Home / Comparisons / 2-zone multi-zone, 18,000 BTU
GREE FREEMATCH R32 and LG Multi F R32, a choice of two heads on one outdoor unit
Two R-32 multi-zone systems, certified at 18,000 BTU/h in cooling, for two rooms. Nothing requires two wall-mounted heads: each manufacturer publishes the table of indoor units its outdoor unit accepts. This page puts the two tables side by side, then the certified values.
Wall-mounted, ducted, cassette, console: pictograms.
FREEMATCH R32 · 2 zones, 18,000 BTU
GWHD(18)ND6MO + non-ducted indoor units · AHRI 214931586
See the product page
Multi F R32 · 2 zones, 18,000 BTU
KUMXB181A + non-ducted indoor units · AHRI 214848481
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 both systems at 35 °C.
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.
The indoor units each outdoor unit accepts
The numbers in the chips are the sizes allowed, in thousands of BTU/h, for these two 18,000 BTU/h outdoor units. A row with no chip means the manufacturer does not list that type for this unit, not that it does not exist elsewhere in its range.
GREE: “Multi-Zone Compatibility Chart” in the GREE Canada submittal sheet for the GWHD(18)ND6MO. LG: Table 1, “Multi F Allowable Indoor Unit to Outdoor Unit Connections”, in the R32 Multi F and Multi F MAX combination manual (p. 4). Each system takes exactly two indoor units. Pictograms: diagrams.
Build a pair of wall-mounted heads
Choose a size for each room: each manufacturer answers with its combination table.
Rated capacities per room when both heads run together, as published: GREE Canada submittal sheet for the GWHD(18)ND6MO; LG combination manual, Tables 3 and 4 for the KUMXB181A (non-ducted units). Rated conditions: 35 °C outdoors in cooling, 8.3 °C outdoors in heating. This is not sizing: the need of each room comes from a load calculation.
Three temperatures common to both certificates
At 8.3 °C, −8.3 °C and −15 °C, NEEP publishes a minimum, rated and maximum capacity for each system. Both outdoor units are read at the same temperatures, with non-ducted indoor units.
AHRI certificates 214931586 and 214848481, published by NEEP, 21.1 °C indoors. At −8.3 °C and −15 °C, the certified rated capacity of the FREEMATCH R32 equals its maximum capacity.
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: −20 °C for the Multi F R32, −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; LG submittals for the KUMXB181A and the KNUAB091A wall-mounted unit. 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), included; “intelligent” defrost.
Multi F R32: heating from −20 to 18 °C wet bulb; defrost and de-icing; optional base pan heater.
FREEMATCH R32: stated cooling range of −30 to 48 °C.
Multi F R32: down to −10 °C outdoors; down to −20 °C with the optional wind baffle.
FREEMATCH R32: “7 indoor options”; five families in the table for this unit, including four wall-mounted series.
Multi F R32: “Mix and match for 14,000-24,000 Btu/h”; five families in the table for this unit.
FREEMATCH R32: indoor units powered from the outdoor unit; automatic voltage adaptation; low-voltage start-up.
Multi F R32: 208 to 230 V, single phase; soft start.
FREEMATCH R32: A2L leak sensor included.
Multi F R32: R32 leak detection sensor on the KNUAB091A wall-mounted unit.
FREEMATCH R32: quiet operation on the outdoor unit side; comfort modes depend on the head.
Multi F R32: Jet Cool and Jet Heat, sleep mode, 24 h timer, auto swing (KNUAB091A wall-mounted unit).
FREEMATCH R32: depends on the head chosen; the FREEMATCH brochure does not specify it.
Multi F R32: Built-in Wi-Fi (ThinQ) on the KNUAB091A wall-mounted unit; central control connection on the outdoor unit.
FREEMATCH R32: automatic restart (GREE Canada website).
Multi F R32: automatic restart; three-minute delay before restarting.
FREEMATCH R32: self-diagnosis; coil protected against corrosion by an acrylic resin (GREE Canada website).
Multi F R32: self-diagnosis; Gold Fin heat exchanger; self-cleaning coil and 3M Micro Dust filter on the KNUAB091A wall-mounted unit.
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 LG KNUAB091A standard wall-mounted unit, published in three speeds.
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. LG measures in an anechoic chamber to ISO 3745, with a tolerance of 3 dB(A) for the head. 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, all published speeds, 9,000 BTU/h wall-mounted head
Outdoor unit, outside
Published values for the 18,000 BTU/h 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)); LG submittals for the KNUAB091A and the KUMXB181A (sound pressure, ISO 3745).
Outside, on the wall, in the piping
Outdoor units, outlines to scale
ND6MO
181A
32 3/8 × 21 11/16 in
depth 13 7/8 in · 78.3 lb
34 5/16 × 25 1/2 in
depth 13 1/16 in · 102.7 lb
Diagram: published width and height, at the same scale. LG dimensions read from the dimensioned drawing in the submittal (U24A chassis).
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 9,000 BTU/h LG standard wall-mounted unit.
