Home / Comparisons / 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pumps
DURASTAR Standard R454B and Sirius Heat R454B: same indoor unit, two outdoor units
Indoors, the same DRAW12F2A wall unit. Outside, two different outdoor units, and two AHRI certificates. One gets the higher seasonal heating efficiency of the two; the other publishes more maximum heat at every cold temperature and heats down to −30 °C. This page shows where each gap lies, and how many days per winter it comes into play in Montréal.
Standard R454B, 12,000 BTU
AHRI 215359277
DRA1U12S2A outdoor unit: 30-1/8 in wide and 62.2 lb per DURASTAR. Heating rated from −25 to 24 °C.
See the product pageOne indoor unit, two outdoor units, two separate AHRI certificates.
Sirius Heat R454B, 12,000 BTU
AHRI 215359252
DRA1H12S2A outdoor unit: 31-11/16 in wide and 72.8 lb per DURASTAR. Heating rated from −30 to 24 °C.
See the product pageWhat the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 12,000 BTU/h zone in Montréal, at Hydro-Québec’s Rate D, taxes included. Both heat pumps are calculated in 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 to deliver over the winter. A zone whose heat loss reaches 12,000 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 (base 18 °C) and design temperature: Natural Resources Canada, HOT2000 climate data, Montréal Intl station. With fewer hours per day (“Heating” slider), the heat is reduced in the same proportion, for the heat pump as for the baseboards: this simplification does not account for 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 per 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 you can set 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 is at 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. Network access charges, the same with or without a heat pump, are not counted.
AirGreen method v1.1, November 9, 2026. An estimate is used to compare units under the same conditions. The actual bill depends on the house, the insulation, the settings and the use; this amount is not a promise.
The certificate’s HSPF2 Region V is 8.5 for the Standard and 8.0 for the Sirius Heat, so the winter estimate is lower for the Standard. In cooling it is the reverse, since the SEER2 is 23.1 and 24.0. The HSPF2 sums up a whole season; it does not say how much heat each unit can deliver on the coldest days. The next section shows that.
How many truly cold days per winter, and the heat published for each of those days
Thirty years of Environment and Climate Change Canada records at Montréal–Trudeau airport (1991–2020), sorted by the lowest temperature of each day. Slide toward the cold: the chart counts the days, and the panel shows the maximum heating capacity published for each unit at that temperature.
How to read this chart. The day’s minimum is often reached at night, for only a few hours; published capacities are measured under test conditions, at a fixed outdoor temperature. A day counted at −20 °C is therefore not a full day at −20 °C. Days with no record (0.9% of the period) are not counted. The lowest minimum in the thirty years is −31.8 °C, on January 27, 1994.
More maximum heat on one side, more heat per kWh on the other
At the three temperatures where the AHRI certificate publishes complete values, two measures tell the whole story of this page. On the left, the maximum heat each unit can deliver. On the right, the rated COP: the heat obtained for each unit of electricity.
Maximum heating capacity
BTU/h, AHRI certificate via NEEP
Rated COP
Heat delivered ÷ electricity used, AHRI certificate via NEEP
Rated COP is measured at each unit’s rated capacity, which is not the same in cold weather: at −15 °C, 8,600 BTU/h for the Standard and 11,500 BTU/h for the Sirius Heat. The two COPs are therefore read together with their respective capacity. The HSPF2, further up, sums up the whole season.
Below −15 °C: every published value, none invented
The Standard’s certificate publishes a point at −25 °C, its rated heating limit. The Sirius Heat’s publishes a point at −30 °C, and the DURASTAR submittal sheet adds a value at −25 °C. Where a value is missing, the table shows the range between the two published values on either side.
Two DURASTAR sheets, feature by feature
Only what appears in both DURASTAR submittal sheets. Nine features out of ten are described in the same terms; the difference concerns the lowest rated temperature. When a sheet does not mention a feature, that is stated as is.
StandardLow-ambient heating and cooling down to −13 °F (−25 °C).
Sirius HeatLow-ambient heating and cooling down to −22 °F (−30 °C); “up to 100% heating capacity at 0 °F”, with no figure at that temperature.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets V1.1_0125 and V1.2_0325
StandardBase pan heater included.
Sirius HeatBase pan heater included.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
StandardDetection system for A2L refrigerant.
Sirius HeatDetection system for A2L refrigerant.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
StandardWireless remote control with “Follow Me”.
Sirius HeatWireless remote control with “Follow Me”.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
StandardCompatible with the DRSTAT101 wired thermostat.
Sirius HeatCompatible with the DRSTAT101 wired thermostat.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
StandardTurbo, ECO, Active Clean and Sleep modes.
