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FUJITSU AIRSTAGE ALTAIR 500 and ALTAIR 700: what changes from one series to the next
Two 12,000 BTU FUJITSU AIRSTAGE wall units on R‑32, from the same ALTAIR family, sold by AirGreen. Same published indoor dimensions, same piping, same heating range down to −15 °C. What changes shows up in their certificates: seasonal efficiency, the heat kept in extreme cold, and the ENERGY STAR cold climate designation.
What the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 12,000 BTU/h zone in Montréal, at 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 a reference point.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat needed over the winter. A zone whose heat loss reaches 12,000 BTU/h ( kW) at −23.1 °C, the Montréal design temperature: kW × 24 h × 4,167 degree-days ÷ (18 − (−23.1)) = kWh of heat for round-the-clock heating, all winter. Heating degree-days (base 18 °C) 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: this is a simplification that ignores the recovery after a temperature setback.
- Electricity for heating. Heat pump: heat × 3.412 ÷ HSPF2 Region V, the AHRI certificate value published by NEEP. Region V is the coldest in the standard, and its calculation includes the electric backup expected when the heat pump is no longer enough. Electric baseboards: 1 kWh of electricity for 1 kWh of heat.
- Electricity for cooling. 12,000 BTU/h ÷ SEER2 × hours a day × 60 days ÷ 1,000: the method of Hydro-Québec’s air-conditioning calculator, with the SEER2 seasonal 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: 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¢ beyond that; the average price, 9.104¢, is the one Hydro-Québec’s calculators use. GST and QST included. Network access charges, the same with or without a heat pump, are not counted.
AirGreen method v1.1, November 9, 2026. An estimate is meant to compare units under the same conditions. The actual bill depends on the house, insulation, settings and use; this amount is not a promise.
For one unit of electricity, how many units of heat
COP counts the units of heat delivered for each unit of electricity consumed. NEEP publishes three COPs at each test temperature: at the lowest speed, at the rated point and at full capacity. Choose the speed, then slide from 8.3 °C to −15 °C: each coloured block is one unit of heat.
NEEP certified values for AHRI certificates 215212610 (ALTAIR 500) and 214390708 (ALTAIR 700), accessed November 9, 2026. A COP is read together with the heat delivered at the same moment: when both units deliver the same heat, the COP difference compares directly. The cost of a season is calculated with HSPF2, above.
Why only one of the two carries the ENERGY STAR cold climate designation
The ENERGY STAR directory lists both units (certified April 17, 2026), but only the ALTAIR 700 as “cold climate”. For this designation, ENERGY STAR requires two results at −15 °C (5 °F): a COP of at least 1.75, and a capacity of at least 70% of rated capacity at 8.3 °C (47 °F). Here are both criteria, with the certified values published by NEEP.
Heat kept at −15 °C
Maximum capacity at −15 °C ÷ rated capacity at 8.3 °C
ALTAIR 500 8,500 ÷ 14,000 BTU/h = 61%, below the threshold.
ALTAIR 700 10,600 ÷ 14,000 BTU/h = 76%, above the threshold.
COP at −15 °C, full capacity
Units of heat for one unit of electricity
ALTAIR 500 COP 2.29, above the threshold.
ALTAIR 700 COP 2.39, above the threshold.
Below −15 °C: the last published figure, and what FUJITSU AIRSTAGE writes lower down
NEEP certifies both units at −15 °C, under the same conditions: 8,500 and 10,600 BTU/h maximum. That is also the bottom of the heating range FUJITSU AIRSTAGE publishes for both series. Lower down, neither the certificate nor the manufacturer’s documents give a capacity; at each temperature, the table shows the last published figure and what the manufacturer writes beyond it.
One letter in the model number, a wider outdoor unit
In each model number, a single letter differs: P for the ALTAIR 500, M for the ALTAIR 700. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE brochures do not spell out what each letter means. The rest of the number is shared, as are the indoor unit dimensions. Outside, the units are not the same.
ASUH12KPASindoorAOUH12KPAS1outdoorASUH12KMASindoorAOUH12KMAS1outdoorDiagram, front view, to scale from the dimensions published in brochures FG8151D and FG8150D (height × width × depth). AirGreen’s product pages use the same outdoor unit render for both series; the diagram follows the published dimensions.
