Home / Comparisons / 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pumps
GREE EXTRÊME R32 and SAMSUNG WindFree MaxHeat R32, point by point
Two 12,000 BTU R-32 wall units, ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified and offered by AirGreen. At the four temperatures where NEEP tests both, the EXTRÊME R32 delivers more heat at maximum. At −8.3, −15 and −30 °C, the WindFree MaxHeat uses less electricity at that maximum, and at −8.3 and −15 °C it gets more heat out of each kilowatt-hour. This page puts both sides of the equation on the same chart.
GREEEXTRÊME R32 12,000 BTU
GWH12AVDXE-D6DN***/I / GWH12AVDXE-D6DNA1B/O · AHRI 215386290
Same certified values: GREE AIRY R32 (same AHRI certificate), GREE SAPPHIRE R32 and KINGHOME AIRY R32.
View the product page
SAMSUNGWindFree MaxHeat R32 12,000 BTU
AR12DXDABWKN / AR12DXDACWKX · AHRI 215399291
No other known name for this certificate in AirGreen’s lineup.
View the product pageWhat the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 12,000 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 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 a day (“Heating” slider), the heat is reduced in the same proportion, for the heat pump as for the baseboards: a simplification that does not account for recovery after a temperature setback.
- Electricity for heating. Heat pump: heat × 3.412 ÷ Region V HSPF2, 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 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 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 for comparing units under the same conditions. The actual bill depends on the house, insulation, settings and use; this amount is not a promise.
Heat out, electricity in
Each point is a NEEP-certified test at maximum capacity: height is the heat delivered; to the right, the electricity used to produce it. The grey rays start at zero and mark a constant COP, meaning the same amount of heat for each unit of electricity: a point above a ray does better than that COP. Four temperatures, the same for both units.
NEEP values (records 389444 and 389387), accessed November 9, 2026: maximum capacity, electrical power and COP at that capacity. COP equals heat in BTU/h ÷ 3,412 ÷ power in kW.
Two settings against ice, two power ratings
In winter, defrost water drips into the outdoor unit’s base pan. Both manufacturers declare a heating element in that pan to NEEP, but not the same power or the same switch-on threshold.
These thresholds describe each manufacturer’s setting. No source measures the amount of ice in either pan: this page does not say which one works better.
Below −15 °C: every published figure, at its exact temperature
NEEP certifies both units at −15 °C and at −30 °C, at the same temperatures. SAMSUNG also publishes a heating capacity table in its Technical Data Book; GREE, a percentage curve in the Airy Inverter R32 service manual. Each figure sits at its exact temperature, with its source.
The points on this chart are not connected: nothing is published between two temperatures, and a line between different sources would suggest values no source gives.
What each manufacturer writes, line by line
GREE Canada EXTRÊME R32 brochure (document 032025) and GREE Airy Inverter R32 service manual, which covers the same model numbers; SAMSUNG WindFree Max Heat submittal sheet (version 10072024A). Base pan heater: data each manufacturer declared to NEEP.
EXTRÊME R32: heating stated down to −30 °C; 72 W base pan heater.
WindFree MaxHeat: heating stated down to −30 °C (−22 °F); 150 W base pan heater, standard.
EXTRÊME R32: down to −29 °C outdoors.
WindFree MaxHeat: down to −18 °C (0 °F) outdoors.
EXTRÊME R32: vertical and horizontal louver swing; multi-speed fan.
WindFree MaxHeat: motorized vertical and horizontal louvers; WindFree mode in cooling, louver closed, air spread through thousands of micro-holes in the front panel; three speeds plus auto mode.
EXTRÊME R32: Wi-Fi (app not named); YBE1FB1F remote.
WindFree MaxHeat: Built-in Wi-Fi, SmartThings app; wireless remote rechargeable by solar cell or USB-C, included; wired controllers optional.
EXTRÊME R32: “G-AI Learning”; “low-voltage start-up”; restarts with the last settings after a power outage (service manual).
WindFree MaxHeat: AI Auto (Wi-Fi required), AI Energy, Eco, quiet mode, Good’sleep; built-in humidity sensor.
