Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are moving into head-to-head competition in South Korea’s heating market, leaning on heat pump technology already proven in Europe.
Industry officials said Tuesday that LG Electronics plans to launch a new all-in-one heat pump system boiler in South Korea in May. With the outdoor unit integrated into the system, it can be installed without separate refrigerant piping work. The company said installation is also easier because it can use hot-water piping connected to existing boilers. Remote management through the LG ThinQ app is intended to improve convenience.
Samsung Electronics earlier released a Korea-specific “EHS heat pump boiler.” Samsung said its heat pump solution showed a high seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) under a 35-degree outlet-water condition optimized for underfloor heating, and can supply thermal energy about five times the input power. The company said it provides stable heating even in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees.
Both companies have already posted tangible results in Europe, the largest market and a key base for heat pumps.
Samsung has been strengthening the business with four global product lines tailored to climate-specific requirements across Europe. Its all-in-one product, offered only by Samsung, has been evaluated as maximizing operating efficiency by providing cooling, heating and hot water year-round.
LG recently completed delivery of high-efficiency heat pumps to a new residential complex in the Eindhoven area of the Netherlands. It also won an order for a new housing complex in Ridderkerk and plans to begin supply from the second quarter. In the Netherlands, new homes are legally barred from connecting to the gas network, making heat pumps effectively essential infrastructure.
In South Korea, wider adoption of heat pump boilers is expected to accelerate starting in 2029. The government recently announced a heat pump rollout program tied to its “2050 carbon neutrality” goal and plans to expand support to 3.5 million units by 2035. Starting this month, the government is implementing support programs in major local governments including Jeju, South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang, targeting households using coal briquette or kerosene boilers and areas not supplied with city gas. Support per household will cover up to about 70% of purchase and installation costs.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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