Home / Comparisons / 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pumps
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE ORION XLTH and GREE EXTRÊME R32, summer and winter
Two 12,000 BTU R-32 wall units, ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified and offered by AirGreen. In cooling, their SEER2 values are one point apart. In heating, their certified values drift apart. This page shows where, by how much, and at which temperatures.
ORION XLTH 12,000 BTU
ASUH12KZAS / AOUH12KZAH1 · AHRI 214888802
See the product page
EXTRÊME R32 12,000 BTU
GWH12AVDXE-D6DN***/I / GWH12AVDXE-D6DNA1B/O · AHRI 215386290
See the product pageWhat the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
AirGreen estimate for the same 12,000 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.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat to deliver 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 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. 12,000 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.
One point apart in summer, 2.7 points in winter
The yellow half of the wheel shows cooling, the bluish half heating. In red, the ORION XLTH; in blue, the EXTRÊME R32. Each arc is an AHRI-certified value, on the same scale for both units. Turn the wheel to move from one season to the other.
Scales: SEER2 out of 32, HSPF2 out of 14.
Summer: almost even
One point apart over a cooling season. The EER2, measured at 35 °C outside, follows the same order: 16.0 and 15.2. The GREE brochure prints a SEER2 of 28.0; AHRI certificate 215386290 says 29.5. The certificate prevails.
Winter: a 2.7-point gap
In Region V, colder, the values are 10.1 and 8.0. Over a heating season, the ORION XLTH is certified for more heat per kilowatt-hour, under the standard’s conditions.
What each one can deliver as the temperature drops
The grey area between the two curves is the gap in certified maximum capacity. It does not widen: 7,400 BTU/h at 8.3 °C, 5,700 to −8.3 °C, 4,400 to −15 °C. Proportionally, the ORION XLTH stays 36 to 46% higher at those three points.
Below −15 °C, the direct comparison stops. NEEP measures the ORION XLTH at −26.1 °C (12,200 BTU/h maximum) and the EXTRÊME R32 at −30 °C (8,500 BTU/h). Two temperatures, two points, no “versus”.
At the last shared point, −15 °C, the certified maximum capacities are 16,600 BTU/h (ORION XLTH) and 12,200 BTU/h (EXTRÊME R32). Below −26.1 °C, FUJITSU AIRSTAGE states that the ORION XLTH has no automatic shutoff and keeps heating, with no published capacity; GREE rates a heating range down to −30 °C for the EXTRÊME R32. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE also publishes, outside the certificate, 14,920 BTU/h at −20.6 °C in its technical manual: every point below −15 °C is gathered in “Extreme cold”, just below.
| Certified capacity (BTU/h) | ORION XLTH | EXTRÊME R32 |
|---|---|---|
| 8.3 °C: rated / maximum | 16,000 / 23,600 | 12,200 / 16,200 |
| −8.3 °C: rated / maximum | 10,000 / 18,700 | 13,000 / 13,000 |
| −15 °C: rated / maximum | 16,600 / 16,600 | 12,200 / 12,200 |
| Coldest point: maximumDifferent temperatures | 12,200 to −26.1 °C | 8,500 to −30 °C |
At −8.3 °C, the EXTRÊME R32’s rated capacity (13,000) exceeds the ORION XLTH’s (10,000). It is a setting point each manufacturer chooses for the test; the maximum capacity at the same point is 13,000 and 18,700 BTU/h.
Below −15 °C: every published number, at its exact temperature
NEEP certifies both units down to −15 °C, at the same temperatures. Lower, each figure is placed at its exact temperature, with its source. Nothing is calculated between two points.
ORION XLTH: maximum heating capacity as a percentage of the 12,000 BTU/h rated capacity, with 21 °C indoors, per FUJITSU AIRSTAGE brochure FG8153C (revision 4/2025). Vertical line: 100%.