EXTRÊME R32: washable filters; “G10 Inverter”, two-stage variable-speed compressor; anti-corrosion coated fins.
WindFree MaxHeat: washable filter, Auto Clean; twin rotary compressor with brushless motor, variable speed.
SAMSUNG does not publish the number of micro-holes for this model. External backup heat: MIM-B14U accessory, per SAMSUNG.
How loud each one is, per its manufacturer
GREE publishes eight levels for the EXTRÊME R32, with no speed names. SAMSUNG publishes the lowest (“Silent”) and highest (“High”) speed of the WindFree MaxHeat. Both give a sound pressure in dB(A).
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 point is a fan speed published by the manufacturer, from the slowest to the fastest.
Why this is not a ranking. SAMSUNG measures in an anechoic chamber, without publishing the distance. GREE publishes neither the distance nor the measurement conditions in its brochure. A difference of a few dB(A) can come from the method as much as from the unit.
Indoor unit, in the room
Cooling, every published speed
Outdoor unit, outside
Highest published speed
Measurements taken by each manufacturer with its own method: read them separately, not as a ranking.
Sources: GREE Canada EXTRÊME R32 brochure (document 032025) and GREE Airy Inverter R32 service manual (sound pressure; sound power of 29 to 53 dB(A) indoors, 65 dB(A) outdoors); SAMSUNG submittal sheet 10072024A and SAMSUNG RAC R32 Technical Data Book (version 1.2), which specifies the anechoic chamber.
On the wall, in the piping, outdoors
Is your wall wide enough?
Unit width only, to scale. The side clearances required by the installation manual come on top; the installer confirms them on site.
Piping length
Colored band: precharged length. Dark mark: published maximum. Gold mark (EXTRÊME R32): the 65.6 ft in the GREE service manual, more conservative than the brochure. Refrigerant to add: 0.2 oz/ft per GREE; the SAMSUNG sheet consulted gives no amount per foot.
Indoor units to scale
Width × height × depth per the manufacturers. The EXTRÊME R32 is 3.19 in wider and 10 lb heavier; the WindFree MaxHeat is shallower (8 7/16 vs 10 1/8 in).
| Installation | EXTRÊME R32 | WindFree MaxHeat |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping length | 131.2 ftEXTRÊME brochure. The GREE Airy R32 service manual gives 65.6 ft for the 12,000 BTU: to be confirmed at quote time. | 66 ft |
| Precharged length | 24.6 ftGREE AIRY R32 brochure and service manual; add 0.2 oz/ft beyond that. | 24.6 ft“Charged for 24.6 ft”, SAMSUNG submittal sheet. |
| Maximum height difference | 82 ftEXTRÊME brochure. Service manual: 32.8 ft. | 49 ft |
| Liquid – gas line diameters | 1/4 – 1/2 in | 1/4 – 3/8 in |
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 34 3/8 × 21 27/32 × 14 51/64 in, 78.3 lb | 31 1/8 × 21 9/16 × 11 1/4 in, 71 lb |
| Indoor unit, weight | 33.1 lb | 23.1 lb |
| Electrical protectionPer the manufacturer | MOP 15 A (MCA 11 A) | Max. breaker 20 A (MCA 12 A) |
| Outdoor unit base pan heaterDeclared by the manufacturer to NEEP | Yes, 72 WBelow 1 °C outdoors or during defrost. | Yes, 150 WIn heating, from −8 °C outdoors. |
| Outdoor unit clearances | From 30 to 200 cm depending on the sideGREE R32 outdoor unit manual X40270A_2, p. 8, figure. | From 5.9 to 78.7 in depending on the side; at least 27.5 in in front of the air outletSAMSUNG installation manual DB68-12966A-01, figure 3. |
| Stated heating / cooling range | −30 to 30 °C / −29 to 50 °C | −30 to 24 °C / −18 to 46 °C |
What people ask about these two wall units
Which one heats more on a January night?
