LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW Review | 46 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£930
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,220
  • Cooling capacity: 3.5 kW
  • Seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER): 5.8
  • Maximum indoor-unit sound power level: 58 dB

LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW review. Compare 46 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Air Conditioners category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Air Conditioners category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Air Conditioners category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.9

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

40.0%

3.9

Performance

40.0%

9.0

Features

20.0%

8.4

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 9.0
    Compactness

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.7

    Indoor unit width

    30.0%

    8.4

    Indoor unit depth

    20.0%

    9.5

    Indoor unit height

    20.0%

    9.7

    Indoor unit weight

  • 8.3
    Bedroom comfort

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Night mode

    25.0%

    ?

    Timer

    20.0%

    ?

    Maximum timer duration

    15.0%

    10

    Automatic mode

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £930

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL is a 3.5 kW wall-mounted air conditioner that provides both cooling and heating functions, utilizing a rotary compressor and R410A refrigerant. It achieves a 5.8 SEER rating and an A+ energy efficiency class for cooling, with an annual cooling energy consumption of 211 kWh and an operating temperature range of -10°C to 48°C. Main advantages include its power-saving DC inverter technology, an antibacterial dust filter that captures microscopic particles over 10 micrometers, and an easy installation design. However, the system relies on older R410A refrigerant rather than modern eco-friendly options, lacks an integrated ionizer, and has a relatively high outdoor unit noise level of 65 dB.

Technical Specifications of air conditioner LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

40.0%

?

Performance

40.0%

?

Features

20.0%

?

Design

6.9
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a technical score of 6.86 points, which is lower than 83.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Air Conditioners category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Air Conditioners category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Air Conditioners category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.9

Overall score

40.0%

1.7

Price

5.3
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.3 points, which is lower than 95.5% of products in this category.
Split configuration
What it is: Split configuration states how many indoor units are paired with the air-conditioning system, such as mono, dual, triple, quad, or penta split.
When it matters: It matters when you are planning climate control for one room or several rooms from a shared outdoor unit.

Importance: LOW

mono split
Cooling capacity
What it is: Cooling capacity is the rate at which the air conditioner can remove heat from a room, expressed in kilowatts.
When it matters: Adequate capacity is essential for cooling the intended room size without excessive run time or poor temperature control.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3.5 kW

3.5 kW
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW delivers a cooling capacity of 3.5 kW, which is higher than that of 45.9% of air conditioners and the same as that of 20% of air conditioners.
Indoor-unit capacity configuration
What it is: Indoor-unit capacity configuration shows how the system’s BTU/h capacity is distributed across its indoor units.
When it matters: It matters when sizing a multi-split system for rooms with different cooling loads.

Importance: LOW

12,000 BTU/h
Seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER)
What it is: SEER expresses the air conditioner’s average cooling efficiency over a typical season.
When it matters: A higher SEER generally means less electricity is needed to deliver the same seasonal cooling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 6.1

5.8
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a SEER rating of 5.8, which is lower than that of 98.7% of air conditioners.
Seasonal heating efficiency (SCOP)
What it is: SCOP expresses the air conditioner’s average heating efficiency over a typical season.
When it matters: A higher SCOP generally means less electricity is needed to provide the same seasonal heating.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 4.0

3.8
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a SCOP rating of 3.8, which is lower than that of 100% of air conditioners.
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Inverter compressor
What it is: An inverter compressor can vary its operating speed instead of relying only on full-power on and off cycles.
When it matters: Variable compressor output can improve temperature stability, efficiency, and part-load noise.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: yes

yes
Does LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW use an inverter compressor? yes. 12.4% of air conditioners do, while 87.6% do not.
Heating function
What it is: A heating function reverses or supplements normal operation to warm the room.
When it matters: Heating extends seasonal usefulness and can replace a separate spot heater in mild weather.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Can LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW heat the room? yes. 7.3% of air conditioners can, while 92.7% cannot.
Active air purification
What it is: Active air purification uses a dedicated treatment function beyond ordinary passive filtration to improve indoor air quality.
When it matters: It is useful when reducing fine particles, allergens, odors, or other airborne contaminants is a priority.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Does LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW actively purify the air? no. 27% of air conditioners do not, while 73.1% do.
Dehumidification mode
What it is: Dehumidification mode removes moisture from room air with reduced emphasis on cooling.
When it matters: This mode improves comfort in humid weather and can help control indoor dampness.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Does LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW include dehumidification mode? yes. 6.8% of air conditioners do, while 93.2% do not.
Fan-only mode
What it is: Fan-only mode circulates room air without running the refrigeration cycle.
When it matters: This mode provides lower-power airflow when cooling is unnecessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Does LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW offer fan-only mode? yes. 6.2% of air conditioners do, while 93.8% do not.
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Color
What it is: Color identifies the main exterior finish of the indoor unit.
When it matters: Color matters when the indoor unit remains visible and should suit the room decor.

