SAMSUNG Hylex Standard and SAMSUNG Hylex Premium, 36,000 BTU

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Comparison · Central heat pump · Same brand · 3 tons

SAMSUNG Hylex Standard and Hylex Premium, from one line to the next

Two 3-ton SAMSUNG Hylex central heat pumps, both on R-454B and offered by AirGreen. Their AHRI certificates are close in mild weather; the biggest gap shows up in extreme cold. This page shows where, by how much, and what SAMSUNG changes in the outdoor unit.

SEER2 14.6 and 17.5HSPF2 IV 8.2 and 8.5At −15 °C: 24,800 and 39,000 BTU/hAt −25 °C: 21,600 and 27,000 BTU/h
In the outdoor unit
  • 1 fan → 22,684 and 4,415 CFM
  • Larger compressoroutput 2.73 and 3.95 kW
  • 39 5/16 → 55 7/8 intall, same 37 in width
Estimated operating cost

What the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer

AirGreen estimate for the same 36,000 BTU/h house in Montréal, at 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. The Hylex Standard is certified at 34,000 BTU/h in cooling and the Hylex Premium at 36,000: the calculation uses their common nominal size, 3 tons.

How this amount is calculated
  1. Heat needed over the winter. A house whose heat loss reaches 36,000 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 and the baseboards alike: a simplification that ignores the recovery after a setback.
  2. 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 planned for when the heat pump is no longer enough. Electric baseboards: 1 kWh of electricity for 1 kWh of heat.
  3. Electricity for cooling. 36,000 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, adjustable above from 1 to 24 h. At 24 h, the calculation assumes rated capacity all day: that is a maximum, since a variable-speed unit slows down once the room is at the right temperature.
  4. 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. The network access fee, the same with or without a heat pump, is 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.

The reserve in extreme cold

Two heat tanks, filled to their certified capacity

Each tank fills up to the maximum heating capacity, temperature by temperature. The dotted line marks 36,000 BTU/h, the rated heating capacity of both units at 8.3 °C; the yellow line, the smallest certified capacity. Walk down the steps from 8.3 °C to −25 °C.

Hylex StandardSAMSUNG
0BTU/h
15,00030,00045,000
Hylex PremiumSAMSUNG
0BTU/h
15,00030,00045,000
AHRI certificate, NEEPGap at the same point: 0 BTU/h
Full tank: 60,000 BTU/h 36,000 BTU/h, rated heating capacity at 8.3 °C smallest certified capacity SAMSUNG table value, not certified

Sources: NEEP, records 506856 and 506852 (AHRI certificates 218158143 and 218158147), maximum heating capacity. At −20 °C (−4 °F), NEEP publishes no point: that step uses the capacity table from the SAMSUNG Hylex data book (version 2.0, August 2025), at 21.1 °C indoors. SAMSUNG states that this table gives average values; it does not compare directly with the certified maximums.

Under the hood

Same width, more height and one more fan

Both outdoor units are 37 in wide and 13 in deep. SAMSUNG changes the rest: cabinet height, number of fans, compressor and refrigerant charge. Photos to scale with the published height.

SAMSUNG AC036FCUDCG outdoor unit to scale39 5/16 in
Hylex StandardAC036FCUDCG · 156.5 lb
SAMSUNG AC036FCUPCG outdoor unit to scale55 7/8 in
Hylex PremiumAC036FCUPCG · 229.3 lb

SAMSUNG Hylex Standard and Premium data book (R-454B, 60 Hz), version 2.0: specifications, summary table and refrigerant charge. Compressor output is the figure SAMSUNG gives for each model (UF8LF3300FJUSG and UF5LF3450FJXSG, two twin-cylinder BLDC rotary compressors).

Certified efficiencies

Five certificate values, side by side

Seasonal efficiencies and cooling capacity come from the AHRI certificates published by NEEP. Each pair is drawn on its own scale, shown under the title.

What these numbers say. The gap is clear in cooling (SEER2 and EER2) and small on HSPF2, the seasonal heating value: 8.2 and 8.5 in Region IV, 6.56 and 6.8 in Region V. The winter cost estimated above therefore stays close; the difference in output in extreme cold shows up in the tanks.
Extreme cold

Below −15 °C: every published figure, at its exact temperature

NEEP certifies both units at −15 °C and at −25 °C, the same temperatures: those two rows compare directly. In between, the SAMSUNG data book gives a capacity table at −20 °C for each outdoor unit. Nothing is calculated between two points.

