Australia’s commercial infrastructure is entering a new era. Facility owners, developers, and government clients want systems that not only meet operational demands but also anticipate them. Cost and compliance pressures are increasing, yet so are expectations for occupant comfort, efficiency and responsiveness to weather changes. For LG, the answer lies in combining intelligent hardware with adaptive software.
At the heart of this shift is the new Multi V i system. It is LG’s most advanced variable refrigerant flow (VRF) solution to date, placing artificial intelligence at the core of HVAC system performance. According to Virender Rana, Head of LG’s HVAC business in Australia, this represents more than an incremental update.
“HVAC will always remain in demand,” Virender said. “As buildings get more complex and energy use rises, we need smarter systems that respond to real-world conditions, not just static setpoints.”
Smarter control in complex climates
The Multi V i is LG’s most advanced variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system to date. It brings together artificial intelligence, adaptive controls, and post-sales service improvements, all designed to optimise performance across Australia’s diverse conditions.
Virender said the system was designed around what he calls the “three I’s”: innovative, interactive, and intelligent.
“It adapts based on how many people are in a room, how humid it is, what the outdoor temperature is doing,” he explained. “The system is more than smart – it is intelligent. Indoor devices communicate with each other, while outdoor devices respond automatically. You’re not just turning on cooling and heating anymore. You’re making live decisions based on user needs and environmental data.”
That adaptability matters in a country where a single day can swing between sub-zero mornings and 40-degree highs. From Far North Queensland to urban Melbourne, the Multi V i is engineered to handle these crucial conditions. “Our outdoor units can operate in a wide temperature range from sub-zero to almost 50 degrees,” Virender said. “We’ve built the system to respond to those extremes.”
This responsiveness supports both comfort and efficiency. Outdoor units shift from economy mode to rapid cooling based on detected humidity, while indoor systems prioritise occupant needs across a larger operational range.
“The capacity range is wide,” Virender added. “One unit can go up to 73 or 74 kilowatts. That saves space, simplifies installation and reduces component count.”
While all new systems are trialled domestically in South Korea before international launch, feedback from Australian teams still influences future product development. Local standards, rebate programs and regulatory changes are forwarded to LG’s global R&D team.
“We don’t always get top priority straight away, but the message is clear,” Virender said. “We need Australia-specific models, and we push for those constantly.”
Smarter service and lower disruption
AI HVAC systems also offer improvements in long-term servicing and maintenance. The Multi V i logs up to six months of performance data, enabling fault diagnostics before a technician even arrives on site.
“If there’s a fault, a technician doesn’t have to guess,” Virender said. “They can look at the history and pinpoint what went wrong.”
This allows for more proactive servicing and reduces the risk of unplanned outages. Mobile access also eliminates the need for laptops or proprietary cables. According to Virender, technicians can download the required data or view operating conditions directly from their phones.
“This improves our troubleshooting and in-field engineering capability,” he said. “It also shortens service time and improves the customer experience.”
Sustainability, refrigerants and reality checks
Virender believes HVAC is a critical contributor to building sustainability, but not the only one. While LG’s systems have helped commercial buildings achieve Green Star and NABERS ratings, HVAC alone cannot define total performance.
“We can contribute, but sustainability depends on lighting, insulation and materials as well,” he said. “We are part of that picture, not the whole picture.”
LG is also addressing the shift to lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. Current systems are transitioning from R-410A to R-32, with future moves toward R-290 being assessed. However, Virender pointed out that energy-efficient and low-emission systems often come at a premium.
“If developers aren’t willing to pay the higher cost, the change will be slow,” he said. “We’re ready if the demand is there, but it has to be a holistic decision.”
Market education and training support
The uptake of next-generation HVAC solutions is increasing, but Australia still lags behind North America and Europe. Virender attributes this in part to cautious adoption cycles and commercial conservatism.
“A lot of change comes at a cost,” he said. “We follow what happens in the US and Europe but implement it at our own pace.”
To support industry readiness, LG runs regular training programs for contractors, pre-sales teams and post-sales technicians. These cover system control, energy optimisation and hands-on commissioning.
“We run training both in-house and at customer locations,” Virender said. “After launching the Multi V i, we scheduled sessions specifically to get partners up to speed.”
A future shaped by responsiveness
Looking ahead, Virender expects AI HVAC systems to become more deeply integrated with building management systems. He also pointed to the transition from gas heating to electric systems in Victoria and South Australia as a key driver of new demand.
“That means air-to-water heat pumps, hot water systems and chillers,” he said. “It’s not just about comfort anymore. It’s about compliance, energy ratings and electrification.”
LG is expanding into water-cooled VRF systems for high-rise buildings and is entering previously untapped markets with a broader range of solutions.
“We’ve come a long way from selling split systems,” Virender said. “Now we’re working across VRF, chillers, heat pumps and hot water. That means more opportunities, and more responsibility, to deliver what the market actually needs.”
For more information, visit lg.com.
