Home / Comparisons / 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pumps
HITACHI airHome 800 and LG ARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32, 18,000 BTU, figure by figure
Two wall-mounted heat pumps of the same nominal size, both AHRI-certified and on the NEEP cold-climate heat pump list. Their extreme-cold tests were not run at the same temperature: this page shows where each value was measured, then what each one costs to run in Montréal.
HITACHIairHome 800 · 18,000 BTU
RAK-XJ18PHAA / RAC-XJ18WHAA · AHRI 215911632
See the product page
LGARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32 · 18,000 BTU
KNSAL181A / KUSAL181A · AHRI 215828275
See the product pageColdest point on each NEEP record, maximum capacity. The two values were measured at different temperatures: the smaller one is the one measured in colder air.
What the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 18,000 BTU/h zone in Montréal, on Hydro-Québec Rate D, taxes included. Both heat pumps are calculated exactly the same way, with the same method as on all our comparison pages; only their certified efficiencies change. Electric baseboards serve as the reference point.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat needed over the winter. A zone whose heat loss reaches 18,000 BTU/h (5.28 kW) at −23.1 °C, Montréal’s design temperature: 5.28 kW × 24 h × 4,167 degree-days ÷ (18 − (−23.1)) = 12,836 kWh of heat for round-the-clock heating, all winter. Heating degree-days (18 °C base) and design temperature: Natural Resources Canada, HOT2000 climate data, Montréal Intl station. With fewer hours a day (“Heating” slider), the heat is reduced in the same proportion, for the heat pump and for the baseboards alike: a simplification that ignores the recovery after a temperature setback.
- Electricity for heating. Heat pump: heat × 3.412 ÷ HSPF2 Region V, the value of the AHRI certificate published by NEEP. Region V is the coldest in the standard, and its calculation includes the backup electric heat expected when the heat pump can no longer keep up. Electric baseboards: 1 kWh of electricity for 1 kWh of heat.
- Electricity for cooling. 18,000 BTU/h ÷ SEER2 × hours a day × 60 days ÷ 1,000: the method of Hydro-Québec’s air-conditioning calculator, with the seasonal SEER2 efficiency from the AHRI certificate. The number of hours is a scenario, adjustable above from 1 to 24 h. At 24 h, the calculation assumes rated capacity all day long: that is a maximum, since a variable-speed unit slows down once the room is at the right temperature.
- Price. Hydro-Québec Rate D in effect on April 1, 2026: 7.065¢ per kWh up to 40 kWh a day, 11.142¢ above that; the average price, 9.104¢, is the one Hydro-Québec’s calculators use. GST and QST included. Grid access charges, the same with or without a heat pump, are not counted.
AirGreen method v1.1, November 9, 2026. An estimate is for comparing units under the same conditions. The actual bill depends on the house, its insulation, the settings and how it is used; this amount is not a promise.
Every certified value has its temperature: the map of test points
For each AHRI certificate, NEEP publishes a series of heating test points: 8.3 °C, −8.3 °C and −15 °C for every unit, then one colder point chosen by the manufacturer. Each pin below is one of those points; its height follows the measured maximum capacity. Tap a pin to read everything the record holds at that temperature.
A solid pin is a point certified by NEEP (tested to the AHRI 210/240 standard, published with the certificate). A hollow diamond is a value published by the manufacturer in its brochure, outside the certificate. The two units share three test temperatures; their coldest point differs: −30 °C for the airHome 800, −25 °C for the ARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32.
Below −15 °C: every published value, at its own temperature
At temperatures where NEEP has no point, we show the manufacturers’ tables (HITACHI brochure of December 2024, LG ARTCOOL PRESTIGE brochure 2025), then the range between the two published values on either side of that temperature. Nothing is calculated between two points.
At −25 °C, both manufacturers publish a maximum capacity in their brochure: 16,000 BTU/h (HITACHI) and 14,780 BTU/h (LG, the same value as its NEEP record). It is the only temperature below −15 °C where both units have a value of the same kind. At −30 °C, only the HITACHI record has a point; LG states a heating range that stops at −25 °C.
What each manufacturer writes, feature by feature
Only the features named in the brochures we read are listed. When a brochure says nothing about one, we say so: that does not mean the feature does not exist.
Why it matters: this is the low operating limit each manufacturer states.
Frost forms on the outdoor coil in winter; defrosting melts it.
These features concern the cleanliness of the indoor coil and filter.
To adjust the unit remotely or follow its consumption.
Automatic settings for the night or for energy saving, as named by each manufacturer.
A baffle shields the outdoor unit from prevailing winds.
| Documented feature | airHome 800 | ARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive or automatic defrost | Yes Adaptive Defrost Technology | Yes “Reliable defrost” |
| Base pan heater | Yes NEEP record: 120 W; not named in the Dec. 2024 brochure | Yes NEEP record: 90 W, on at 0 °C and below, in heating mode |
| Wi-Fi app | Yes airCloud Go | Not published by the manufacturer 2025 French brochure |
| Filter and automatic cleaning | Yes FrostWash 3.0, Mold Guard 2.0, PM2.5 filter | Not published by the manufacturer 2025 French brochure |
| Optional accessory for extreme cold and wind | Not published by the manufacturer Dec. 2024 brochure | Yes optional kit |
| Compressor | Not published by the manufacturer type not specified (DuraSpin named) | Twin rotary 2025 French brochure |
Indoor unit sound, fan speed by fan speed
Published indoor sound pressure
Each point is a fan speed published by the manufacturer, in heating.
