Home / Comparisons / 3-ton central heat pumps
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE CENTAURI XLTH R32 and MIDEA EVOX G3, figure by figure
Two 3-ton central systems certified at 36,000 BTU/h in cooling, ENERGY STAR cold climate per NEEP, offered by AirGreen. Two refrigerants: R-32 on one side, R-454B on the other. Their HSPF2 Region V is identical, 8.2, so the estimated heating cost is too. The differences lie elsewhere, starting with the air handler in the basement.
CENTAURI XLTH R32 · 36,000 BTU
AMUH36KUAS / AOUH36KUAH1 · AHRI 217895717
See the product page
What the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) house in Montréal, on Hydro-Québec Rate D, taxes included. Here, winter costs exactly the same in this calculation: both certificates give the same HSPF2 Region V, 8.2. In summer the gap comes from SEER2, 18.3 and 18.0, or less than 2% of the electricity. Both certificates give 36,000 BTU/h of cooling at 35 °C; electric baseboards serve as the reference.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat to supply over the winter. A house whose heat loss reaches 36,000 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 (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 as for the baseboards: this simplification ignores the recovery after a temperature setback.
- Heating electricity. 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 heat expected when the heat pump is no longer enough. Electric baseboards: 1 kWh of electricity for 1 kWh of heat.
- Cooling electricity. 36,000 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 ceiling, since a variable-speed unit slows down once the room reaches its set 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 a way to compare 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.
The two air handlers in the basement, speed by speed
The two air handlers are drawn to their published dimensions, side by side, against the same wall. Pick a fan speed: each air handler shows the sound level and airflow its manufacturer publishes at that speed. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE publishes four speeds, MIDEA five.

Published dimensions: AMUH36KUAS 21 × 21 × 48 in (photo from the FUJITSU AIRSTAGE submittal sheet); MAUSE-H36B-2A 17 1/2 × 21 1/2 × 58 1/8 in (W × D × H), drawn as a diagram for lack of an official photo of this air handler alone. The wall and the ruler are illustrative. Sound levels: sound pressure published by each manufacturer (FUJITSU AIRSTAGE in an anechoic chamber; MIDEA with no published method); the circles grow with the published figure, they are not measurements in a real room.
Two 3-ton air handlers, two refrigerants
The AHRI certificates published by NEEP measure both systems to the same standard. They are close: at most 5% apart on seasonal efficiencies, and a tie in Region V. The refrigerant, however, changes from one brand to the other.
Certified seasonal efficiencies
Same scale for both units on each row.
Certified maximum capacity
At the three temperatures where NEEP measures both units. Vertical line: 36,000 BTU/h.
Global warming potential (GWP) 675 (IPCC, AR4); ASHRAE class A2L. Leak sensor built into the air handler, per FUJITSU AIRSTAGE. Factory charge: 5 lb 15 oz.
GWP 466 (IPCC, AR4); ASHRAE class A2L. Factory charge: 127 oz, per the MIDEA submittal sheet. The two refrigerants do not mix: each system stays with its manufacturer’s refrigerant.
GWP bar on a 0 to 1,200 scale.
Below −15 °C: MIDEA’s range goes down to −30 °C
NEEP measures both systems at the same temperatures down to −15 °C. Lower down, each has its own coldest point: −26.1 °C for the CENTAURI XLTH, −30 °C for the EVOX G3. Each value is placed at its own temperature, with its source; nothing is calculated between two points.
What each manufacturer writes, line by line
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE submittal sheet 36KUAH1M and Centauri brochure FG8161D; MIDEA submittal sheet MAUSE-H36B-2A / MO1SE-H36B-2A, EVOX Extreme Heat installation manual (rev. 5) and EVOX G3 2025 leaflet. No feature is inferred from a photo or a model name.
CENTAURI XLTH: heating stated down to −26 °C, no low-temperature cutoff; built-in heated base pan.
EVOX G3: heating stated down to −30 °C; heated base pan and crankcase heater standard; enhanced defrost setting; M-Powevi vapor-injection compressor.
