Home / Comparisons / 2-zone multi-zone heat pumps
MIDEA MIDEA28 and ELIOS e-MULTI in 2 zones, number by number
Two 2-zone systems on R-454B, each with one outdoor unit and two 9,000 BTU wall heads. Both are ENERGY STAR cold climate certified. Their certificates do not stop at the same cold: −30 °C for the MIDEA, −25 °C for the e-MULTI. Each number stays at its own temperature.
MIDEAMIDEA28 multi, 2 zones
MO3HX-H18B-2A + 2 × MSEHU-H09B-2A · AHRI 215471457
Same AHRI and NEEP certified values: CANAIR 4C28 multi and DIRECT AIR HEAT XTREME PRO R-454B multi.
See the product page
ELIOSe-MULTI R-454B, 2 zones
EXHSA1832AN1 + 2 × EWHMA09C2AS1 · AHRI 216505500
What the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 18,000 BTU/h zone in Montréal, at Hydro-Québec rate D, taxes included. The certificates give 19,000 BTU/h for the MIDEA and 18,000 for the e-MULTI in cooling; the calculation applies the common rated size, 18,000 BTU/h, to both. 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 needed over the winter. A zone whose heat loss reaches 18,000 BTU/h ( kW) at −23.1 °C, the Montréal design temperature: kW × 24 h × 4,167 degree-days ÷ (18 − (−23.1)) = kWh of heat for 24-hour 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), heat is reduced in the same proportion, for the heat pump as for the baseboards: this is a simplification that ignores the 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 planned for 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 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: 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 force on April 1, 2026: 7.065 ¢ per kWh up to 40 kWh per 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.
Choose your rooms, then the cold outside
Both outdoor units have three pairs of connections: up to three heads. AirGreen offers them here with two 9,000 BTU heads. Tap the rooms to equip and choose a temperature: the capacity shown is the one the certificate gives for the outdoor unit; it is not divided room by room.
Perspective plan: diagram, not to scale; the outdoor unit is the same figure for both brands. Tap a room to add or remove a head.
Maximum heating capacity of the outdoor unit, NEEP certified, 21.1 °C indoors. A hatched value is a range between two published values, each at its own temperature. Sources for the combination: MIDEA multi-zone brochure (AHRI 215471457, “All Easy Pro 6K×3, 3 Zone”) and ELIOS e-Multi brochure (“depending on the combination”).
Below −15 °C: every published number, at its exact temperature
At −15 °C, NEEP certifies 19,000 BTU/h for the MIDEA and 13,500 for the e-MULTI. Lower down, the two certificates stop at different temperatures: −25 °C for the e-MULTI (7,000 BTU/h), −30 °C for the MIDEA (10,000 BTU/h). These two points do not compare directly; the table places each at its own temperature.
The CANAIR 4C28 multi (4C28MC318H21) and the DIRECT AIR HEAT XTREME PRO R-454B multi (DIRM4-18HXPRO28-2Z) have the same AHRI and NEEP certified values as the MIDEA28 multi, including the −30 °C point. Another page shows them side by side.
What each manufacturer names
MIDEA side: MO3HX-H18B-2A submittal, multi-zone brochure and MIDEA wall-unit brochure (35, 28 and 25 series, August 20, 2025). ELIOS side: e-Multi brochure (Elios_e-Multi_202509, V02). The ELIOS brochure is mostly a technical table; it names few features.
MIDEA28 multi: heating from −30 to 24 °C (MO3HX-H18B-2A sheet).
e-MULTI: heating from −25 to 24 °C; “performance down to −25 °C”.
MIDEA28 multi: from −30 to 50 °C outdoors.
e-MULTI: from −25 to 50 °C outdoors.
MIDEA28 multi: “A2L refrigerant leak detection sensor” (wall-unit brochure, 28 series).
e-MULTI: leak detection, automatic shut-off valve, indoor fan running continuously, compressor stop.
MIDEA28 multi: auto, cooling, dry, heating, fan; 8 °C heating; “Follow Me” (wall-unit brochure).
e-MULTI: “Turbo” named among the fan speeds.
MIDEA28 multi: “Wi-Fi control”; optional wired controller (wall-unit brochure).
e-MULTI: Not published by the manufacturer.
