Home / Comparisons / 2-zone multi-zone, 18,000 and 20,000 BTU
GREE FREEMATCH R32 and SAMSUNG FJM Premium, two 2-zone systems that are not the same size
These two R-32 multi-zone systems serve two rooms, but they are not the same size: the FREEMATCH R32 certificate shows 18,000 BTU/h in cooling, the FJM Premium certificate, 21,000 BTU/h. The page says so up front, then compares what can be compared: the efficiencies, the capacity ranges and the extreme-cold figures, each at its own temperature.
Certified cooling capacity, BTU/h, on one scale.
FREEMATCH R32 · 2 zones, 18,000 BTU
GWHD(18)ND6MO + non-ducted indoor units · AHRI 214931586
See the product page
FJM Premium · 2 zones, 20,000 BTU
AJ020DXS3CG + non-ducted indoor units · AHRI 216372795
See the product pageWhat the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 18,000 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. Here, the zone is both rooms together: 18,000 BTU/h, the certified capacity of the FREEMATCH R32 at 35 °C. The FJM Premium, certified at 21,000 BTU/h, is calculated for this same zone, with its own efficiencies.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat to deliver over the winter. A zone whose heat loss reaches 18,000 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. 18,000 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.
What each certificate shows, condition by condition
Each dial shows one system: the outer ring gives its certified capacity at the chosen condition, the inner ring its SEER2. Both dials use the same scale, so that the difference in size is visible.
AHRI certificates 214931586 and 216372795, published by NEEP, non-ducted indoor units. At −8.3 °C and −15 °C, the certified rated capacity of the FREEMATCH R32 equals its maximum; at −15 °C, the same is true of the FJM Premium.
Below −15 °C: every published number, at its exact temperature
NEEP certifies both systems at −15 °C, at the same temperature. Lower, each has a single certified point: −25 °C for the FJM Premium, −30 °C for the FREEMATCH R32. Nothing is calculated between two points.
What each manufacturer writes
GREE FREEMATCH R32 brochure (X610068B), GREE Canada submittal sheet and service manual; SAMSUNG submittals for the AJ020DXS3CG and the AJ009DNADCG wall-mounted unit, FJM R32 installation manual. Each line quotes what the manufacturer writes. For the heads, features change with the model chosen.
FREEMATCH R32: stated heating from −30 to 24 °C; outdoor unit base pan heater (72 W); “intelligent” defrost.
FJM Premium: heating from −25 to 24 °C; base pan heater as standard.
FREEMATCH R32: stated cooling range of −30 to 48 °C.
FJM Premium: from −10 to 46 °C.
FREEMATCH R32: two connections; “7 indoor options”.
FJM Premium: three connections on the outdoor unit; the combination table lists 9 + 9, 9 + 12 and 12 + 12, among others.
FREEMATCH R32: indoor units powered from the outdoor unit; automatic voltage adaptation; low-voltage start-up.
FJM Premium: 208 to 230 V, single phase; soft start; maximum current setting.
FREEMATCH R32: A2L leak sensor included.
FJM Premium: A2L leak detection built into the AJ009DNADCG wall-mounted unit; leak alarm output on the outdoor unit, with an optional module.
FREEMATCH R32: quiet operation on the outdoor unit side; comfort modes depend on the head.
FJM Premium: WindFree, Comfort Humidity Control, Good’sleep, Quiet, AI Auto (AJ009DNADCG wall-mounted unit).
FREEMATCH R32: depends on the head chosen; the FREEMATCH brochure does not specify it.
FJM Premium: Built-in Wi-Fi (SmartThings) on the AJ009DNADCG wall-mounted unit; energy monitoring.
FREEMATCH R32: automatic restart (GREE Canada website).
FJM Premium: automatic restart.
FREEMATCH R32: self-diagnosis; coil protected against corrosion by an acrylic resin (GREE Canada website).
FJM Premium: Auto Clean; washable filter accessible from the top; filter cleaning reminder.
The sound of each one, according to its manufacturer
The sound of a head depends on the model chosen. The figures compare two 9,000 BTU/h wall-mounted units: the GREE CHARMO, published in seven levels, and the SAMSUNG AJ009DNADCG, for which the manufacturer publishes two values, the lowest and the highest.