Sirius HeatTurbo, ECO, Active Clean and Sleep modes.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
StandardAutomatic restart (“Auto restart”).
Sirius HeatAutomatic restart (“Auto restart”).
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
StandardFreeze protection at 46 °F (8 °C).
Sirius HeatFreeze protection at 46 °F (8 °C).
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
Standard“Golden Fin” anti-corrosion coating.
Sirius Heat“Golden Fin” anti-corrosion coating.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets
StandardNot published in the submittal sheet consulted.
Sirius HeatNot published in the submittal sheet consulted.
DURASTAR, submittal sheets V1.1_0125 and V1.2_0325
Indoor unit sound, per each sheet
Both DURASTAR sheets publish a sound level for each speed of the same DRAW12F2A indoor unit. Yet the figures are not the same from one sheet to the other. Here they are, each as published.
How to read these figures. A lower dB(A) means a quieter unit. Each point is a published speed; the band connects the lowest to the highest.
Why this is not a ranking. Neither sheet states the measurement distance or method, and they are not from the same edition (V1.1_0125 and V1.2_0325). The Standard’s sheet also publishes a Turbo speed; the Sirius Heat’s does not.
DRAW12F2A indoor unit
dB(A) per each DURASTAR sheet, from lowest to highest
Method not stated in either sheet: different method — not comparable. Outdoors, the Standard’s sheet publishes 54 dB(A) for the DRA1U12S2A, and the Sirius Heat’s 56 dB(A) for the DRA1H12S2A, a single value each.
The same indoor wall, two footprints outside
Indoors, nothing changes: same unit, same piping diameters, same precharged length. Outside, the Sirius Heat’s unit is wider, deeper and heavier, according to the dimensions published by DURASTAR.
DRAW12F2A indoor unit, for both
31.56 × 11.63 × 7.88 in, 19 lb, according to both DURASTAR submittal sheets. Choosing one pair or the other therefore changes neither the wall space to plan for nor the look in the room.
Maximum published airflow: 383 CFM (Turbo speed) in both sheets.
Outdoor units, at the same scale
Front view and side view, from the dimensions published by DURASTAR
Diagram drawn from the published dimensions, not a photo: the grille and panels are indicative.
| Installation, per each DURASTAR sheet | DURASTAR Standard R454B | DURASTAR Sirius Heat R454B |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 30.13 × 21.88 × 11.94 in, 62.2 lb | 31.69 × 21.81 × 13 in, 72.8 lb |
| Indoor unit W × H × D, weight | 31.56 × 11.63 × 7.88 in, 19 lb | 31.56 × 11.63 × 7.88 in, 19 lb |
| Liquid – gas diameters | 1/4 – 3/8 in | 1/4 – 3/8 in |
| Precharged length | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Piping length min. – max. | 10 – 82 ft0.16 oz of refrigerant per foot beyond 25 ft | 10 – 82 ft0.16 oz of refrigerant per foot beyond 25 ft |
| Maximum height difference | 49 ft | 49 ft |
| Electrical protection | Minimum circuit ampacity 12 A, 15 A breaker | Minimum circuit ampacity 15 A, 15 A breaker |
| Dehumidification | 1.3 L/h66 pints per day | 1.4 L/h71 pints per day |
| Rated heating / cooling range | −25 to 24 °C / −25 to 50 °C | −30 to 24 °C / −30 to 50 °C |
Sources: DURASTAR, submittal sheets DRAW12F2A / DRA1U12S2A (form V1.1_0125) and DRAW12F2A / DRA1H12S2A (form V1.2_0325), consulted November 9, 2026. Fractions converted to decimal inches (31-9/16 in = 31.56 in; 11-15/16 in = 11.94 in).
What we get asked about these two DURASTAR units
Is it really the same indoor unit?
Yes. Both AHRI certificates (215359277 and 215359252) and both DURASTAR sheets name the same indoor unit, DRAW12F2A, with the same dimensions and the same weight. It is the outdoor units that differ: DRA1U12S2A for the Standard, DRA1H12S2A for the Sirius Heat.
Why is the winter estimate lower for the Standard?
Because our calculation uses the certificate’s HSPF2 Region V: 8.5 for the Standard, 8.0 for the Sirius Heat. At −8.3 °C and −15 °C, the Standard’s certificate also publishes a higher rated COP, measured at a lower rated capacity than the Sirius Heat’s.
And the very cold days?