The SAMSUNG table and the certificate do not say the same thing at −15 °C. The table gives 30,100 BTU/h (Standard) and 45,000 BTU/h (Premium) at 5 °F, the certificate 24,800 and 39,000 BTU/h maximum. SAMSUNG states that its table shows average values; at −25 °C, the two sources agree (21,600 and 27,000 BTU/h). The main comparison follows the certificate.
What SAMSUNG claims as a percentage. 100% of rated heating capacity at −10 °C for the 2-, 3- and 4-ton Standard, and at −20 °C for the 2- and 3-ton Premium (Hylex 2026 brochure). Both heat down to −25 °C; below that, the published operating range ends and heating shifts to the backup planned at installation.
Documented features

What SAMSUNG writes for each line

Hylex 2026 brochure, Hylex data book version 2.0 and the Premium submittal sheet. Each row repeats what the manufacturer writes.

Compressor

Standard: twin-cylinder BLDC rotary UF8LF3300FJUSG, 2.73 kW output.

Premium: twin-cylinder BLDC rotary UF5LF3450FJXSG, 3.95 kW.

Fan and airflow

Standard: 1 BLDC propeller fan, 125 W; 2,684 CFM.

Premium: 2 fans of 125 W; 4,415 CFM.

Controls and thermostat

Both: ordinary 24 V thermostat or SAMSUNG communicating wired controller; MXD-U001XN ACU module required, sold separately per SAMSUNG.

Wi-Fi and app

Both: Wi-Fi connection through the ACU module and SmartThings app (monitoring, error alerts, outdoor unit energy).

Heated base pan and backup heat

Both: base pan heater standard; HA05 to HA20 electric heat kits for the SAMSUNG indoor unit; dual-fuel operation possible.

Operating range

Standard: cooling from −20 to 50 °C, heating from −25 to 24 °C.

Premium: cooling from −20 to 52 °C, heating from −25 to 24 °C.

Both outdoor units also connect to other coils and indoor units (SAMSUNG’s terms); this page covers the certified HH36MCBC11H1 / AC036FCUDCG and HH36MACC11H1 / AC036FCUPCG combinations only. The 2026 brochure prints AC036FCUDCH for the 3-ton Standard; the certificate and the data book state AC036FCUDCG.

Sound

Outdoor sound, measured the same way

The SAMSUNG data book gives the sound pressure level of both outdoor units, measured in an anechoic chamber, in cooling and in heating. SAMSUNG publishes no sound level for the HH36 indoor units in the documents consulted.

dB(A)

How to read these numbers. dB(A) measures noise level as the ear perceives it: the lower the number, the quieter the unit. Each point is a value published by SAMSUNG, in cooling then in heating.

Why these two compare. Same manufacturer, same document, same method: anechoic chamber, same distance. These values do not compare with another brand measured differently, and real-world noise depends on placement.

Outdoor unit, sound pressure

Published values

Outdoor unit, sound power

Published value

Measurements published by SAMSUNG in the same document, with the same method: comparable with each other, not with another brand.

Installation

Same piping lengths, two suction diameters

InstallationHylex StandardHylex Premium
Maximum piping length164 ft164 ft
Precharged length24.6 ft0.5 oz of R-454B per foot beyond, per SAMSUNG.24.6 ft
Maximum height difference98 ft98 ft
Liquid – gas line diameters3/8 – 3/4 in3/8 – 7/8 inSuction line 3/4 in minimum, 1 1/8 in maximum, per the submittal sheet.
Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight37 × 39 5/16 × 13 in, 156.5 lb37 × 55 7/8 × 13 in, 229.3 lb
Outdoor fan, airflow1 fan, 2,684 CFM2 fans, 4,415 CFM
Electrical protectionPer the manufacturerMCA 24.1 A, MOP 30 A (208/230 V)MCA 33.3 A, MOP 40 A (208/230 V)
Factory refrigerant charge6.4 lb of R-454B9.9 lb of R-454B
Stated heating / cooling range−25 to 24 °C / −20 to 50 °C−25 to 24 °C / −20 to 52 °C

Sources: SAMSUNG Hylex Standard and Premium data book (R-454B, 60 Hz), version 2.0, August 2025; SAMSUNG AC036FCUPCG/AA submittal sheet (2026) for the Premium’s suction diameter range. SAMSUNG publishes no minimum piping length, nor the dimensions of the HH36 indoor units, in the documents consulted.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask about these two lines

What actually changes between the Standard and the Premium?