At −15 °C, NEEP certifies 12,200 BTU/h at maximum for the EXTRÊME R32 and 9,000 BTU/h for the WindFree MaxHeat. At −8.3 °C: 13,000 and 10,600 BTU/h. At −30 °C: 8,500 and 6,800 BTU/h. At all four certified temperatures, the EXTRÊME R32 is ahead at maximum capacity.
So why does the WindFree MaxHeat have the higher HSPF2?
HSPF2 measures the heat delivered per unit of electricity over a typical season, not maximum capacity. At the certified −8.3 and −15 °C points, the WindFree MaxHeat has a higher COP at full capacity (2.27 vs 2.06, then 2.09 vs 2.00): it delivers less heat, but with less electricity per BTU. Its HSPF2 is 10.5 in Region IV and 8.5 in Region V, vs 10.0 and 8.0.
What does WindFree mode do?
According to SAMSUNG, in cooling, WindFree mode closes the louver and spreads the air through thousands of micro-holes in the front panel, to avoid cold drafts. SAMSUNG publishes neither the number of holes nor any measurement of the air in the room.
SAMSUNG publishes 14,400 BTU/h at −15 °C: why does the page use 9,000?
SAMSUNG’s Technical Data Book shows average values for each condition, with 21.1 °C indoors. The NEEP certificate gives 9,000 BTU/h at maximum, under the test conditions also applied to the EXTRÊME R32. Both figures are shown in the Extreme cold section; the comparison is made on the certificate.
Which one is quieter?
The manufacturers publish 19 to 43 dB(A) for the EXTRÊME R32 and 22 to 39 dB(A) for the WindFree MaxHeat in cooling. SAMSUNG measures in an anechoic chamber; GREE does not publish its measurement conditions. These figures place each unit; they do not rank them.
Which one costs less to run?
The estimate at the top of the page applies the same method to both. Winter is calculated with the Region V HSPF2 (8.5 for the WindFree MaxHeat, 8.0 for the EXTRÊME R32); summer, with the SEER2 (29.5 for the EXTRÊME R32, 24.0 for the WindFree MaxHeat). The yearly gap depends on the hours set with the sliders.
GREE EXTRÊME, GREE AIRY, GREE SAPPHIRE: what is the difference?
These models have the same AHRI and NEEP certified values at 12,000 BTU; the EXTRÊME and the AIRY even share certificate 215386290. The indoor unit, remote, app and warranty can differ by name.
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 quote time.
All AHRI and NEEP values
| Certified value | EXTRÊME R32 | WindFree MaxHeat |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 12,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h |
| SEER2 | 29.5 | 24.0 |
| EER2 | 15.2 | 14.1 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 Region IV / V | 10.0 / 8.0 | 10.5 / 8.5 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 3,270 / 12,200 / 16,200 | 2,600 / 12,000 / 15,500 |
| 8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 5.04 / 4.53 / 3.77 | 4.76 / 4.34 / 3.36 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,800 / 13,000 / 13,000 | 1,600 / 10,600 / 10,600 |
| −8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 4.32 / 2.06 / 2.06 | 3.61 / 2.82 / 2.27 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,600 / 12,200 / 12,200 | 2,400 / 9,000 / 9,000 |
| −15 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 4.23 / 2.00 / 2.00 | 2.93 / 2.09 / 2.09 |
| Coldest point — same temperature for both, not highlighted | ||
| Test temperature | −30 °C (−22 °F) | −30 °C (−22 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max. | 2,600 / 8,500 BTU/h | 1,200 / 6,800 BTU/h |
| COP at maximum capacity | 1.75 | 1.73 |
| Power at maximum capacity | 1.42 kW | 1.15 kW |
| Listings and refrigerant | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 215386290 · 389444 | 215399291 · 389387 |
| RefrigerantGWP per the IPCC (AR4); ASHRAE 34 class | R-32 · GWP 675 · A2L | R-32 · GWP 675 · A2L |
higher marks the highest value for the same measurement, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Capacities and COPs per point are not highlighted: the Heat and electricity section reads them together.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose for your room, talk to our team: bring the room dimensions, the available wall width, the distance to 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. GREE, EXTRÊME, SAMSUNG, WindFree and MaxHeat 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.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us : any data point reported is checked again.