MIDEA28 multi: “Automatic cleaning”; washable filters (wall-unit brochure).
e-MULTI: Not published by the manufacturer.
A feature missing from a column means the document consulted does not name it, not that it is absent. MIDEA features taken from the wall-unit brochure apply to the MIDEA28 series; MIDEA does not repeat them in a document specific to the multi-zone system.
The noise of each head, according to its manufacturer
MIDEA publishes five speeds for the MSEHU-H09B-2A head. ELIOS publishes four speeds for the EWHMA09C2AS1 head, as airflow only: the e-Multi brochure gives no sound level for this head.
How to read these numbers. dB(A) measures a noise level as the ear perceives it: the lower the number, the quieter the unit. Each dot is a fan speed published by the manufacturer.
Why this is not a ranking. Only one of the two heads has published values; neither MIDEA nor ELIOS states the distance or measuring standard for their outdoor units. The numbers are read side by side, without conclusion.
One 9,000 BTU head, in the room
Speeds published by each manufacturer
Outdoor unit, outdoors
Published value, one per manufacturer
Measurements taken by each manufacturer with its own method: read them separately, not as a ranking.
Sources: MIDEA multi-zone brochure (MSEHU-H09B-2A head: 38 / 38 / 33 / 21 / 20 dB(A), Turbo to quiet) and MO3HX-H18B-2A submittal (61.5 dB(A)); ELIOS e-Multi brochure (outdoor unit: 60 dB(A); head: 382.6 / 294.3 / 194.2 / 153 CFM).
On the wall, outdoors, in the piping
Wall heads to scale
The ELIOS head is 1 13/16 in narrower and 1 1/4 in shallower; the heights are within 1/8 in.
Outdoor units to scale
37 1/4 × 31 7/8 × 16 1/8 in · 137 lb
35.04 × 26.50 × 13.46 in · 100.5 lb
Widths at the same scale (W × H × D). The MIDEA unit is 5 3/8 in taller and weighs 36.5 lb more. Photos: AirGreen images of the units sold.
| Installation | MIDEA28 multi | e-MULTI |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping length | 197 ft in total, 98 ft per head | Not published by the manufacturerThe e-Multi brochure gives no length limit. |
| Precharged length | 25 ft per head78 oz charged; 0.16 oz/ft beyond, on the 1/4 in liquid line. | Not published by the manufacturerFactory charge: 1.75 kg (61.73 oz). |
| Maximum height difference | 49 ft33 ft between the heads (service manual). | Not published by the manufacturer |
| Liquid – gas diameters | 1/4 – 3/8 in, one pair per headThree pairs of connections. | 1/4 – 3/8 in, one pair per headThree pairs of connections. |
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 37 1/4 × 31 7/8 × 16 1/8 in, 137 lb | 35.04 × 26.50 × 13.46 in, 100.5 lb |
| Indoor unit, weightOne 9,000 BTU head | 23 lb | 18.96 lb |
| Electrical protectionAccording to the manufacturer | MOCP 20 A (MCA 17.5 A) | 20 A fuse or breaker maximum |
| Advertised heating / cooling range | −30 to 24 °C / −30 to 50 °C | −25 to 24 °C / −25 to 50 °C |
Sources: MIDEA MO3HX-H18B-2A submittal (version with ducted heads; outdoor unit piping, charge, electrical and ranges), MIDEA service manual for multi-zone units (p. 12, height between heads) and MIDEA multi-zone brochure (head); ELIOS e-Multi brochure (Elios_e-Multi_202509, V02). Clearances around the outdoor unit are in each installation manual; the installer confirms them on site.
What people ask us about these two systems
Both use R-454B. What does that change for me?
R-454B has a global warming potential of 466 according to the IPCC (AR4) and is classified A2L, mildly flammable, under ASHRAE 34. Both manufacturers document leak detection: MIDEA names an A2L sensor for its 28 series; ELIOS describes the detection, a valve that closes the circuit, the indoor fan that keeps running and the compressor stopping.
Why is the MIDEA certified at −30 °C and the e-MULTI at −25 °C?