When the unit gives everything it can, the order is not the same everywhere
COP tells how many units of heat come out for one unit of electricity. It depends on the temperature and on how hard the unit is working. At full capacity and 8.3 °C, the EXTRÊME R32 has the higher COP; at −8.3 and −15 °C, it is the ORION XLTH, which also delivers more heat at that moment.
At 8.3 °C, full capacity
At −8.3 °C, full capacity
At −15 °C, full capacity
The EXTRÊME R32 has certified twins
Several wall units carry the same AHRI and NEEP certified values as the GREE EXTRÊME R32 in 12,000 BTU (NEEP “Airy” series). The indoor unit, remote control, app and warranty may differ from one name to the other. The ORION XLTH has no known twin in the lineup; it is also sold under the name GENERAL AIRSTAGE ORION XLTH, same AHRI certificate.
What each brochure names
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE brochure FG8153C, GREE Canada EXTRÊME R32 brochure and GREE Airy Inverter R32 service manual, which covers the same model numbers (GWH12AVDXE). Each line cites what the manufacturer writes.
ORION XLTH: “no lockout” down to −26 °C, heated outdoor base pan, automatic defrost.
EXTRÊME R32: heating rated down to −30 °C; automatic defrost; outdoor unit base pan heating, active at 0 °C and below (service manual).
ORION XLTH: down to −10 °C outdoors.
EXTRÊME R32: down to −29 °C outside.
ORION XLTH: Powerful, Economy, Energy Saving, Minimum Heat, Occupancy.
EXTRÊME R32: “G-AI Learning”.
ORION XLTH: Wi-Fi, AIRSTAGE Mobile app; backlit remote control included; wall controls and 24 V thermostat optional.
EXTRÊME R32: Wi-Fi (app not named); YBE1FB1F remote.
ORION XLTH: automatic restart after a power outage.
EXTRÊME R32: “low-voltage start”; automatic restart with the last settings after a power outage (service manual).
ORION XLTH: washable filter, ProCore coil; inverter compressor.
EXTRÊME R32: washable filters; “G10 Inverter”.
More recent English versions of the GREE brochure mention a “G20 Inverter” and self-cleaning; the French version on the site says “G10”. This page uses only the French version, without deciding.
The sound of each, according to its manufacturer
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE publishes six named speeds for the ORION XLTH. GREE publishes eight levels for the EXTRÊME R32, with no speed names. 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 dot is a fan speed published by the manufacturer, from the slowest to the fastest.
Why this is not a ranking. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE measures in its own anechoic chamber. 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, every published speed
Outdoor unit, outside
Highest published speed
Measurements taken by each manufacturer using its own method: read them separately, not as a ranking.
Sources: FUJITSU AIRSTAGE brochure FG8153C and technical manual DR_AS233ES; GREE Canada EXTRÊME R32 brochure and GREE Airy Inverter R32 service manual (models GWH12AVDXE-D6DNA1A and A1B), which states that these are sound pressure values. GREE also publishes sound power: 29 to 53 dB(A) indoors, 65 dB(A) outside.
On the ground, on the wall, in the piping
Outdoor unit clearances
ORION XLTH
FUJITSU AIRSTAGE installation manual 9300793025-01, § 3.2.1. Top view, diagram.
EXTRÊME R32
The GREE R32 outdoor unit owner’s manual (X40270A_2, p. 8, Airy, Charmo and Clivia) gives clearances of 30 to 200 cm depending on the side, in a figure. The side for each value is read on the figure; the installer confirms it on site.
Indoor units to scale
Almost the same width; the EXTRÊME R32 is taller (13 21/32 against 11 in) and deeper.
