LG ARTCOOL MIRROR Mini Split (Black) | R32 | 18000 BTU

A mini split "designer" that behaves like a true 4-season system in Montreal

The LG ARTCOOL MIRROR Mini Split (Black) | R32 | 18000 BTU immediately catches the eye: a black mirrored front, clean lines, and a more stylish presence than a traditional wall unit. But at AirGreen, we know that a good HVAC choice is never just about aesthetics. In Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , and on the North and South Shores , a mini split must primarily deliver consistent comfort despite harsh winters, unpredictable spring and fall seasons, and humid summers where dehumidification becomes almost as important as temperature.

This model, with KNUAK181A (indoor unit) and KUSAB181A (outdoor unit) , aims for a cooling capacity of 18,000 BTU and heating usable down to -16°C . In practical terms, this means that the main zone of a condo, bungalow, or duplex floor can be treated with a "comfort + control" approach, provided that the installation is done correctly (sizing, location, drainage, piping, commissioning).

Another point of interest to many homeowners: the product listing indicates a provincial subsidy (LogisVert) of $1,596 (updated November 26, 2025 ). For many projects, this detail is what makes the difference between "later" and "we'll do it now."

Why this model is so popular with owners (beyond the black mirror)

During our site visits, we observed that customer expectations were similar:

• a unit that does not visually “dominate” the wall;

• discreet operation, especially in the evening;

• simple management (clear remote control, WiFi included );

• constant comfort, without harsh drafts.

The ARTCOOL MIRROR often ticks these boxes, but let's be transparent: the difference between "wow" and "meh" depends more on the quality of the project than on the look of the facade.

What the “ARTCOOL MIRROR” changes on a daily basis (and what it doesn't change)

What this changes:

• Visual integration : in a modern condo (dark walls, minimalist furniture, architectural lighting), the black mirrored facade blends in naturally.

• Acceptance in living areas : customers are less hesitant to install a mini split in a “well-groomed” living room.

• User experience : the combination of automatic shutters + programming + remote control makes the device more “livable” on a daily basis.

What this doesn't change:

• The mini split system remains a system that requires precise HVAC installation : piping, drainage slope, sealing, vibration, external support, and rigorous commissioning.

• Actual performance depends on proper sizing and positioning : even the best machine cannot compensate for a poorly chosen location.

Noise, airflow, control: what we clearly explain before installation

Based on this model, several characteristics often come up in our discussions with clients:

• Indoor noise level : a well-installed unit is generally perceived as very quiet, especially at low speeds and during maintenance.

• Airflow : the flow rate allows a main area to be treated effectively, but it must be directed intelligently (otherwise, an air current is created on a dining table or sofa).

• Automatic sweep : the horizontal and vertical louvers in auto mode help to distribute the air more evenly, which is useful in open areas.

• Built-in WiFi : convenient for adjusting a setting before arriving home, or stabilizing the temperature remotely while travelling.

• R-32 : a modern refrigerant, with a safety and commissioning approach that must be strictly followed.

At AirGreen, our goal is not to "sell a spec sheet". Our goal is to ensure that the machine performs well in your reality: your room layout, your habits, your building envelope, your noise tolerance, and your heating/air conditioning usage.

Understanding the "inverter" logic to avoid usage errors

Much of the satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) comes from daily use.

Common mistake : constantly changing the temperature (e.g. 19°C → 23°C → 20°C) as you would with electric baseboard heaters.
Effect : the system works unnecessarily, the sensation of fluctuations increases, and consumption may rise.

Good practice : choose a realistic target and let the device maintain it.
In heating, this often results in a gentler level of comfort. In air conditioning, it helps the dehumidifier do its job instead of "switching off too quickly".

What 18,000 BTU typically covers (real-world examples)

An 18,000 BTU unit is often suitable for:

• an open area living room/kitchen (nice windows, normal occupancy);

• a ground floor of a duplex or cottage;

• a large condo where the aim is stable comfort in the main area;

• a house where the aim is to reduce the use of electric baseboard heaters on the main floor.

But we always emphasize: surface area alone is not enough. Two dwellings of the same size may require different choices depending on:

• orientation and fenestration;

• insulation (walls, roof, basement);

• the height of the ceilings;

• the presence of an open staircase (air migration);

• habits (teleworking, frequent cooking, continuous occupation).

At AirGreen, we validate these points before recommending an LG mini split rather than another format.

The key differences between a condo (Montreal) and a house (Laval/North Shore)

Condos in Montreal:

• facade and co-ownership constraints (location of the outdoor unit, aesthetics, noise);

• more complex access (elevator, parking, permitted hours);

• Drainage must be managed properly to avoid any surprises.

Living in a house in Laval or on the North Shore:

• greater freedom of location, but greater risk of vibration if the external support is poorly chosen;

• piping lengths sometimes longer (if the ideal indoor location does not “fall” on the right wall);

• Exposure to wind and snow should be taken into consideration.

On the South Shore (Longueuil, Boucherville, etc.):

• Many houses with open areas and large windows: comfort is excellent when the air orientation is well thought out;

• special attention should be paid to drainage and sealing when the passage crosses more exposed walls.

Our AirGreen installation approach ensures the LG ARTCOOL MIRROR 18,000 BTU truly performs on the North Shore and South Shore

A high-end mini split system that is poorly installed quickly becomes "just okay". Conversely, a clean and well-planned installation makes the system quieter, more efficient, more stable, and less prone to service calls.

Here is our way of doing things, from Montreal to Laval , and from Longueuil to the South Shore .