The same published figures
- Indoor unit of 10 5/8 × 32 13/16 × 8 3/4 in (H × W × D), 21 and 22 lb.
- Piping: 66 ft maximum, 49 ft precharged, 1/4 and 3/8 in.
- Stated ranges: heating from −15 to 24 °C, cooling from −10 to 50 °C.
- Certified rated capacity: 12,000 BTU/h cooling, 14,000 BTU/h heating at 8.3 °C.
- R-32 refrigerant, 15 A breaker.
What differs
- Outdoor unit: 26 1/8 in wide and 57 lb, versus 31 7/16 in and 71 lb.
- Indoor fan: 6 speeds and Auto, versus 4 speeds and Auto.
- Dehumidification: 1.59 versus 1.73 L/h.
- Seasonal efficiency: SEER2 24.0 versus 27.5; HSPF2 IV 10.5 versus 11.2.
- ENERGY STAR cold climate designation: no for the ALTAIR 500, yes for the ALTAIR 700.
What each brochure names
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE brochures FG8151D (ALTAIR 500) and FG8150D (ALTAIR 700), revision 4/2025, French edition. Each card repeats what the manufacturer writes for each series.
ALTAIR 500: Economy, Energy Saving, Powerful, Minimum Heat; automatic defrost and restart.
ALTAIR 700: the same modes, named the same way.
ALTAIR 500: 6 speeds and Auto.
ALTAIR 700: 4 speeds and Auto.
ALTAIR 500: manual horizontal, automatic vertical.
ALTAIR 700: manual horizontal, automatic vertical.
ALTAIR 500: backlit wireless remote included; Wi-Fi and the AIRSTAGE Mobile app with a compatible USB WLAN adapter.
ALTAIR 700: wireless remote included; the brochure states built-in Wi-Fi and the AIRSTAGE Mobile app.
ALTAIR 500: BACnet and Modbus, external inputs and outputs, backup heating logic.
ALTAIR 700: optional third-party controls, BACnet and Modbus.
ALTAIR 500: washable filter; ProCore copper indoor coil.
ALTAIR 700: washable filter; ProCore copper indoor coil.
ALTAIR 700 Wi-Fi: submittal sheet 12KMAS1 (version 20250409A) also mentions an adapter for the AIRSTAGE Cloud connection. To be confirmed with your quote.
How loud each one is, according to FUJITSU AIRSTAGE
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE publishes six fan speeds for the ALTAIR 500 and four for the ALTAIR 700, with a sound pressure in dB(A) for each. Both start at 19 dB(A) in cooling.
How to read these figures. dB(A) measures a noise level as the ear perceives it: the lower the figure, the quieter the unit. Each dot is a published fan speed, from slowest to fastest.
Why this is not a ranking. The two series have different speeds: the fastest of one does not necessarily match the same airflow as the fastest of the other. The brochures do not state the measuring distance.
Indoor unit, in the room
Cooling, all published speeds
Outdoor unit, outside
Cooling and heating
Measurements published by FUJITSU AIRSTAGE for each series, with no distance stated: read them as reference points, not as a ranking.
On the wall, outside, in the piping
Indoor units to scale
Same published dimensions for both. The photos, taken from AirGreen’s product pages, show the ALTAIR 700 at a three-quarter angle: its actual width is the same.
| Installation | ALTAIR 500 | ALTAIR 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping length | 66 ftMinimum 10 ft. | 66 ftMinimum 10 ft. |
| Precharged length | 49 ft | 49 ft |
| Maximum height difference | 49 ft | 49 ft |
| Liquid – gas diameters | 1/4 – 3/8 in | 1/4 – 3/8 in |
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 26 1/8 × 21 5/16 × 11 7/16 in, 57 lb | 31 7/16 × 21 5/16 × 11 7/16 in, 71 lb |
| Indoor unit, weight | 21 lb | 22 lb |
| Electrical protectionPer the manufacturer | 15 A breaker | 15 A breaker |
| Dehumidification | 1.59 L/h | 1.73 L/h |
| Stated heating / cooling range | −15 to 24 °C / −10 to 50 °C | −15 to 24 °C / −10 to 50 °C |
Brochures FG8151D and FG8150D (rev. 4/2025); for the ALTAIR 700, also submittal sheet 12KMAS1 and technical manual DR_AS231ES_03. Outdoor unit clearances are given in each model’s installation manual; the installer checks them on site.
