LG

LG MULTI F R32 Dual Zone Heat Pump | 48,000 BTU Compressor

In stock
SKU: UMXB481A
Provincial Subsidy (LogisVert): 1690 $ (Updated: November 26, 2025)
Model Number (External): UMXB481A
AHRI: 215402339
ENERGY STAR®: Yes
ENERGY STAR® (Cold Climate): No / No
# ENERGY STAR ID: 3621273
Heating Capacity: -16 °C
Cooling Capacity: 48,000 BTU
Gas (Freon): R-32
WiFi: Included

SEER2 (Seasonal Air Conditioning Efficiency)

1 20.5 30

HSPF2 (Seasonal heating efficiency)

1 9.5 15

EER2 (Instantaneous efficiency in air conditioning)

1 12.8 20

COP at -8 °C (Heating energy efficiency)

1 2.17 3
Nominal Power: 48,000 BTU
Power at -8°C: 33800 BTU
Power at -15°C: 37800 BTU
Interior Dimensions (L x D x H): 32.94 x 7.56 x 12.13 in ***
Vertical flap control (Air direction): Auto ***
Horizontal flap control (Air direction): Auto ***
Sound Pressure Level (Indoor): 29 / 38 dB(A) ***(depending on the model chosen)***
Possible Model Number (Interior): KNUAK091A, KNUAK121A, NUAK181A, KNMAB071A, KNUAB091A, KNUAB121A, KNMAB151A, KNUAB181A, and KNMAB241A

CFM (Airflow) (12,000 BTU***)

1 459 700
External Dimensions (L x W x H): 37.41 x 15.66 x 54.34 in
Zones: 2 Zones (Dual Zone)
Maximum Zones: 8 Areas
Sound Pressure Level (Exterior): 55.0 dB(A)
Voltage: 220 V
MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity): 34 A
MOP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection): 40 A
Warranty (Compressor - Parts - Labor): 10-10-0 years
Additional Warranty: Possible

A high-performance, multi-zone solution designed for the realities of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore

On the ground, in Montreal 's dense neighborhoods (plexes, alleyways, back balconies), as well as in the more spread-out houses of Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore , we see a clear shift: comfort needs are no longer simply about "an average temperature" in the house. Occupants want cohesive, stable rooms adapted to their rhythm: living room at the end of the day, bedrooms at night, a home office all week, and a basement that becomes a true living space. And above all, they want to achieve this without overconsumption and without accepting constant temperature fluctuations.

This is precisely where the LG MULTI F R32 Dual Zone Heat Pump | 48,000 BTU Compressor comes in. It allows for zone management (2 zones in Dual Zone configuration), with a modulation and distribution logic that aims for smarter comfort: the entire property is not treated as a single unit, but rather as actual zones with actual heat loads.

Who does this system suit (and when does it become the “right choice”)?

We very often recommend this type of configuration when one or more of these scenarios are encountered:

  • Duplex/Triplex : a floor that “falls apart” (too hot in summer, too cold in winter) or a secondary dwelling that needs stabilizing.

  • Split-level houses : hot air rises, cold air sinks, and the differences become difficult to correct with a single solution.

  • Extensions / renovations : a new glass-enclosed room, a mezzanine, a finished basement; the demand for air conditioning and heating is changing.

  • Targeted comfort : bedrooms with stable temperature, comfortable living room despite solar gain, quiet and temperate office.

  • Properties with distribution constraints : impossibility (or low interest) of redoing the entire central ventilation, but need for a high-level result.

The idea is not simply to “add capacity”. The goal is to achieve lasting comfort , precise control , and seasonal performance that makes sense in our winters, our shoulder seasons, and our sometimes very humid summers.

What “Double Zone” really means in real life

A Dual Zone configuration means two main zones , each supplied by an indoor unit (or an indoor group via distribution), with more precise control than most "all-in-one" solutions. In practice, this offers very useful flexibility:

  • Zone 1: open area (living room/kitchen/dining room) which is often subject to solar gain and human traffic.

  • Zone 2: floor or bedrooms where stability, silence, and nighttime comfort are desired.

In many projects, these two zones have different needs: the "day" zone may require significant cooling in the summer, while the "night" zone typically needs a slight but constant temperature correction. A well-designed multi-zone system makes precisely this difference.

The figures that have a direct impact on your comfort

When discussing a 48,000 BTU multi-zone heater, some parameters are more important than others. Here are the ones we always focus on in our analysis:

  • Cooling capacity: 48,000 BTU (rated power)

  • Refrigerant: R-32 , a more modern refrigerant, combined with precise regulation

  • Variable speed scroll compressor : the basis of modulation; the system adjusts its speed rather than operating in aggressive cycles.

  • Controlled defrosting : essential in Quebec, when frost accumulates during wet and cold periods.