CENTAURI XLTH: down to −21 °C (−5 °F) outside.
EVOX G3: down to −30 °C (−22 °F) outside, and up to 50 °C.
CENTAURI XLTH: Auto and four speeds; up to 0.8 in. w.c.; multi-position.
EVOX G3: five speeds (Turbo, high, medium, low, quiet); constant airflow 2.0; 0 to 1.0 in. w.c.
CENTAURI XLTH: third-party 24 V thermostat through the UTY-TTRXZ1 interface; wired controls, IR kit and Wi-Fi optional.
EVOX G3: communicating wired control with built-in Wi-Fi (120N, X6W), wireless remote or third-party 24 V thermostat; SmartHome app.
CENTAURI XLTH: optional electric heater kits (UTZ-EU series), on a dedicated circuit.
EVOX G3: optional backup heat kit up to 25 kW, in three stages.
CENTAURI XLTH: one fan, 39 5/16 in high.
EVOX G3: one horizontal-discharge fan; base at least 11.8 in. above the maximum snow level, per the manual.
CENTAURI XLTH: Economy mode, weekly timer, sleep mode, auto restart.
EVOX G3: iCheck diagnostics and sub-1 GHz wireless communication, per the leaflet.
CENTAURI XLTH: inverter compressor; Blue Fin-treated coil.
EVOX G3: vapor-injection inverter twin rotary compressor.
CENTAURI XLTH: leak sensor built into the air handler.
EVOX G3: not mentioned in the submittal sheet reviewed; the installation manual and the nameplate are authoritative.
How loud each one is, per its manufacturer
The same figures as in the mechanical room, on a single scale, with the outdoor unit added: 53 dB(A) for the CENTAURI XLTH, 63 dB(A) for the EVOX G3, per their submittal sheets.
How to read these figures. dB(A) measures a noise level as the ear perceives it: the lower the figure, the quieter the unit. What you hear indoors also depends on the ducts, their insulation and where the outdoor unit sits.
Why this is not a ranking. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE measures in an anechoic chamber; MIDEA publishes neither the method nor the distance. A few dB(A) of difference can come from the method as much as from the unit.
Air handler
Published values, by speed
Outdoor unit, outside
Published sound pressure
Measurements taken by each manufacturer with its own method: read them separately, not as a ranking.
Outside and in the piping
The outdoor units at the same scale


Net heights and weights per the submittal sheets. Photos: FUJITSU AIRSTAGE submittal sheet 36KUAH1M; AirGreen product page for MIDEA (three-quarter view, side included).
Piping length between the two units
MIDEA: maximum length of 246 ft per the installation manual (the submittal sheet leaves the box empty); no minimum length in the documents reviewed. The installer always follows the installation manual and the nameplate.
| Installation | CENTAURI XLTH | EVOX G3 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping length | 246 ft | 246 ft |
| Minimum piping length | 17 ft | Not published in the MIDEA documents reviewed. |
| Precharged length | 98 ft | 25 ft |
| Refrigerant added beyond the precharged length | 0.43 oz/ft | 0.7 oz/ft |
| Maximum height difference | 98 ft | 98 ftInstallation manual: 98.4 ft. |
| Liquid – gas diameters | 3/8 – 5/8 in | 3/8 – 3/4 in |
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 37 × 39 5/16 × 12 5/8 in, 159 lb | 38 9/16 × 38 3/8 × 16 3/8 in, 204 lb |
| Indoor unit W × D × H, weight | 21 × 21 × 48 in, 137 lb | 17 1/2 × 21 1/2 × 58 1/8 in, 149 lb |
| Indoor airflow, highest speed | 1,200 CFM (high) | 1,236 CFM (Turbo) |
| Maximum external static pressure | 0.8 in. w.c. | 1.0 in. w.c. |
| Electrical protectionPer the manufacturer | Breaker max. 35 A (MCA 33.9 A) | Outdoor: MOP 30 A (MCA 29 A); air handler: MOP 15 A (MCA 6.0 A at 208/230 V) |
| Snow clearance, outdoor unit | Per the installation manual. | At least 11.8 in. above the maximum snow level |
| Stated heating / cooling range | −26 to 24 °C / −21 to 50 °C | −30 to 24 °C / −30 to 50 °C |
Sources: FUJITSU AIRSTAGE submittal sheet 36KUAH1M (version 20260123A); MIDEA submittal sheet MAUSE-H36B-2A / MO1SE-H36B-2A (Extreme Heat AHU series, undated) and EVOX Extreme Heat installation manual, rev. 5 (October 23, 2025).