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; LG submittal for the KUMXB181A. Each line also has its own limit: 65.6 ft to the last indoor unit for the FREEMATCH R32 (equivalent length), 9.8 to 82 ft per unit for the Multi F R32.
| Installation | FREEMATCH R32 | Multi F R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping lengthTotal of both lines | 131 ft | 164 ft |
| Piping length per indoor unit | 65.6 ftEquivalent length to the last indoor unit (submittal sheet and service manual). | 82 ft9.8 to 82 ft per unit. |
| Precharged length | 33 ftThen 0.2 oz per foot. | 98.4 ftThen 0.22 oz per foot. |
| Maximum height difference | 49 ftSame value between two indoor units. | 49.2 ft24.6 ft between two indoor units. |
| Liquid – gas diametersPer indoor unit | 1/4 – 3/8 in | 1/4 – 3/8 in |
| 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. | 34 5/16 × 25 1/2 × 13 1/16 in, 102.7 lbDimensions read from the dimensioned drawing in the submittal. |
| Indoor unit, weight9,000 BTU/h wall-mounted head | 19.8 lbCHARMO GWH09ATCXB-D6DNA1C. | 19.7 lbKNUAB091A standard wall-mounted unit. |
| 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 20 A (MCA 16.1 A) |
| Outdoor unit base pan heater | Included, 72 W | OptionalAccessory PQSH1203; 120 W according to NEEP. |
| 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 KUMXB181A installation manualThe LG submittal does not reproduce them. |
| Connectable capacityRated total of the two heads | 10,000 to 24,000 BTU/hFrom the combination table: from 5 + 5 to 12 + 12. | 14,000 to 24,000 BTU/h |
| Stated heating / cooling range | −30 to 24 °C / −30 to 48 °C | −20 to 18 °C / −10 to 48 °CHeating in wet bulb (−4 to +64 °F); cooling from 14 to 118 °F. |
What we are asked about these two systems
Can a wall-mounted unit and a ducted unit be combined on the same outdoor unit?
Yes, both tables allow it for the types they list. Each outdoor unit then has a separate AHRI certificate, called “mixed”, with its own efficiencies. The SEER2, HSPF2 and capacities on this page are those of the certificates with non-ducted indoor units.
What is the smallest head for a small room?
In the table for these two outdoor units: 5,000 BTU/h at GREE (CHARMO wall-mounted) and 7,000 BTU/h at LG (standard wall-mounted or cassette). The GREE table publishes the 5 + 5 and 5 + 7 pairs; LG’s starts at 7 + 7.
And the largest?
12,000 BTU/h in the GREE table for this unit; 15,000 BTU/h in the LG table (standard wall-mounted or low-wall console), with a 7,000 or 9,000 head in the other room. Both manufacturers cap the connected total at 24,000 BTU/h.
What does each manufacturer publish for extreme cold?
GREE states heating down to −30 °C and the FREEMATCH R32 certificate has a point at that temperature: 10,200 BTU/h. LG publishes a heating range down to −20 °C (−4 °F) for the Multi F R32, with 14,800 BTU/h at that temperature. The ENERGY STAR directory lists the FREEMATCH R32 as “cold climate”; not the Multi F R32.
Is the outdoor unit’s base pan heater included?
The GREE Canada submittal sheet shows it as included (72 W). At LG, the KUMXB181A submittal lists the base pan heater among the optional accessories (PQSH1203).
Which heads does AirGreen offer with these systems?
The AirGreen product pages list the CHARMO, CLIVIA and AIRY wall-mounted heads for the FREEMATCH R32, and LG wall-mounted heads from 7,000 to 12,000 BTU/h for the Multi F R32. The other types in the table are discussed at the quote.
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 your two rooms, the type of indoor unit that suits each one 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 | Multi F R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 18,000 BTU/h | 18,000 BTU/h |
| 35 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,000 / 18,000 / 19,600 | 8,400 / 18,000 / 21,600 |
| SEER2 | 21.0 | 22.5 |
| EER2 | 12.0Brochure X610068B shows 12.5; the certificate prevails. | 13.5 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 Region IV | 10.0 | 9.8 |
| HSPF2 Region V | 8.0 | 8.17 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,000 / 18,000 / 18,100 | 10,080 / 22,000 / 25,000 |
| 8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.95 / 3.91 / 3.21 | 5.01 / 3.60 / 3.03 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,200 / 17,600 / 17,600 | 6,781 / 14,800 / 20,200 |
| −8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.25 / 2.36 / 2.36 | 3.97 / 2.83 / 2.60 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 7,200 / 13,800 / 13,800 | 5,759 / 15,800 / 17,700 |
| −15 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 2.45 / 2.00 / 2.00 | 3.67 / 2.21 / 2.30 |
| Coldest point of each certificate (different temperatures) | ||
| Test temperature | −30 °C (−22 °F) | −20 °C (−4 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max.BTU/h | 7,000 / 10,200 | 5,200 / 14,800 |
| COP min. / max. | 1.55 / 1.51 | 3.54 / 2.05 |
| Certification | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP) | Yes / Yes | Yes / No |
| ENERGY STAR directory, markets listed | United States, Canada | United States, Canada |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 214931586 · 392112 | 214848481 · 392651 |
| 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 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 two rooms, talk to our team: bring the room dimensions, the type of indoor unit you have in mind for each one, the planned outdoor location 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, LG, Multi F and ART COOL 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.