Importance: LOW

white
Body material
What it is: Body material identifies the primary exterior housing material of the indoor unit.
When it matters: Housing material affects appearance, rigidity, cleaning, and resistance to everyday wear.

Importance: LOW

plastic
Display
What it is: A display shows temperature, operating mode, timer, or status information on the indoor unit.
When it matters: A built-in display makes current settings easier to check without opening an app or using the remote.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has no display (no); 82.6% of air conditioners do, while 17.4% do not.
Display position
What it is: Display position identifies where the integrated display sits on the indoor or main unit.
When it matters: A well-placed display is easier to read from the usual viewing angle without obstructing the room layout.

Importance: LOW

none
Physical control methods
What it is: Physical control methods identify the supplied remote and user-facing controls on the unit.
When it matters: Physical controls matter when you want to operate the air conditioner without relying on Wi-Fi, an app, or voice control.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: remote control and onboard controls

remote control
LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW provides remote control physical controls, ahead of 1.1% of air conditioners and equal to 81.5%.
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LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW vs the average air conditioner

  • 2 more fan speeds
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW provides more fan speed options than the average air conditioner (5 vs 3).
    What it is: The number of selectable fan speeds determines how finely airflow and noise can be adjusted.
    When it matters: More speed settings make it easier to balance cooling intensity, sound, and comfort.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 3 speeds

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW provides more fan speed options than the average air conditioner (5 vs 3).5 vs 3
  • 125 m³/h higher indoor-unit airflow
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW delivers a higher indoor airflow rate than the average air conditioner (720 m³/h vs 595 m³/h).
    What it is: Maximum indoor-unit airflow is the greatest volume of air the indoor unit can circulate in one hour.
    When it matters: Higher airflow can distribute cooled or heated air more quickly, especially in larger rooms.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 600 m³/h

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW delivers a higher indoor airflow rate than the average air conditioner (720 m³/h vs 595 m³/h).720 m³/h vs 595 m³/h
  • 0.7 cm narrower indoor unit
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a narrower indoor unit than the average air conditioner (79.8 cm vs 80.5 cm).
    What it is: Indoor unit width is the horizontal side-to-side dimension of the wall-mounted unit.
    When it matters: A narrower indoor unit fits more easily on limited wall sections and between furniture or openings.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 80 cm

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a narrower indoor unit than the average air conditioner (79.8 cm vs 80.5 cm).79.8 cm vs 80.5 cm
  • 2.3% lighter indoor unit
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a lighter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (8.5 kg vs 8.7 kg).
    What it is: Indoor unit weight is the net mass of the wall-mounted indoor component.
    When it matters: A lighter indoor unit is easier to lift and places less load on the mounting surface during installation.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Up to 10 kg

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a lighter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (8.5 kg vs 8.7 kg).8.5 kg vs 8.7 kg
  • 125 m³/h higher indoor-unit airflow
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW delivers a higher indoor airflow rate than the average air conditioner (720 m³/h vs 595 m³/h).
  • 2 more fan speeds
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW provides more fan speed options than the average air conditioner (5 vs 3).
  • 0.7 cm narrower indoor unit
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a narrower indoor unit than the average air conditioner (79.8 cm vs 80.5 cm).
  • 2.3% lighter indoor unit
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a lighter indoor unit than the average air conditioner (8.5 kg vs 8.7 kg).
  • 0.5 points lower seasonal cooling efficiency
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a lower seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER) than the average air conditioner (5.8 vs 6.3).
  • 3 dB higher outdoor sound power
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW operates with a louder outdoor unit than the average air conditioner (65 dB vs 62 dB).
  • Lower cooling energy class
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a less efficient cooling energy class than the average air conditioner (A+ vs A++).
  • 2 dB higher indoor sound power
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW operates with a louder indoor unit than the average air conditioner (58 dB vs 56 dB).
  • 0.2 points lower seasonal heating efficiency
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a lower seasonal heating efficiency (SCOP) than the average air conditioner (3.8 vs 4).
  • Does not support Wi-Fi connectivity
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average air conditioner supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Does not support voice control
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW does not support voice control, while the average air conditioner supports voice control.
  • No display
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has no display (no), while the average air conditioner does (yes).
  • 0.9 cm deeper indoor unit
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a deeper indoor unit than the average air conditioner (21.4 cm vs 20.5 cm).
  • 0.2 cm taller indoor unit
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a taller indoor-unit height than the average air conditioner (29.2 cm vs 29 cm).
  • Does not support Wi-Fi connectivity
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average air conditioner supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the air conditioner can connect to Wi-Fi for remote or smart control.
    When it matters: When you want to change settings remotely, set schedules, or integrate the unit with a smart home.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average air conditioner supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 0.5 points lower seasonal cooling efficiency
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a lower seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER) than the average air conditioner (5.8 vs 6.3).
    What it is: SEER expresses the air conditioner’s average cooling efficiency over a typical season.
    When it matters: A higher SEER generally means less electricity is needed to deliver the same seasonal cooling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 6.1