At −15 °C, the certificate publishes a maximum capacity of 8,600 BTU/h for the Standard and 11,500 BTU/h for the Sirius Heat. In Montréal, from 1991 to 2020, the day’s minimum reached −15 °C or lower 31.9 days a year on average, and −20 °C or lower 12.1 days.
What does the Standard do below −25 °C?
DURASTAR rates a heating range of −25 to 24 °C for the Standard and publishes no figure below that. In Montréal, from 1991 to 2020, the day’s minimum dropped to −25 °C or lower 2.5 days a year on average. The Sirius Heat is rated down to −30 °C, with 5,900 BTU/h maximum according to its certificate.
Why two figures for the Standard at −8.3 °C?
The AHRI certificate published by NEEP gives a rated and maximum capacity of 10,400 BTU/h at −8.3 °C (17 °F); DURASTAR submittal sheet V1.1_0125 states 9,600 BTU/h. The certificate prevails in any direct comparison; its value is the one we use.
Which one is quieter indoors?
The documents do not allow us to say. The indoor unit is the same, but the two sheets publish different figures (19 to 46 dB(A) and 20 to 40 dB(A)), without stating the distance or the method.
Do they have Wi-Fi?
The two submittal sheets consulted do not mention it. They mention a wireless remote control with “Follow Me” and compatibility with the DRSTAT101 wired thermostat.
What about the warranty?
This page does not compare warranties. The manufacturer’s warranty documents are provided with the quote.
The AHRI certificate values, as published
| Certified value (AHRI, via NEEP) | DURASTAR Standard R454B | DURASTAR Sirius Heat R454B |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal efficiency | ||
| SEER2 | 23.1 | 24.0 |
| EER2 | 12.2 | 13.2 |
| HSPF2 Region IV | 11.5 | 10.5 |
| HSPF2 Region V | 8.5 | 8.0 |
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 12,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h |
| Heating at 8.3 °C (47 °F) | ||
| Capacity min. / rated / max. | 4,100 / 12,000 / 14,400 BTU/h | 3,800 / 12,000 / 16,000 BTU/h |
| Maximum capacity | 14,400 BTU/h | 16,000 BTU/h |
| COP min. / rated / max. | 5.22 / 3.66 / 3.27 | 4.84 / 3.63 / 3.35 |
| Heating at −8.3 °C (17 °F) | ||
| Capacity min. / rated / max. | 3,500 / 10,400 / 10,400 BTU/h | 5,200 / 12,000 / 12,800 BTU/h |
| Maximum capacity | 10,400 BTU/h | 12,800 BTU/h |
| COP min. / rated / max. | 2.63 / 2.85 / 2.85 | 2.34 / 2.44 / 1.75 |
| Heating at −15 °C (5 °F) | ||
| Capacity min. / rated / max. | 1,900 / 8,600 / 8,600 BTU/h | 4,000 / 11,500 / 11,500 BTU/h |
| Maximum capacity | 8,600 BTU/h | 11,500 BTU/h |
| COP min. / rated / max. | 1.86 / 2.36 / 2.36 | 1.80 / 1.80 / 1.80 |
| Coldest published point | ||
| Test temperature | −25 °C (−13 °F) | −30 °C (−22 °F) |
| Capacity min. and max. | 800 and 5,300 BTU/h | 2,000 and 5,900 BTU/h |
| COP min. and max. | 0.84 and 1.6 | 1.07 and 1.25 |
| Certificates | ||
| Certificate: indoor and outdoor units | DRAW12F2A and DRA1U12S2A | DRAW12F2A and DRA1H12S2A |
| Refrigerant | R-454BGWP 466 (IPCC, AR4); class A2L (ASHRAE 34) | R-454BGWP 466 (IPCC, AR4); class A2L (ASHRAE 34) |
| ENERGY STAR and cold climate | Yes; cold climate: yesper NEEP, Nov. 9, 2026 | Yes; cold climate: yesENERGY STAR directory, Nov. 9, 2026 |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 215359277 · record 389493 | 215359252 · record 389518 |
“higher” marks the higher value of the same measure, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. The coldest published points are not at the same temperature: they cannot be compared with each other.
Both DURASTAR units are on the AirGreen website.
A question about either one, or about the installation in your home? Talk to our team.
Documents consulted
Data checked November 9, 2026. Performance: AHRI certificates and NEEP database. Dimensions, sound, piping and features: per the manufacturer. Climate: ECCC records, compiled by AirGreen. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails.
Trademarks. DURASTAR and Sirius Heat are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a dealer for the brand; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturer.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturer, for identification. Outdoor units in the Installation section: diagrams drawn from the published dimensions.
Does a figure look wrong to you? Write to us : any reported value is checked again.