What people ask about these two ALTAIR units
Why is the ALTAIR 700 “cold climate” and not the ALTAIR 500?
At −15 °C, ENERGY STAR requires a COP of at least 1.75 and at least 70% of rated capacity at 8.3 °C. Both have a COP above 1.75. With NEEP values, the ALTAIR 500 keeps 61% (8,500 of 14,000 BTU/h) and the ALTAIR 700 76% (10,600 of 14,000). The ENERGY STAR directory lists the ALTAIR 700 as cold climate, not the ALTAIR 500.
Which one delivers more heat at −15 °C?
According to NEEP, 10,600 BTU/h maximum for the ALTAIR 700 and 8,500 BTU/h for the ALTAIR 500, at the same temperature and under the same test conditions.
Why does the ALTAIR 500 have more maximum capacity at 8.3 °C?
NEEP publishes 17,000 BTU/h maximum for the ALTAIR 500 and 15,000 for the ALTAIR 700 at 8.3 °C. Each maximum is measured at each unit’s highest speed. At −8.3 °C, the order reverses: 11,000 and 13,200 BTU/h. At the 8.3 °C rated point, both deliver 14,000 BTU/h, with a COP of 3.80 and 4.32.
Can they heat below −15 °C?
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE publishes a heating range of −15 to 24 °C for both series and gives no capacity below that. The brochures carry the note “no shutoff device”, with nothing more. For a room that must be heated mainly by the heat pump below −15 °C, look at series certified lower down.
Are the indoor units the same size?
Yes, according to the brochures: 10 5/8 × 32 13/16 × 8 3/4 in for both, 21 and 22 lb. The size difference is outside: 26 1/8 in wide for the ALTAIR 500 outdoor unit, 31 7/16 in for the ALTAIR 700’s.
Are they eligible for rebates?
Eligibility depends on the official list in force on the date of purchase. This page promises no amount; the current list is checked when you get your quote.
All AHRI and NEEP values
| Certified value | ALTAIR 500 | ALTAIR 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 12,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h |
| Cooling at 35 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 3,100 / 12,000 / 13,600 | 3,100 / 12,000 / 13,800 |
| SEER2 | 24.0 | 27.5 |
| EER2 | 11.7 | 13.5 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 Region IV / V | 10.5 / 7.9 | 11.2 / 8.5 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,700 / 14,000 / 17,000 | 2,800 / 14,000 / 15,000 |
| 8.3 °C: COP at min., rated, max. | 6.09 / 3.80 / 3.69 | 5.86 / 4.32 / 2.50 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,900 / 8,700 / 11,000 | 1,700 / 8,700 / 13,200 |
| −8.3 °C: COP at min., rated, max. | 4.05 / 2.86 / 2.69 | 2.93 / 3.11 / 2.65 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,100 / 8,500 / 8,500 | 2,000 / 10,600 / 10,600 |
| −15 °C: COP at min., rated, max. | 2.56 / 2.29 / 2.29 | 2.55 / 2.37 / 2.39 |
| Coldest certified point — the same for both | ||
| Test temperature | −15 °C (5 °F) | −15 °C (5 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max. | 2,100 / 8,500 BTU/h | 2,000 / 10,600 BTU/h |
| COP at maximum output | 2.29 | 2.39 |
| Certifications and refrigerant | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate | Yes / No | Yes / Yes |
| ENERGY STAR directory, markets listed | United States, Canada | United States, Canada |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 215212610 · 392096 | 214390708 · 397907 |
| RefrigerantGWP per the IPCC (AR4); ASHRAE 34 class | R-32 · GWP 675 · A2L | R-32 · GWP 675 · A2L |
higher marks the higher value of the same measurement, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Capacities and COPs by test point are not highlighted: the order changes with the point you read.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose for your room, talk it over with our team: bring the room dimensions, the planned outdoor location and your current heating.
Where each figure comes from
Data checked November 9, 2026. Performance: AHRI certificates and the NEEP database. Dimensions, sound, piping and features: per the manufacturer. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails.
Trademarks. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE, ALTAIR and AIRSTAGE are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a retailer of this brand; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturer.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us: every reported figure is rechecked.