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Optimising LG Therma V R32 using AI

AndyJ · 2023-12-29T23:58:41Z

This is my first post, so please be gentle. System is LG Therma V R32 (14kW). House detached 2 floors 2700 sqft, self built - mid-90's. Well insulated for it's age, underfloor heating downstairs, radiators upstairs. Solar Thermal panels for hot water (sunlight permitting). Location Hampshire. Installed around 2 years ago - initially set with flow temp around 55C and controlled by 2 separate Nest thermostats - one for downstairs ufh and the other for the upstairs radiators. In practice only the uf/h is used for heating, as although its a 5 bed house - we're now empty nest, so only 2 people and prefer bedroom to be cool at night. Haven't paid much attention to the system since it was installed, although have reduced the flow temp to mid 40's (as hot water is set to 43C - so had assumed flow temp needed to be set to slightly higher). Getting fed up with high winter electricity usage (£20 per day), have started to look at ways to optimise. My initial thought was to introduce individual control for each ufh zone (room), with smart thermostats controlling each zone via actuators (currently all ufh loops are balanced and operate as one controlled by the single Nest in the central hallway. However, after reading a number of posts on this forum and studying online manuals and some videos, have started thinking using the Therma V's AI weather compensation and optimisation functions might be a better (and more cost effective) approach. I.e. the system is best optimised by allowing it to run continuously and adjust the flow temps automatically. However, finding some straightforward and simple to follow instructions is proving challenging. Hoping someone on here can perhaps fill in some gaps. I have activated AI, and also entered the installer set-up, and followed basic set up instructions, but not really understanding what I'm doing. I'm normally quite tech savvy (IT background) but at the moment this has me at a loss. The ASHP controller is upstairs in the hallway so could potentially be used as a temp sensor (air?). I initially set for water sensor only, and input some values for Outdoor and indoor temps for Auto mode, and also LWT settings. However, I have found nothing that explains how setting these values affects the operation of the ASHP. I'm presumaing the idea is that the configuration sets up a rel;ationship between the water flow temperatures and the outside air temperature. (I.e. as the temperature decreases outside, heat loss increases and so more energy is required to keep the house at the required temperature (i.e. increased flow temps). What I'm unclear about is where, if anywhere, is the controller set with a target house temperature value? After activating AI mode, the flow temperatures have ranged between 32C and 37C and is holding the house at 18C but not increasing to the required temperature of 19.5C. I'm unclear where or how to change settings to increase the flow temps (or other settings) to create the desired outcome. Suggestions and any clarifications on how the AI settings actually work on this would be much appreciated. Thanks.

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Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

Last Post by Tim441 7 months ago

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bontwoody

(@bontwoody)

Noble Member Contributor

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 1059

08/02/2026 2:24 pm

@tim441 Yes an EV and battery makes a huge difference 😁

Im just waiting for them to give me the go ahead and change things. I guess its a leap of faith for them 😆

House-3 bed partial stone bungalow, 5kW Samsung Gen 6 ASHP (Self install)
6.9 kWp of PV
10kWh DC coupled battery
Blog: https://thegreeningofrosecottage.weebly.com/
Heatpump Stats: http://heatpumpmonitor.org/system/view?id=60

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Tim441

(@tim441)

Honorable Member Contributor

Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 463

08/02/2026 2:25 pm

@bontwoody yes, but also be easily reversed!

I think i can honestly say its 100% certain they will save money... and still be warm

Listed Grade 2 building with large modern extension.
LG Therma V 16kw ASHP
Underfloor heating + Rads
8.7kw pv solar
3 x 8.2kw GivEnergy batteries
1 x GivEnergy Gen1 hybrid 5.0kw inverter
Manual changeover EPS
MG4 EV

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bontwoody

(@bontwoody)

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Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 1059

10/02/2026 8:02 pm

@tim441 So I havent been over yet, but apparently its not showing that screen now. Its showing this. Does this mean the heating is off? Thanks

Messenger creation 094A0042 54AD 4A79 A47D D85D0F9E06D2

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Tim441

(@tim441)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 463

10/02/2026 8:16 pm

@bontwoody yes.

Are they using external programmers and/or thermostats? Was it a retrofit for previous gas or oil central heating system?

Or have they set schedules in the LG system?

With AI you should run 24x7... and thermostats higher than requirement- especially during setup. Preferably long term too

This post was modified 7 months ago by Tim441

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bontwoody

(@bontwoody)

Noble Member Contributor

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 1059

10/02/2026 8:20 pm

@tim441 I think they have schedules set up as they said it was too expensive to run 24/7, but that was off course at 54C 🙂 Ill set up a WC curve for them at a sensible slab temperature. Thanks Tim

👍

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Tim441

(@tim441)

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Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 463

10/02/2026 8:33 pm

@bontwoody

Yes, remove schedules for now anyway.

Hopefully you can look at tariffs too. You may be able to get a decent setup using Octopus Cosy or Intelligent ... and tweak schedules to maximise benefit.

But personally I'd focus first on 24x7 AI... then tariff... then further tweaks

👍

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bontwoody

(@bontwoody)

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Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 1059

12/02/2026 9:51 am

@tim441 Just an update Tim, I cant convince them to let me do the changes, so Ive offered to give them an hours tutorial in heat pumps if they want it. Frustrating really but its their money. Thanks for your help.

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Tim441

(@tim441)

Honorable Member Contributor

Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 463

12/02/2026 10:18 am

@bontwoody oh dear! ... but as you say..

I suppose the only other suggestions i have

1. Might they watch YouTube videos or read forums? I think 100% of people that have looked at Fixed Flow vs Weather Compensation will agree WC will always save money. Even if quantum varies. I would suggest average savings 20% plus?

2. The real killer point is that everything is reversible!

But thanks for the update anyway!

👍

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