Each manufacturer chooses the coldest temperature at which its system is rated. NEEP publishes a point at −30 °C (−22 °F) for the MIDEA and a point at −25 °C (−13 °F) for the e-MULTI. The advertised heating ranges follow: −30 to 24 °C and −25 to 24 °C. Below −25 °C, ELIOS publishes no capacity.
Are the two 9,000 BTU heads the ones in the certificate?
Not necessarily. MIDEA’s multi-zone brochure ties certificate 215471457 to three 6,000 BTU wall heads. The ELIOS brochure states that each head’s capacity depends on the combination, without naming the certificate’s combination. The certified values remain those of the outdoor unit with ductless wall heads.
What are the CANAIR 4C28 multi and the DIRECT AIR HEAT XTREME PRO R-454B multi?
Two other outdoor units, the CANAIR 4C28MC318H21 (AHRI 215449724) and the DIRECT AIR DIRM4-18HXPRO28-2Z (AHRI 215213799). On the NEEP list, their certified values are exactly those of the MIDEA28 multi, from 8.3 °C to −30 °C. Identical values say nothing about who makes them; a separate page shows what sets them apart.
Why are the minimum capacities identical?
The NEEP listings of both systems give exactly the same minimum capacities and COPs: 5,700, 3,800 and 3,500 BTU/h at 8.3, −8.3 and −15 °C, COP 4.77, 2.78 and 2.28. The rated and maximum values, however, differ. We report the observation; neither manufacturer gives the reason.
Why does the cost estimate use 18,000 BTU/h for both?
The certificates give 19,000 BTU/h for the MIDEA and 18,000 for the e-MULTI in cooling. The calculation applies the common rated size, 18,000 BTU/h, the same zone, the same rate and the same method; only the HSPF2 region V (8.5 and 7.7) and the SEER2 (25.0 and 23.0) change.
Are these systems eligible for rebates?
Eligibility depends on the official lists in force on the date of purchase, such as Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert list. We check the chosen system at quote time; no amount is promised on this page.
All AHRI and NEEP values
| Certified value | MIDEA28 multi | e-MULTI |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 19,000 BTU/h | 18,000 BTU/h |
| SEER2 | 25.0 | 23.0 |
| EER2 | 15.0 | 12.5 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 region IV / V | 10.4 / 8.5 | 10.0 / 7.7 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 5,700 / 20,000 / 27,000 | 5,700 / 19,000 / 21,600 |
| 8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 4.77 / 3.99 / 3.44 | 4.77 / 3.79 / 3.33 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 3,800 / 20,000 / 20,000 | 3,800 / 16,000 / 16,000 |
| −8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 2.78 / 2.53 / 2.53 | 2.78 / 2.38 / 2.38 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 3,500 / 19,000 / 19,000 | 3,500 / 13,500 / 13,500 |
| −15 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 2.28 / 2.00 / 2.00 | 2.28 / 2.20 / 2.20 |
| Coldest point — different temperatures, not highlighted | ||
| Test temperature | −30 °C (−22 °F) | −25 °C (−13 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max. | 3,500 / 10,000 BTU/h | 3,500 / 7,000 BTU/h |
| COP at maximum capacity | 1.30 | 1.29 |
| Certifications and refrigerant | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| ENERGY STAR directory, markets listed | United States, Canada | United States, Canada |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP listing | 215471457 · 387282Multi-zone, ductless heads | 216505500 · 382553Multi-zone, ductless heads |
| RefrigerantGWP according to the IPCC (AR4); ASHRAE 34 class | R-454B · GWP 466 · A2L | R-454B · GWP 466 · A2L |
highest marks the highest value of a given measurement, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Capacities and COPs per point are not highlighted: the certificates do not cover the same rated capacity, and the order of the COPs changes depending on the point read.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose for your rooms, talk to our team: bring the size of each room, the planned outdoor location and the distance to each head.
Where each number comes from
Data verified on November 9, 2026. Performance: AHRI certificates and NEEP database. Dimensions, sound, piping and features: according to the manufacturer. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails.
Trademarks. MIDEA, MIDEA28, ELIOS, e-Multi, CANAIR, DIRECT AIR and HEAT XTREME PRO are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a retailer of these brands; this page is not produced, sponsored or approved by the manufacturers.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a data point look wrong? Write to us : every reported data point is checked again.