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 fan speed published by the manufacturer, from the slowest to the fastest.
Why this is not a ranking. SAMSUNG measures in an anechoic chamber, microphone at 1 m. GREE publishes neither the distance nor the measurement conditions. A gap of a few dB(A) can come from the method as much as from the unit.
Indoor unit, in the room
Cooling, published speeds, 9,000 BTU/h wall-mounted head
Outdoor unit, outside
Published values for each outdoor unit
Measurements taken by each manufacturer using its own method: read them separately, not as a ranking.
Sources: GREE CHARMO R32 service manual (GWH09ATCXB-D6DNA1C, sound pressure) and GREE Multi R32 service manual (GWHD(18)ND6MO: sound pressure 54 dB(A), sound power 64 dB(A)); SAMSUNG technical data books, FJM Standard, version 1.2 (AJ009DNADCG, p. 17 and 95) and FJM Premium, version 1.1 (AJ020DXS3CG, p. 76: sound pressure at 1 m in front of the unit).
Outside, on the wall, in the piping
Outdoor units, outlines to scale
ND6MO
DXS3CG
32 3/8 × 21 11/16 in
depth 13 7/8 in · 78.3 lb
37 × 47 5/8 in
depth 13 in · 191.8 lb
Diagram: published width and height, at the same scale. The FJM Premium outdoor unit has two stacked fans; it is 25 15/16 in taller and weighs 113.5 lb more.
Indoor units to scale
Widths to scale. Photos: the wall-mounted heads from the AirGreen product pages. Dimensions of the 9,000 BTU/h CHARMO (GREE Canada service manual) and of the AJ009DNADCG (SAMSUNG submittal).
Two rooms far apart: the total piping length
Dark: length covered by the factory charge. Light: length allowed with added refrigerant. GREE brochure X610068B and GREE Canada submittal sheet; SAMSUNG submittal for the AJ020DXS3CG and FJM R32 installation manual (p. 23 and 29). Each line also has its own limit: 65.6 ft to the last indoor unit for the FREEMATCH R32 (equivalent length), 10 to 82 ft per room for the FJM Premium.
| Installation | FREEMATCH R32 | FJM Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping lengthTotal of the lines | 131 ft | 230 ft |
| Piping length per indoor unit | 65.6 ftEquivalent length to the last indoor unit (submittal sheet and service manual). | 82 ftMinimum of 10 ft per line. |
| Precharged length | 33 ftThen 0.2 oz per foot. | 230 ftFactory charge of 109.3 oz for the whole permitted length; the installation manual prohibits adding any. |
| Maximum height difference | 49 ftSame value between two indoor units. | 49 ft25 ft between two indoor units. |
| Liquid – gas diametersPer indoor unit | 1/4 – 3/8 in | 1/4 – 3/8 inThree connections; 3/8 to 1/2 in adapter supplied for the gas line. |
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 32 3/8 × 21 11/16 × 13 7/8 in, 78.3 lbThe GREE Canada submittal sheet shows 75 lb. | 37 × 47 5/8 × 13 in, 191.8 lb |
| Indoor unit, weight9,000 BTU/h wall-mounted head | 19.8 lbCHARMO GWH09ATCXB-D6DNA1C. | 19.6 lbAJ009DNADCG. |
| Electrical protectionPer the manufacturer | MOCP 20 A (MCA 14.5 A)Brochure X610068B. The GREE Canada submittal sheet shows an MCA of 18.5 A: to be confirmed at the quote. | MOP 40 A (MCA 35.9 A) |
| Outdoor unit base pan heater | Included, 72 W | Included“Base pan heater: standard”, submittal. |
| Clearances around the outdoor unit | 6 in from the wall; 6 to 24 in from obstacles depending on the sideFigure in the GREE Canada submittal sheet. | Figure in the FJM R32 installation manual, p. 14The SAMSUNG submittal does not reproduce them. |
| Stated heating / cooling range | −30 to 24 °C / −30 to 48 °C | −25 to 24 °C / −10 to 46 °C |
What we are asked about these two systems
Why compare an 18,000 and a 20,000 BTU system?