  • Soft start and restart protections : a smoother mechanism, beneficial for both durability and electrical stability

For a homeowner, the concrete result translates into: fewer temperature variations, fewer "peaks", and a more constant feeling of comfort.

Operating range: why this is a central issue in Quebec

A multi-zone heat pump is not a simple air conditioning unit. Here, it must withstand freeze/thaw cycles, thaws, humidity, winds, and very cold periods when heating demand is high.

This platform is designed to operate in cooling mode across a wide range of outdoor temperatures (useful in both summer and shoulder seasons), and in heating mode down to significantly negative temperatures. In our projects, this translates into actual use for a large part of the year, with impressive efficiency when the system's size and internal configuration are appropriate.

Important: In a multi-zone system, final performance depends on the entire system: the indoor units chosen, the layout, pipe lengths, elevation differences, and settings. This is precisely why a "quick" and unplanned installation often leads to unmet expectations.

Acoustic comfort: a sensitive issue in residential areas

In Montreal , particularly in areas with tight backyards, or on the South Shore where the outdoor unit is sometimes located near a patio, the issue of noise always arises. Noise level isn't just a technical factor: it's also a matter of location, support, vibrations, and airflow.

In our facilities, we treat noise as a project in its own right:

  • Choosing the right location (avoiding echoing "corners")

  • Suitable anti-vibration mounts

  • Sufficient clearance to avoid stifling the unit

  • Thoughtful orientation (do not direct the breath towards an external living area)

  • Ice and de-icing management to prevent resonance and vibration in winter

A well-designed system is often more discreet than a system that is "acceptable" on paper but poorly installed.

WiFi included: useful, but needs to be integrated intelligently.

The included WiFi can really improve the daily experience, if used correctly:

  • Programming by time slot (day/night, weekday/weekend)

  • Quick remote adjustments (useful when returning from a trip)

  • Simplified control for multiple owner-occupiers

  • Stabilizing temperatures (avoid sudden increases/decreases)

However, we recommend a realistic approach: WiFi does not replace proper sizing and positioning of indoor units. It becomes a tool for comfort and management, not a miracle solution.

Investment guarantee and protection

The advertised warranty (compressor, parts, labor) is something customers are increasingly looking at. In reality, what protects an HVAC investment is the entire package:

  • A coherent selection of components (compatible exterior + interior)

  • An impeccable installation (vacuuming, pressure tests, proper drainage)

  • A rigorous commissioning

  • Basic maintenance is carried out correctly (filters, cleaning, clearances).

A high-performing system can lose much of its perceived value if the installation or maintenance is not up to par.

From planning to commissioning: how AirGreen transforms a “product” into concrete, sustainable and measurable comfort

At AirGreen, we believe that a multi-zone system like the LG MULTI F R32 48,000 BTU should be treated as a comprehensive technical project. The product itself is excellent, but the final result depends on dozens of details. This is also why our customers often notice a difference between a "done" installation and a "successful" one.

Step 1 — Area Analysis: The Foundation of Everything

Before discussing internal units, we analyze the zones as they are actually experienced:

  • Volume and ceiling height

  • Orientation (south/west = higher solar gain)

  • Fenestration and glazing type

  • Real (not theoretical) insulation

  • Daily routines: teleworking, children, being present during the day

  • Internal heat sources: kitchen, appliances, equipment

It is at this stage that classic errors are avoided: oversizing, undersizing, or choosing an area that does not have the same requirements as another.

Step 2 — Selecting the indoor units: the choice that changes the feeling of comfort

Many homeowners believe that “the outdoor unit does everything.” In multi-zone systems, the choice of indoor units is crucial:

  • Indoor noise level

  • Airflow and diffusion

  • Capacity per zone

  • Optimal location (to avoid drafts)

  • Access for maintenance (filters, cleaning, clearance)

On this type of platform, several interior layouts can be considered depending on the desired BTU output per zone. The goal is not to "install the biggest unit possible," but to choose a combination that is coherent, stable, and pleasant to use on a daily basis.

Typical example of a combination (frequent case)

  • Zone 1 (open area): indoor unit sized to absorb solar gains and occupancy load

  • Zone 2 (bedrooms/floor): quieter indoor unit with smoother airflow and control

Nighttime comfort depends heavily on this second choice: a system that is too aggressive in a bedroom creates a feeling of discomfort even if the temperature is correct.

Step 3 — Piping, pitch lengths and elevation changes: the “invisible mechanics” that make all the difference

In Montreal 's apartment buildings, refrigerant line routing can be complex: brick walls, stairwells, restricted access, soffits, and finished ceilings. On the North and South Shores , it's sometimes the distance between the outdoor unit and the living areas that complicates the project.

