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CANAIR 4CDH and ELIOS R-454B, 3 tons: one record, two names
The 3-ton CANAIR 4CDH and ELIOS R-454B have two AHRI certificates, two outdoor unit numbers, and exactly the same certified values, row for row. This page shows it, then uses it for a more useful question: down to what temperature does the certified capacity cover a house’s heating need?
Two nameplates, one set of certified figures.AHRI certificates 215449707 and 216618899, published by NEEP, verified November 9, 2026.
4CDH R-454B · 3 tons
Outdoor unit
4CDH2036C21
R-454B · 3 tons
Outdoor unit
ESHMB36R2AN1
Change the nameplate: the figures stay
A central heat pump in cross-section: the outdoor unit outside, the air handler in the basement, the ducts to the rooms. Change the name on the nameplate: the certified values shown do not move, because the two certificates are identical.
Is the certified capacity enough, and how far down?
Set the house’s heat loss at −23.1 °C, Montréal’s design temperature (it comes from a load calculation). The page compares this need with the certified maximum capacity, at the only four temperatures where NEEP publishes it. Nothing is calculated between these points.
Need at a temperature t: heat loss × (18 − t) ÷ (18 − (−23.1)), a straight line that reaches zero at 18 °C. This is a load-calculation simplification, not a measurement. AHRI-certified maximum capacities published by NEEP. Below the need, the gap is covered by the electric backup planned with the system.
One estimate for both nameplates
AirGreen estimate for a house whose heat loss reaches 36,000 BTU/h in Montréal, at Hydro-Québec Rate D, taxes included. The calculation uses HSPF2 Region V (8.6) and SEER2 (17.4), identical on both certificates: the amount is the same, to the dollar. Electric baseboards serve as the reference point.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat to supply over the winter. A zone whose heat loss reaches 36,000 BTU/h ( kW) at −23.1 °C, Montréal’s 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 (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 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 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. 36,000 BTU/h ÷ SEER2 × hours per day × 60 days ÷ 1,000: the method of Hydro-Québec’s air-conditioning calculator, using 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: it 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 April 1, 2026: 7.065¢ per kWh up to 40 kWh a day, 11.142¢ beyond; 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, insulation, settings and use; this amount is not a promise.
What to know before choosing a name
The certificates are identical; the documents and listings are not always. Here are the points noted.
Two certificates, zero difference
The NEEP records 387538 (CANAIR, AHRI 215449707) and 382289 (ELIOS, AHRI 216618899) carry the same values at every published temperature, from 8.3 °C to −30 °C, and the same seasonal efficiencies.
More rated capacity at −15 than at −8.3 °C
The certificates give 39,000 BTU/h of rated capacity at −15 °C, versus 31,800 at −8.3 °C. That is what NEEP publishes for these two certificates; the maximum capacity, on the other hand, drops steadily: 48,000, 41,000, 39,000, then 27,800 BTU/h.
3 tons in cooling, more in mild-weather heating
The certified rated cooling capacity is 36,000 BTU/h. In heating, the certified maximum reaches 48,000 BTU/h at 8.3 °C and stays above 36,000 down to −15 °C.
The SEER2 in the ELIOS brochure: 17.3
The ELIOS brochure prints a SEER2 of 17.3; the certificate published by NEEP gives 17.4. This page follows the certificate.
No CANAIR 4CDH document found
No CANAIR 4CDH spec sheet or brochure was found at the verification date. The CANAIR’s dimensions, sound and piping lengths are confirmed with the quote.
The published sound is the outdoor unit’s
The 25.5 to 49 dB(A) levels in the ELIOS brochure are attributed to the fan of the outdoor unit, alongside a rated level of 62.5 dB(A). They do not describe the sound inside the house.
The only published sound is the outdoor unit’s
AHRI certificates do not measure sound. No CANAIR 4CDH document was found; the ELIOS brochure publishes levels for the outdoor unit’s fan, and a rated level of 62.5 dB(A).
Outdoor unit values, according to the ELIOS document: they do not describe the sound inside the house.
What people ask about the CANAIR 4CDH and the ELIOS R-454B
CANAIR 4CDH and ELIOS R-454B 3 tons: what is the difference?
In the AHRI certificates published by NEEP, none: same seasonal efficiencies and same capacities and COPs at 8.3, −8.3, −15 and −30 °C. The name, the documents, the matched air handler and the warranty may vary.
Down to what temperature are they certified?
Down to −30 °C, where NEEP publishes 27,800 BTU/h maximum, with a COP of 1.59.
Is a 3-ton heat pump enough for my house?
It depends on the house’s heat loss, which is calculated. The tool above compares your value with the certified capacity at the four published temperatures; below the need, the electric backup planned with the system supplies the rest.
Why is the rated capacity higher at −15 °C than at −8.3 °C?
It is the value NEEP publishes for these two certificates: 39,000 BTU/h rated at −15 °C and 31,800 at −8.3 °C. Maximum capacity, on the other hand, decreases as it gets colder.
Does the operating cost change from one name to another?
No, in our method: HSPF2 Region V of 8.6 and SEER2 of 17.4 on both certificates.
Are they eligible for rebates?
Eligibility depends on the official list in effect on the date of purchase. This page promises no amount; the current list is checked at the time of the quote.
The two certificates, side by side
No yellow cells: all certified values are identical.
| Certified value | CANAIR 4CDH R-454B, 3 tons | ELIOS R-454B, 3 tons |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling and seasonal | ||
| Rated cooling capacity | 36,000 BTU/h | 36,000 BTU/h |
| SEER2 · EER2 | 17.4 · 11.7 | 17.4 · 11.7 |
| HSPF2 Region IV / V | 10.3 / 8.6 | 10.3 / 8.6 |
| Heating | ||
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 11,000 / 37,000 / 48,000 | 11,000 / 37,000 / 48,000 |
| 8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 4.88 / 3.60 / 3.22 | 4.88 / 3.60 / 3.22 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 10,500 / 31,800 / 41,000 | 10,500 / 31,800 / 41,000 |
| −8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 2.20 / 2.56 / 2.03 | 2.20 / 2.56 / 2.03 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,400 / 39,000 / 39,000 | 7,400 / 39,000 / 39,000 |
| −15 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 1.69 / 1.90 / 1.90 | 1.69 / 1.90 / 1.90 |
| −30 °C: min. / max.BTU/h, coldest point | 6,600 / 27,800 | 6,600 / 27,800 |
| −30 °C: COP min. / max. | 1.28 / 1.59 | 1.28 / 1.59 |
| ENERGY STAR · cold climate (NEEP fields) | Yes · yes | Yes · yes |
| Identification | ||
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 215449707 · 387538 | 216618899 · 382289 |
| Outdoor unit | 4CDH2036C21 | ESHMB36R2AN1 |
| RefrigerantGWP per IPCC (AR4); ASHRAE 34 class | R-454B · GWP 466 · A2L | R-454B · GWP 466 · A2L |
AHRI values published by NEEP (ashp.neep.org), verified November 9, 2026. A yellow cell marks a value that is not the same in every column; it is not a recommendation.
Both are on AirGreen’s site.
To size a central heat pump, talk to our team: bring the house’s age and floor area, the type of ductwork and your current heating.
Where each figure comes from
Data verified November 9, 2026. Performance: AHRI certificates and the NEEP database; listing: ENERGY STAR directory where cited. Dimensions, sound, piping and features: per the manufacturer. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails.
Trademarks. CANAIR, 4CDH and ELIOS are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a retailer of these brands; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturers.
Photos: AirGreen product images, for identification. Promotional badges and panels on the images are masked.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us: every reported value is checked again.