HVAC Rated

48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · DIRM series

DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z

Below average cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #100 of 146 48,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,326 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
18.9 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 8%
HSPF2
10.0 Heating efficiency over a season
Average · beats 43%
EER2
9.3 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Below average · beats 2%
Heat at 5°F
35,000 BTU/h70% of its 47°F output
Below average · beats 20%

A good fit if…

  • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 35,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
  • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

Think twice if…

  • Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for mini-splits.
  • You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications48,000 BTU, R-410A
General
BrandDIRECT AIR
Also sold asLBG Products
Outdoor unit modelDIRM-48LCDA25-1Z
SeriesDIRM series
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size48,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-410A
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2022
Last certifiedJune 29, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better18.9 (range 18.9)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors9.3
Cooling capacity48,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better10.0
Capacity at 47°F50,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F29,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F35,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.85
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder70% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with DIRM-48HP-CF at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups2 indoor units

The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.

Indoor unitSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
DIRM-48HP-CF · cold climate18.99.310.035,000207743735
DIRM-48HP-CF · cold climate18.99.310.035,000207743735
Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.

Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$1,193-$3,165

At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.

Questions6
What is the SEER2 rating of the DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z?
The DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z is rated at up to 18.9 SEER2 and 9.3 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 35,000 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 1.85, so it is still 1.9 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,193-$3,165 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,467 in Phoenix and $2,641 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z the same as the LBG Products LUHB48DO?
Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists both model numbers with identical efficiency, capacity and matchups, which means the same outdoor unit sold under a different brand or with a minor variant code (voltage, colour or region). The full list is on this page.
Which indoor units work with the DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z?
ENERGY STAR lists 2 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses DIRM-48HP-CF.
What refrigerant does the DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z use?
It uses R-410A. R-410A is being phased down under the EPA AIM Act, and new systems are moving to R-454B and R-32.

Running cost and savings

Pre-filled with this model. Pick your city and what you heat with today; everything else is optional.

Heat pump $1,454/yrYou save $1,054/yrSee details ↓
1. Where you live
Adjust heating and cooling hours

Filled in from your city's climate. Change them if you run the system much more or less than usual.

2. The heat pump DIRECT AIR DIRM-48LCDA25-1Z
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,454
Current system, per year
$2,508
You save per year
$1,054
Payback
17.1 years
Net after 10 years
-$7,462

Cooling $894Heating $560Electricity used: 9,087 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $474

Estimates use the unit's rated SEER2 and HSPF2, full-load hours derived from NOAA 1991-2020 degree days, average residential electricity prices from the U.S. EIA (12 months to July 2026) and fuel prices from EIA (2025 for natural gas, week of 2026-10-05 for propane and heating oil). Very cold days that need backup heat are not modelled. Federal minimum for comparison: 14.3 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2.

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Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of June 29, 2026. How we use the data.