We tested an air conditioner with artificial intelligence: what it really does and how much it changes the experience

LG DUAL Inverter AI Airthe most recent team of the South Korean brand in Argentinanot limited to cooling or heating an environment. Its differential is in its configuration of sensors, algorithms, connectivity and different automatic systems to decide how to do it as efficiently as possible.

The feature that attracts the most attention when turning it on is the so-called AI Air. The idea is not that the team has artificial intelligence capable of conversing with the user, but that it uses environmental information and usage patterns to automatically modify its operation.

The system can analyze variables such as interior temperature, the rate at which it changes, and operating conditions to determine what type of air flow should be used.

In models that incorporate a human detection sensor, you can also take into account the location of people. For those that do not have this sensor, the LG ThinQ application allows you to manually configure the position of the device and different sectors of the room.

When the room is very far from the chosen temperature, you can use a stronger and more direct flow to speed up the process. Upon reaching the desired level, it goes to an intermediate mode and can finally use an indirect and softer flow. It’s a small difference in appearance, but important in everyday use.

In fact, with daily use, this is one of the most sensible functions of this equipment because you don’t need the air conditioning all the time work the same way. It is one thing to enter a room that is at 30 degrees and want to cool it down quickly, and quite another to stay for several hours in an environment that has already reached a comfortable temperature.

Additionally, the system can learn certain patterns of use through ThinQ. If you’re not connected to the app, deep learning is not available, although the internal microcontroller continues to manage the feature at a more basic level.

With the Soft Air function, for example, you can modify the way the air comes out. The objective is to achieve indirect circulation that cools the environment without generating that sensation of constant cold wind on the body. In total there are five speed levels and nine levels to control the flow temperature.

This is one of those functions that seem secondary until you think about the actual use. Especially for those who they sleep with the air on or spend many hours in front of it, being able to keep a room cool without constantly receiving a blast of air may be more important than having enormous power.

The other visible peculiarity is in the design of the air outlet. LG uses a system called DUAL Vane, with two independent fins that work together to modify the direction of flow.

According to measurements provided by the company, the system can carry air up to 22 meters22% farther than certain previous single-fin models.

LG also declares a improvement of up to 23% in the cooling rate and 6% on heating compared to models with a single fin. These figures come from tests conducted by the company under controlled conditions, so they should not be interpreted as a universal difference in any home environment.

The logic behind the system is simple: cold air can be directed upward, while hot air is sent closer to the floortaking advantage of the natural behavior of the air. The team tries to work on the entire room and not just on the area immediately located in front of the split.

Heat is not the only thing responsible for making a room uncomfortable. In spring and summer, especially in humid environments, a relatively moderate temperature can feel much heavier.

In the case of this equipment, it incorporates a system called Comfort Humidity Controlwhich uses a humidity sensor to adjust operation based on the selected temperature. The intention is to avoid both an excessively humid environment and a excessive dehumidification.

At this point it is worth clarifying, because this air It does not have a separate dehumidifieris a complementary function of the air conditioning system. Its appeal is that the user can set the desired temperature and let the equipment gAutomatically adjust humidity level.

For an Argentine house, where humid heat days can be especially uncomfortable, this is a more useful function than its technical name suggests.

Here it probably appears the question of most interest when the first heat of spring arrives: how much it consumes.

With a cooling demand that could double by 2040according to data presented by the Japanese manufacturer of air conditioning systems Daikinenergy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. The company estimates that 84% of the carbon footprint linked to air conditioning is generated during the useful life of the equipment and not during its manufacturing.

This information helps put into perspective the energy efficiency when choosing an air. To have an idea, the useful life of this type of air tends to extend 10 or 15 yearsso looking only at the initial price can hide how much it will end up costing in electricity over its lifetime.

To do this, the LG DUAL Inverter AI Air has the built-in function AI kW Manager with which each user sets an electricity consumption target during a certain period. From this objective, the system monitors consumption and automatically adjusts operation to try to stay within the established limit.

It does not mean that the air conditioner magically consumes less electricity without consequences. If a limit is set too low, the computer will have to restrict its performance to reach it. It is, rather, a tool to put a ceiling on consumption and prevent the equipment from operating permanently at maximum demand.

Another function related to consumption is open window detection for those distracted who turn on in naturally ventilated environments. The system analyzes sudden changes in temperature and, if it detects certain variations in a period of five minutes, it interprets that there may be an open window.

Then, activate a saving mode which limits operation to 80% of the nominal power, although different levels and periods can be configured from ThinQ.

The historical problem with this type of equipment is that the interior can accumulate dust and moisture. This LG model incorporates a set of cleaning functions that work on different parts of the system, such as the interior, certain surfaces of the evaporator and even a maintenance for long periods unused.

But during the night you can clearly see the impact that AI has on a team of this kind. In order not to wake up with a sharp drop in temperature in the room, The system analyzes usage patterns during sleep and can automatically modify the temperature. The timer can be set for up to 12 hours, with a temperature range of 22 to 28°C.

The family intended for the Argentine market includes versions of 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000 BTU/h. The choice It should not be done only by looking at the cooling or heating power, since the square meters of the environment, orientation, number of people, insulation, ceiling height and sun exposure also influence.

You also have to take into account what your main limitations of the LG DUAL Inverter AI Air. Several of the most advanced functions depend on the LG ThinQ cell phone application and keeping the device connected to the Internet, so anyone who intends to use it as a traditional air conditioner, only from the remote control, will leave out part of what differentiates this model.

However, its greatest virtue is in automate small decisions that normally fall to the userthat is, it works best when the user practically forgets about the equipment. After several days of use, that comfort is more valuable than much of its technical specifications.