Because these are the two 2-zone systems we are asked to put side by side. They are not the same size, and the page says so from the title. The efficiencies (SEER2, HSPF2) compare directly; the capacities are read knowing that one is certified at 18,000 BTU/h and the other at 21,000 BTU/h.
The SAMSUNG is called “20,000”: why 21,000 on the certificate?
The AHRI certificate of the AJ020DXS3CG, published by NEEP, shows a rated cooling capacity of 21,000 BTU/h at 35 °C. SAMSUNG’s combination table gives 18,000 BTU/h with two 9,000 heads and 21,000 BTU/h with 9 + 12 or 12 + 12.
Why is the cost calculated for 18,000 BTU/h in both cases?
To compare the two systems against the same need. The 18,000 BTU/h zone is the certified capacity of the FREEMATCH R32, which the FJM Premium also covers. Each is calculated with its own certified efficiencies.
What happens below −25 °C or below −30 °C?
SAMSUNG publishes a heating range down to −25 °C for the FJM Premium, GREE down to −30 °C for the FREEMATCH R32. Neither gives a capacity figure beyond its last certified point: 18,000 BTU/h at −25 °C for the former, 10,200 BTU/h at −30 °C for the latter.
Does refrigerant need to be added for long lines?
For the FREEMATCH R32, GREE specifies 0.2 oz per foot beyond 33 ft of piping, up to 131 ft in total. For the FJM Premium, SAMSUNG’s installation manual says not to add any, whatever the installation, up to the maximum of 230 ft.
Does the SAMSUNG outdoor unit need more space?
According to the submittals: 47 5/8 in high and 191.8 lb for the AJ020DXS3CG, against 21 11/16 in and 78.3 lb for the GWHD(18)ND6MO. The published electrical protection is 40 A for the former and 20 A for the latter. The location and the electrical panel are checked during the visit.
Which one is right for me?
This page does not rank the units. It shows the certified values and what each manufacturer publishes, with the sources. The right choice depends on the real need of your two rooms, the outdoor location, your electrical panel and your current heating.
Are these systems eligible for financial assistance?
Eligibility is checked on the official list of Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program at the time of the quote, for the exact combination installed. This page gives no amounts, and programs can change.
All AHRI and NEEP values
| Certified value | FREEMATCH R32 | FJM Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 18,000 BTU/h | 21,000 BTU/h |
| 35 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,000 / 18,000 / 19,600 | 9,500 / 21,000 / 30,000 |
| SEER2 | 21.0 | 23.0 |
| EER2 | 12.0Brochure X610068B shows 12.5; the certificate prevails. | 15.0 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 Region IV | 10.0 | 10.5 |
| HSPF2 Region V | 8.0 | 7.1 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,000 / 18,000 / 18,100 | 7,600 / 22,000 / 32,000 |
| 8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.95 / 3.91 / 3.21 | 4.95 / 4.64 / 3.91 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,200 / 17,600 / 17,600 | 10,500 / 13,200 / 22,000 |
| −8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.25 / 2.36 / 2.36 | 2.96 / 2.95 / 2.22 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,200 / 13,800 / 13,800 | 10,500 / 22,000 / 22,000 |
| −15 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 2.45 / 2.00 / 2.00 | 2.05 / 1.95 / 1.95 |
| Coldest point of each certificate (different temperatures) | ||
| Test temperature | −30 °C (−22 °F) | −25 °C (−13 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max.BTU/h | 7,000 / 10,200 | 10,000 / 18,000 |
| COP min. / max. | 1.55 / 1.51 | 1.65 / 1.61 |
| Certification | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| ENERGY STAR directory, markets listed | United States, Canada | United States, Canada |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 214931586 · 392112 | 216372795 · 417116 |
| 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 measure, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Capacities are not highlighted: the two systems are not the same size, and the order of the COPs changes depending on the point read.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose the right size, talk to our team: bring the dimensions of both rooms, the planned outdoor location, the capacity of your electrical panel and your current heating.
Where each figure comes from
Data verified November 9, 2026. Performance: AHRI certificates and the NEEP database. Dimensions, sound, piping and features: according to the manufacturer. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails.
Trademarks. GREE, FREEMATCH, SAMSUNG, WindFree and SmartThings 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 to you? Write to us: any reported value is checked again.