🏆 Top Through-the-Wall Heat Pump Brands Compared: LG vs. GE vs. Friedrich
Persona: Jake – I don’t care how pretty the brochure looks—if it’s noisy, hard to clean, or breaks in two years, it’s not worth it. I’ve dug through spec sheets, warranty terms, and real user feedback to give you the no-spin comparison.
Best Through The Wall Heat Pumps
📦 1. Introduction — Why Brand Matters (and When It Doesn’t)
When you’re dropping $1,200–$2,000 on a through-the-wall heat pump, you’re not just buying a metal box with a fan—you’re buying:
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Engineering quality
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Noise level control
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Reliability in your climate
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Warranty support that actually means something
The three most commonly recommended brands in the U.S. — LG, GE, and Friedrich — all make ENERGY STAR-rated models, but they’re not identical in performance or long-term cost.
📚 Reference: ENERGY STAR – Product Finder
🏷 2. Brand Snapshots
| Brand | Founded | Known For | Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 1958 | Sleek design, high efficiency | Mid-High |
| GE | 1905 | Solid reliability, wide availability | Mid |
| Friedrich | 1883 | Quiet operation, premium build | High-End |
📊 3. Performance Specs Comparison
I pulled actual model data from AHRI and ENERGY STAR databases for comparable units (~12,000 BTU, heat pump models).
| Brand | BTU Range (Cooling) | BTU Range (Heating) | SEER2 | HSPF2 | Energy Star? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 8,000–14,000 | 7,000–12,000 | 16–18 | 9–10 | Yes |
| GE | 8,000–14,000 | 7,000–11,000 | 15–16 | 8–9 | Yes |
| Friedrich | 8,000–15,000 | 7,000–13,000 | 17–19 | 9–10 | Yes |
📚 References:
🔇 4. Noise Level Showdown
Noise matters—especially if your unit is near a bedroom or office.
| Brand | Indoor dB (low/high) | Outdoor dB |
|---|---|---|
| LG | 48–55 | 59–63 |
| GE | 50–56 | 60–64 |
| Friedrich | 45–52 | 57–60 |
Jake’s Take: Friedrich wins here—if you’re sensitive to noise, it’s worth paying extra.
🛠 5. Build Quality & Design
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LG: Stylish front panels, good fit/finish, easy-to-remove filter.
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GE: Basic but durable plastics, straightforward controls.
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Friedrich: Metal chassis, corrosion-resistant coating, pro-grade components.
📦 6. Installation & Compatibility
Sleeve Fit:
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LG and GE generally fit standard 26” sleeves.
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Friedrich can use their own Uni-Fit sleeve or adapt to standard with a kit.
DIY Friendliness:
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GE is easiest for self-install if you already have a sleeve in place.
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LG requires a bit more alignment.
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Friedrich’s fit kit adds time but improves insulation and noise sealing.
📚 Reference: Consumer Reports – Air Conditioner Ratings
📃 7. Warranty & Support
| Brand | Parts Warranty | Labor Warranty | Notable Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | 1 yr parts & labor | — | Limited coverage after year 1 |
| GE | 1 yr parts & labor | — | Parts only after year 1 |
| Friedrich | 2 yr parts & labor | 5 yr sealed system | Stronger long-term coverage |
Jake’s Take: Friedrich wins again—better coverage for compressor/sealed system.
💵 8. Price Comparison
| Brand | Average Street Price (12k BTU model) |
|---|---|
| LG | $1,200–$1,500 |
| GE | $1,000–$1,400 |
| Friedrich | $1,500–$2,000 |
📈 9. Pros & Cons Summary
LG
✅ Stylish design
✅ High efficiency ratings
❌ Slightly louder than Friedrich
GE
✅ Widely available
✅ Affordable in mid-range models
❌ Lower HSPF2 than others
Friedrich
✅ Quietest operation
✅ Best warranty
✅ Premium build quality
❌ Highest price
🎯 10. Which Brand Fits Which Buyer?
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On a Budget: GE — you’ll get solid performance at the best price.
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Style + Efficiency: LG — especially if matching modern decor.
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Noise-Sensitive + Long-Term Owner: Friedrich — best for bedrooms, offices, or forever homes.
🔍 11. Jake’s Final Verdict
If money’s no object → Friedrich for the quiet + warranty.
If you want balanced performance and price → LG.
If you’re replacing an old unit on a budget → GE.
Just remember—BTU size and installation quality matter as much as brand.
In the Next Topic we will know more about: Is a Through-the-Wall Heat Pump Right for Your Home? Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
