3
EER2 (best)13.5
HSPF2 (best)10.3
Heating capacity @ 47°F61,000 BTU/h
Heating capacity @ 17°F38,500 BTU/h
Heating capacity @ 5°F48,000 BTU/h
COP @ 5°F1.83
ENERGY STAR cold-climateYes
Certified indoor pairings3
Latest certification2026-01

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), retrieved November 7, 2026. Capacities and HSPF2 are the highest values across certified pairings; confirm your exact system's AHRI reference number with your installer.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the LG ARUM048GSS5 cost to run per year?

At the U.S. average residential electricity price of 18.16¢/kWh and typical national heating and cooling hours, we estimate about $2,285 per year ($1,721 heating, $564 cooling). It ranges from about $1,260 in Louisiana to $5,308 in Alaska.

Does the LG ARUM048GSS5 work in cold weather?

Yes. It is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified and delivers 48,000 BTU/h at 5°F, 79% of its 47°F capacity, with a COP of 1.83 at 5°F.

What size is the LG ARUM048GSS5?

It is rated at 48,000 BTU/h of cooling, roughly 4 tons, and 61,000 BTU/h of heating at 47°F. Proper sizing should be confirmed with a Manual J load calculation.

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