How to read these figures. The lower the decibels, the quieter the unit. Each point is one fan speed. A rise of 10 dB(A) is heard as roughly twice as loud.
Why this is not a ranking. HITACHI and LG publish a sound pressure in dB(A), but neither brochure gives the measuring distance or room. The two sets of figures are read separately.
Measured by each manufacturer with its own method: different methods — not comparable point by point.
On your wall and in your yard
The two indoor units, to the same scale
Width of the unit only. The clearances around the indoor unit are given in each manufacturer’s installation manual.
| Installation, per the brochures | airHome 800 | ARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping length | 164 ft 50 m | 164 ft minimum 9.8 ft |
| Precharged length | Not published by the manufacturer factory charge 4.12 lb (1.87 kg), max. charge 5.05 lb | 24.6 ft 0.32 oz per ft beyond |
| Maximum height difference | 98 ft 30 m | 98.4 ft |
| Liquid – gas line diameters | 1/4 – 1/2 in | 3/8 – 5/8 in |
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 37.4 × 37.2 × 14.6 in, 163 lb | 37 13/32 × 32 3/16 in, 135.4 lb the brochure also prints a depth of 10 7/16 in, the same value as the indoor unit; probably a misprint, to be confirmed on the LG submittal sheet |
| Indoor unit, weight | 43.3 × 11.8 × 10.2 in, 33.1 lb | 41 23/32 × 14 3/16 × 10 7/16 in, 37.7 lb |
| Electrical protection | MCA 20 A · MOP 35 A 208/230 V | MCA 19 A · MOP 30 A 208/230 V |
| Dehumidification | 4.0 L/h | 2.0 L/h 4.23 US pints/h per LG |
| Stated heating / cooling range | −30 to 24 °C / −20 to 46 °C | −25 to 18 °C / −10 to 48 °C heating at wet-bulb temperature |
Questions about this pair
Why is the airHome 800’s coldest NEEP point lower in BTU/h than LG’s?
Because it was measured 5 °C colder. HITACHI had its last point certified at −30 °C (12,960 BTU/h), LG at −25 °C (14,780 BTU/h). At −25 °C, HITACHI publishes 16,000 BTU/h in its brochure, outside the certificate.
Which one heats more at −15 °C?
At −15 °C, both NEEP records give a maximum capacity: 23,000 BTU/h for the airHome 800 and 21,600 BTU/h for the ARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32. The COP at maximum is 1.98 and 1.90.
What do HSPF2 Region IV and Region V mean?
They are two seasonal heating efficiencies calculated for two standard climates of the AHRI standard. Region V is the colder one. Our cost estimate uses Region V: 8.7 for the airHome 800, 8.2 for the ARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32.
Are both ENERGY STAR cold climate certified?
Yes. Both AHRI certificates (215911632 and 215828275) are listed by NEEP as ENERGY STAR and ENERGY STAR cold climate, checked on November 9, 2026.
What about the warranty?
Each manufacturer publishes its own terms. The warranty documents come with the quote.
Are these two units sold under other names?
We found no other product at NEEP carrying the same AHRI and NEEP certified values as either of these two units.
AHRI certificate values, as published by NEEP
| Certified value | airHome 800 | ARTCOOL PRESTIGE R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal efficiencies | ||
| SEER2 | 21.5 | 24.0 |
| EER2 | 14.0 | 14.4 |
| HSPF2 Region IV | 11.5 | 11.0 |
| HSPF2 Region V | 8.7 | 8.2 |
| Rated capacity at 35 °C (cooling) | 18,000 BTU/h | 18,000 BTU/h |
| Heating, min. / rated / max. capacity | ||
| Min. / rated / max. capacity at 8.3 °C | 8,800 / 18,000 / 28,000 | 3,070 / 21,600 / 27,400 |
| Min. / rated / max. capacity at −8.3 °C | 6,400 / 16,000 / 27,000 | 2,934 / 13,100 / 24,300 |
| Min. / rated / max. capacity at −15 °C | 4,320 / 15,200 / 23,000 | 2,730 / 21,600 / 21,600 |
| Min. / rated / max. COP at 8.3 °C | 3.97 / 4.19 / 3.28 | 1.36 / 4.11 / 2.84 |
| Min. / rated / max. COP at −15 °C | 1.58 / 2.06 / 1.98 | 1.33 / 1.90 / 1.90 |
| Coldest point (different temperatures) | ||
| Test temperature | −30 °C (−22 °F) | −25 °C (−13 °F) |
| Max. capacity at the coldest point | 12,960 BTU/h | 14,780 BTU/h |
| Max. COP at the coldest point | 1.52 | 1.44 |
| Certification | ||
| Refrigerant | R-32 GWP 675 (IPCC AR4), class A2L (ASHRAE 34) | R-32 GWP 675 (IPCC AR4), class A2L (ASHRAE 34) |
| ENERGY STAR · cold climate | Yes NEEP, Nov. 9, 2026 | Yes NEEP, Nov. 9, 2026 |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 215911632 · 484773 | 215828275 · 385473 |
“higher” marks the higher value of the same measurement, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation.
Both are on the AirGreen site.
For an estimate visit or a quote on either of these units.
Documents consulted
Data checked on November 9, 2026. Certified values: AHRI certificates published by NEEP. Declared values (sound, dimensions, piping, features): the manufacturers’ brochures cited above. When two sources differ, the AHRI certificate prevails.
HITACHI, airHome, LG and ARTCOOL are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products. AirGreen is a retailer of these brands; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturers.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us at sales@airgreen.ca.