| Installation | ORION XLTH | EXTRÊME R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping length | 82 ft | 131.2 ftEXTRÊME brochure. The GREE Airy R32 service manual states 65.6 ft for the 12,000 BTU: to be confirmed at the quote. |
| Precharged length | 49 ft | 24.6 ftGREE AIRY R32 brochure and service manual (reference length 24.6 ft, 0.2 oz/ft added beyond); the EXTRÊME brochure does not give it. |
| Maximum height difference | 66 ft | 82 ftService manual: 32.8 ft. |
| Liquid – gas diameters | 1/4 – 3/8 in | 1/4 – 1/2 in |
| Outdoor unit W × H × D, weight | 31 7/16 × 24 7/8 × 11 7/16 in, 86 lb | 34 3/8 × 21 27/32 × 14 51/64 in, 78.3 lb |
| Indoor unit, weight | 28 lb | 33.1 lb |
| Electrical protectionPer the manufacturer | 15 A breaker | MOP 15 A (MCA 11 A) |
| Dehumidification | 1.9 L/h | 1.4 L/h |
| Rated heating / cooling range | −26 to 24 °C / −10 to 50 °C | −30 to 30 °C / −29 to 50 °C |
What people ask about these two wall units
Their SEER2 values are almost equal: is there a difference in summer?
The AHRI certificates give 30.5 and 29.5, and EER2 values of 16.0 and 15.2. On these two measures, the gap is small. The difference between these units shows mainly in heating.
Which one heats more at −15 °C?
According to NEEP, 16,600 BTU/h maximum for the ORION XLTH, 12,200 BTU/h for the EXTRÊME R32. This is the lowest temperature at which both are measured under the same conditions.
Why is the EXTRÊME R32 measured at −30 °C and the ORION XLTH at −26.1 °C?
Each manufacturer has its unit measured at the bottom of its rated range: −30 °C for GREE, −15 °F (−26.1 °C) for FUJITSU AIRSTAGE. The EXTRÊME R32’s 8,500 BTU/h at −30 °C and the ORION XLTH’s 12,200 BTU/h at −26.1 °C therefore cannot be compared directly.
GREE EXTRÊME, GREE AIRY, GREE SAPPHIRE: what is the difference?
These models have the same AHRI and NEEP certified values in 12,000 BTU (the EXTRÊME and the AIRY even share certificate 215386290). The indoor unit, remote control, app and warranty may differ depending on the name.
The GREE brochure says SEER2 28.0: why does the page say 29.5?
GREE Canada brochure no. 032025 prints 28.0. AHRI certificate 215386290, repeated by NEEP and ENERGY STAR, shows 29.5. When sources disagree, this page follows the certificate.
Which one is quieter?
Both publish a sound pressure: 23 to 43 dB(A) in cooling for the ORION XLTH, 19 to 43 dB(A) for the EXTRÊME R32. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE measures in its anechoic chamber; GREE does not publish its measurement conditions. These figures place each unit; they do not allow them to be ranked.
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 the time of the quote.
All AHRI and NEEP values
| Certified value | ORION XLTH | EXTRÊME R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 12,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h |
| SEER2 | 30.5 | 29.5 |
| EER2 | 16.0 | 15.2 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 Region IV / V | 12.7 / 10.1 | 10.0 / 8.0 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 3,500 / 16,000 / 23,600 | 3,270 / 12,200 / 16,200 |
| 8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 5.13 / 4.64 / 3.07 | 5.04 / 4.53 / 3.77 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,200 / 10,000 / 18,700 | 2,800 / 13,000 / 13,000 |
| −8.3 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.39 / 3.45 / 2.44 | 4.32 / 2.06 / 2.06 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 1,950 / 16,600 / 16,600 | 2,600 / 12,200 / 12,200 |
| −15 °C: COP min. / rated / max. | 3.36 / 2.16 / 2.16 | 4.23 / 2.00 / 2.00 |
| Coldest point — different temperatures, not highlighted | ||
| Test temperature | −26.1 °C (−15 °F) | −30 °C (−22 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max. | 1,400 / 12,200 BTU/h | 2,600 / 8,500 BTU/h |
| COP at maximum capacity | 1.81 | 1.75 |
| Listings and refrigerant | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| ENERGY STAR directory, markets listed | United States, Canada | United States |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 214888802 · 392122 | 215386290 · 389444 |
| 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 room, talk to our team: bring the room dimensions, 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. FUJITSU AIRSTAGE, ORION XLTH, GREE and EXTRÊME 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.