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a lower seasonal cooling efficiency (SEER) than the average air conditioner (5.8 vs 6.3).5.8 vs 6.3
  • 3 dB higher outdoor sound power
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW operates with a louder outdoor unit than the average air conditioner (65 dB vs 62 dB).
    What it is: Maximum outdoor-unit sound power level measures the greatest acoustic power emitted by the outdoor unit.
    When it matters: A lower value reduces the likelihood of disturbing neighbours or nearby outdoor spaces.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 65 dB

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW operates with a louder outdoor unit than the average air conditioner (65 dB vs 62 dB).65 dB vs 62 dB
  • Does not support voice control
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW does not support voice control, while the average air conditioner supports voice control.
    What it is: Indicates whether the air conditioner can be operated through supported voice assistants.
    When it matters: When hands-free temperature changes and smart-home voice routines are useful.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW does not support voice control, while the average air conditioner supports voice control.
  • Lower cooling energy class
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a less efficient cooling energy class than the average air conditioner (A+ vs A++).
    What it is: Cooling energy efficiency class summarizes the unit’s cooling efficiency on the European A+++ to G scale.
    When it matters: A higher class indicates more efficient cooling and can reduce electricity use for a given cooling demand.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: A++ or better

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a less efficient cooling energy class than the average air conditioner (A+ vs A++).A+ vs A++
  • No display
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has no display (no), while the average air conditioner does (yes).
    What it is: A display shows temperature, operating mode, timer, or status information on the indoor unit.
    When it matters: A built-in display makes current settings easier to check without opening an app or using the remote.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has no display (no), while the average air conditioner does (yes).
  • 2 dB higher indoor sound power
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW operates with a louder indoor unit than the average air conditioner (58 dB vs 56 dB).
    What it is: Maximum indoor-unit sound power level measures the greatest acoustic power emitted by the indoor unit.
    When it matters: A lower value supports a quieter room, which is especially useful in bedrooms and workspaces.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Up to 55 dB

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW operates with a louder indoor unit than the average air conditioner (58 dB vs 56 dB).58 dB vs 56 dB
  • 0.9 cm deeper indoor unit
    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a deeper indoor unit than the average air conditioner (21.4 cm vs 20.5 cm).
    What it is: Indoor unit depth is the front-to-back distance of the wall-mounted unit.
    When it matters: A shallower indoor unit protrudes less into the room and looks less bulky on the wall.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 22 cm

    LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW has a deeper indoor unit than the average air conditioner (21.4 cm vs 20.5 cm).21.4 cm vs 20.5 cm

Graphic comparison of LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW and other products in the Air Conditioners category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW?

  • High energy efficiency due to DC inverter technology, which significantly lowers electricity consumption once the desired temperature is reached.
  • Strong, reliable cooling capacity (3.5 kW) suitable for medium-sized spaces up to 35 square meters.
  • Quiet operation, especially on lower fan settings, making it ideal for bedrooms and living areas.
  • Advanced dust and air filtration capabilities to maintain cleaner indoor air quality.
  • Compact, lightweight design that ensures easier physical installation.

What customers dislike about LG Econo Split DC Inverter E12EL 3.5 kW?

  • High initial purchase and installation cost compared to standard non-inverter systems.
  • Complex internal electronics can make third-party repairs difficult and parts can be expensive or hard to source.
  • Some users note a lack of local technician support for specific inverter models outside of standard manufacturer warranties.

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