1) Validating the sizing: avoiding the two classic pitfalls

Trap #1: Oversizing “just to be sure”

• Shorter cycles in air conditioning.

• Dehumidification is less effective in summer (cool air, but humid).

• Comfort is sometimes less pleasant in the mid-season.

Trap #2: Undersizing “to save money”

• The unit operates continuously at high speed.

• Perceived noise level higher.

• Less room for improvement in heating during cold periods.

Our goal: a system that runs “as it should”, without straining, with a reasonable reserve, and stable behavior.

2) Indoor unit location: comfort before symmetry

The black mirror invites you to display it as a work of art. We respect its aesthetic appeal, but our priorities are:

• a useful air trajectory (do not blow directly onto seating areas);

• an unobstructed air intake;

• easy access for maintenance;

• a logical route for piping and drainage.

A mistake we often correct is a unit placed too close to a corner or too close to the ceiling "to hide" it.
Result: poorer air circulation, less representative temperature measurement, and inconsistent comfort.

3) Piping and finishing: what customers notice (even if they don't say so)

The details that change the perception of quality:

• clean pipe insulation (and durable external protection);

• discreet and aesthetically pleasing trajectory;

• impeccable sealing and weatherstripping;

• solid, vibration-free mounting;

• neat interior finish (no “DIY”).

We treat the installation as a visible work, not as something to be “quickly camouflaged”.

4) Condensate drainage: the small slope that prevents a big problem

In air conditioning systems , water must drain efficiently. Poor drainage is one of the most frequent causes of problems in residential settings.

Our approach:

• continuous and logical slope;

• Watertight, clean and secure passage;

• protection against the risk of frost when the journey justifies it;

• actual verification in operation.

In many Montreal condos (open-concept kitchen/living room, finished walls), people don't want to "hope it will work." They want a clean, tested, and sustainable solution.

5) Electrical installation and protection: simple, compliant, safe

A 220V mini split system must be installed with adequate protection and compliant wiring. Ensure that:

• the circuit is well sized;

• the protection is appropriate;

• the connections are clean;

• The whole thing is clear and serviceable.

It's less "visible" than a mirrored facade, but it's the kind of detail that protects your investment.

6) Commissioning: the step that separates “it works” from “it works well”

Commissioning is the point at which the installation becomes a complete system:

• leak test;

• rigorous vacuuming;

• validation of operation in heating and air conditioning;

• basic checks and explanation to the customer.

With the R-32 , precision is essential. A well-executed project often results in a more stable, quieter unit, less likely to produce surprises.

7) Settings and usage tips: our “little instructions” that make a big difference

We always end with practical tips, adapted for home use:

• stable setpoint rather than constant changes;

• sleep mode and smart scheduling;

• automatic shutter management (when to activate it, when to fix it);

• Good habits during a heatwave (close blinds, avoid unnecessary heat input).

The goal: to improve comfort duration , not just display a number on a remote control.

Three AirGreen scenarios where the ARTCOOL MIRROR (Black) makes a real difference

Case 1 — Modern condo in Montreal (open concept, “signature” wall)

• Objective: comfortable air conditioning without noticeable noise, and perfect aesthetic integration.

• Solution: positioning that avoids direct airflow onto the sofa + adjustments to the blinds + programming.

• Result: stable comfort in the evening, and a unit that blends into the decor to the point of being visually “invisible”.

Case 2 — House in Laval (living room + kitchen, generous windows)

• Initial problem: old noisy air conditioner + heavily used electric baseboard heaters.

• Solution: mini split 18,000 BTU sized for the main area, with attention to the air path (avoid the kitchen island and the table).

• Result: a more consistent feeling of comfort and better management of hot and humid periods.

Case 3 — Duplex in Longueuil (complex air circulation)

• Challenge: corridors, semi-enclosed rooms, a staircase that “sucks in” air.

• Solution: location that pushes air towards the most used area + practical advice (doors, circulation, storage).

• Result: less temperature variation and more consistent comfort without having to oversize.

These examples are typical of what we see on the North Shore and the South Shore : the product matters, but the integration strategy matters just as much.

Maintenance: protecting performance, quietness, and air quality

A mini split system works best when maintained. We recommend:

• Clean the filters regularly (even more so if you have pets, are doing work, or are in a dusty environment).

• Keep the area around the unit clear.

• Monitor drainage (especially after a very wet summer).

• Plan a complete periodic maintenance: deep cleaning, component check, general inspection.

A common mistake : waiting for a drop in performance before cleaning.
Often, the mini split compensates… until the day it becomes noisier, blows less air, and loses comfort.

Subsidies and smart choices: why this page is of interest to so many homeowners

When a product listing advertises a subsidy (like the LogisVert listed at $1,596 ), homeowners primarily want to avoid two things:

• buying a model that is unsuitable for their home;

• missing documentation or compliance steps.

At AirGreen, we take the time to explain the conditions and best practices of the project, because a good purchase is one that goes all the way to the end: clean installation, optimal operation, and clear documentation.

Why choose AirGreen for your LG ARTCOOL MIRROR heat pump?

Because we make the connection between:

• the product (consistent choice and clear explanation);

• the building (thermal load, actual constraints);

• execution (finishing, drainage, piping, commissioning);

• and user experience (settings, advice, everyday comfort).

We take a direct approach: on-site assessment , practical advice, and installation by experienced refrigeration technicians. The goal is simple: an HVAC system that provides comfort, without any surprises.

Next Step

For a quote or evaluation of your project (condo, house, plex) in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or South Shore , contact AirGreen now. We will guide you towards the most logical configuration and install your LG ARTCOOL MIRROR mini split system according to best practices.