What people ask about these two central systems
Why is the estimated heating cost the same?
The calculation uses the HSPF2 Region V from the AHRI certificate, and both systems have the same value, 8.2. With the same house and the same rate, the heating estimate is therefore identical. Capacities by temperature, on the other hand, differ: see the Extreme cold section.
Is the MIDEA air handler bigger?
Taller and narrower: 58 1/8 in high and 17 1/2 in wide for the MAUSE-H36B-2A, against 48 in high and 21 in wide for the AMUH36KUAS. Basement space, ceiling height and service access are checked on site.
Which one is quieter?
The manufacturers publish figures that are not measured the same way. At high speed, the FUJITSU AIRSTAGE sheet gives 44 dB(A) and the MIDEA sheet 46.5 dB(A); at quiet speed, 31 and 33 dB(A). FUJITSU AIRSTAGE specifies an anechoic chamber; MIDEA does not publish its method.
R-32 or R-454B, what difference does it make?
They are two A2L-class refrigerants, with a global warming potential of 675 for R-32 and 466 for R-454B (IPCC, AR4). A system stays with the refrigerant its manufacturer specifies; the installer works with the tools and charge specific to each.
Is a thermostat supplied?
The submittal sheets describe control by a 24 V thermostat or by the manufacturer’s control; neither lists a thermostat among the supplied parts. The written quote states what is included.
Are they eligible for rebates?
Both are listed as ENERGY STAR cold climate in the NEEP database. Eligibility depends on the official list in effect on the purchase date; this page promises no amount.
All AHRI and NEEP values
| Certified value | CENTAURI XLTH | EVOX G3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 36,000 BTU/h | 36,000 BTU/h |
| SEER2 | 18.3 | 18.0 |
| EER2 | 11.4 | 12.0 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 Region IV | 10.2 | 10.0 |
| HSPF2 Region V | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 9,200 / 38,000 / 43,000 | 11,400 / 37,000 / 47,000 |
| 8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.80 / 3.89 / 3.28 | 4.45 / 3.50 / 3.27 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 8,300 / 25,200 / 41,600 | 11,000 / 33,000 / 41,500 |
| −8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.86 / 2.90 / 2.25 | 2.58 / 2.50 / 2.21 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,900 / 41,000 / 41,000 | 8,900 / 37,400 / 37,400 |
| −15 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.86 / 1.98 / 1.98 | 2.16 / 1.90 / 1.90 |
| Coldest point — different temperatures, not highlighted | ||
| Test temperature | −26.1 °C (−15 °F) | −30 °C (−22 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max. | 6,000 / 32,000 BTU/h | 4,700 / 27,600 BTU/h |
| COP at maximum capacity | 1.82 | 1.56 |
| Listings and refrigerant | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 217895717 · 306746 | 215471343 · 387396 |
| RefrigerantGWP per the IPCC (AR4); ASHRAE 34 class | R-32 · GWP 675 · A2L | R-454B · GWP 466 · A2L |
higher marks the higher value of a given measure, under the same conditions; a tie is not marked. It is not a recommendation. Capacities and COPs by point are not highlighted: the order changes depending on the point read.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose for your house, talk it over with our team: bring the heated area, the condition of your ducts, the space in the basement and your current heating.
Where each figure comes from
Data checked on 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, CENTAURI, MIDEA and EVOX are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a dealer for both brands; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturers. The FUJITSU AIRSTAGE system is also sold under the name GENERAL AIRSTAGE.
Photos: AirGreen and the manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong to you? Write to us : every reported figure is checked again.