The limits on total length, branches, and elevation changes are not administrative details: they have a direct impact on:

  • the stability of the modulation

  • pressure losses

  • the balancing between zones

  • the system's response in heating and air conditioning

At AirGreen, we consistently prioritize:

  • short and clean routes

  • the correct pipe diameter

  • minimized elbows

  • aesthetic and mechanical protection (pipe covers, solid supports)

  • a finish suitable for facades (brick, cladding, vinyl, fiber cement)

Step 4 — Electrical: Safety, Compliance and Performance

A 48,000 BTU machine requires strict adherence to electrical parameters:

  • Voltage and configuration

  • Minimum circuit amplitude

  • Maximum overcurrent protection

  • Circuit breaker, wiring, disconnect

  • Clean and safe pathway

We emphasize this point because improper electrical sizing leads to unexpected shutdowns, tripping, and premature wear. A high-performing HVAC system must be properly powered to function correctly.

Step 5 — Commissioning: where the next 5 years are won

Commissioning is often underestimated. Yet, this is where security is ensured.

  • the quality of the vacuum

  • the absence of moisture in the lines

  • pressure stability

  • communication between units

  • the logic of zones

  • defrosting behavior

It is also at this time that we fine-tune the settings according to the client's expectations: comfort, silence, regularity, WiFi control, and occupancy habits.

AirGreen real-world case: two zones, two problems, one stable solution

In a typical project in Laval , a property presented two challenges:

  1. Large open-plan area with lots of windows: overheats in the afternoon during the summer

  2. Upstairs: feeling excessively cool in the mid-season and unstable at night

A “single unit” solution was not satisfactory: either the living room was fine and the upstairs uncomfortable, or the upstairs was fine and the living room overheated.

In a dual zone:

  • The lounge area has received more robust management, capable of tracking solar charging

  • The upstairs area has been adjusted for a softer and more stable comfort, especially at night.

  • Perceived variations have decreased: fewer sudden changes, a more consistent temperature

In the weeks that followed, the customer's feedback was very simple: "We no longer have to fight with the house." That's exactly the goal of a well-designed multi-zone system.

Common mistakes we avoid (and which explain many bad reviews in HVAC)

Here are some situations that we regularly correct during repairs or diagnoses:

  • Choosing power without analyzing zones : “48,000 BTU” does not mean “guaranteed comfort” if the distribution is inconsistent.

  • Positioning an indoor unit too close to a resting area : the temperature is correct, but the discomfort comes from the airflow.

  • Underestimating the finish : visible, unprotected, or poorly fixed lines become an aesthetic and maintenance problem.

  • Poorly chosen outdoor location : unit exposed to snow accumulation, poorly managed defrosting, ice on the ground, increased noise.

  • Overly aggressive settings : ventilation too high, setpoints too low/high; the system is working unnecessarily.

A multi-zone system should be comfortable, not just “capable”.

Maintenance and best practices: what sustains performance year after year

A multi-zone system is reliable, but it's still an HVAC system that deserves a minimum of attention. Simple actions make a real difference:

  • Filter cleaning/inspection : maintain airflow, reduce fouling

  • Periodic cleaning of the coils (depending on the environment): pollen, urban dust, proximity to parking

  • Checking outdoor clearances : snow, ice, leaves, debris

  • Monitoring defrosting behavior : normal defrosting is not a fault; it is the expected operation in winter.

  • Listen for changes : a new noise may indicate a vibration, a support that needs adjusting, or insufficient clearance.

We also offer structured preventative maintenance, particularly useful for rental properties, income properties, and homes where equipment needs to remain stable without surprises.

Subsidies and efficiency: how to approach the subject realistically

Subsidies (e.g., provincial programs, updated periodically) are of great interest to many homeowners, and that's understandable. In practice, what makes the difference for a strong application is:

  • Choosing compatible indoor units

  • The consistency of the sizing

  • Installation compliance

  • Equipment documentation (model, AHRI, parameters)

  • An execution that complies with the requirements of the applicable program

At AirGreen, we integrate this logic into the planning process. The objective is simple: for the project to be successful, and for the associated processes to be clear and structured.

Why choose AirGreen for LG MULTI F multi-zone heating?

A system like this deserves a team that understands local realities and the technical details that make all the difference. Our value lies in:

  • An approach focused on zones , not just “power”.

  • Clean facilities, adapted to the buildings of Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , North Shore , South Shore

  • A well-thought-out finish and design (aesthetics + durability)

  • A complete commissioning, with comfort-oriented settings

  • Structured follow-up and after-sales service, because an HVAC project doesn't end on the day of installation.

Next Step

Are you considering the LG MULTI F R32 48,000 BTU Dual Zone Heat Pump for your property in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore or South Shore ? Contact AirGreen for a complete analysis: zone selection, choice of indoor units, piping and electrical planning, and then HVAC installation performed according to best practices.

Request your AirGreen price and proposal : we present you with a clear, consistent and sustainable configuration, designed to deliver stable comfort, summer and winter.