The outdoor unit. Per SAMSUNG, the Premium has two fans instead of one, a cabinet 55 7/8 in tall instead of 39 5/16 in, a compressor with 3.95 kW of output instead of 2.73 kW, and 9.9 lb of factory refrigerant instead of 6.4 lb. Both have the same width, the same R-454B refrigerant and the same heating range, down to −25 °C.

Where is the gap largest?

In extreme cold. At −15 °C, the certificate gives 24,800 BTU/h maximum for the Standard and 39,000 for the Premium. At −25 °C, 21,600 and 27,000 BTU/h. At 8.3 °C, rated capacity is the same, 36,000 BTU/h.

Is the Hylex Standard ENERGY STAR certified?

Per NEEP, the certified HH36MCBC11H1 / AC036FCUDCG combination is neither ENERGY STAR nor ENERGY STAR cold climate; the Premium HH36MACC11H1 / AC036FCUPCG is both. Eligibility for an assistance program depends on the official list in force on the date of purchase.

Is the winter cost very different?

Not much. The estimated cost uses Region V HSPF2, 6.56 and 6.8: the yearly gap shown above stays modest. The Premium stands out mainly for the output available in extreme cold, which reduces reliance on backup heat when it is very cold.

Which one is quieter outdoors?

Per the SAMSUNG data book, the Standard shows 53 dB(A) in cooling and 55 dB(A) in heating, the Premium 55 and 57 dB(A), measured the same way. Sound power is 73 and 75 dB(A).

Is an extra control module needed?

Yes, for both. SAMSUNG states that the MXD-U001XN ACU module is required and sold separately; it links the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the thermostat, and it adds SmartThings Wi-Fi. The written quote spells out what each package includes.

Can the existing refrigerant lines be kept?

SAMSUNG allows existing lines to be reused under certain conditions. The standard suction diameter is 3/4 in for the Standard and 7/8 in for the Premium, which accepts 3/4 to 1 1/8 in per its submittal sheet. The liquid line does not need insulation, per the brochure.

Certified data sheet

All AHRI and NEEP values

Certified valueHylex StandardHylex Premium
Cooling
Rated capacity at 35 °C34,000 BTU/h36,000 BTU/h
SEER214.617.5
EER29.512.0
Heating, same conditions
HSPF2 Region IV8.28.5
HSPF2 Region V6.566.8
8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h10,000 / 36,000 / 37,00011,000 / 36,000 / 55,000
8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max.3.66 / 3.20 / 2.014.61 / 3.40 / 2.27
−8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h14,400 / 22,000 / 35,80020,200 / 21,000 / 42,000
−8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max.2.67 / 2.38 / 2.242.79 / 2.48 / 2.43
−15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h10,000 / 24,800 / 24,80015,600 / 39,000 / 39,000
−15 °C: COP min. / rated / max.1.85 / 1.85 / 1.852.48 / 1.90 / 1.90
Coldest point — same temperature for both
Test temperature−25 °C (−13 °F)−25 °C (−13 °F)
Min. / max. capacity10,800 / 21,600 BTU/h12,000 / 27,000 BTU/h
COP at maximum capacity1.641.70
Listings and refrigerant
ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP)No / NoYes / Yes
AHRI certificate · NEEP record218158143 · 506856218158147 · 506852
RefrigerantGWP per the IPCC (AR4); ASHRAE 34 classR-454B · GWP 466 · A2LR-454B · GWP 466 · A2L

higher marks the higher value of the same measure, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Capacities and COPs at each point are not highlighted. At −8.3 °C, the Premium is certified with a rated capacity close to its minimum capacity (21,000 and 20,200 BTU/h): the page shows the certificate as is.

Both are on the AirGreen website.

To choose for your home, talk it over with our team: bring the heated floor area, the condition of your ducts and your current heating.

Sources and documents

Where every figure comes from