Home / Comparisons / 12,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pumps
GREE VITA R32 and GREE EXTRÊME R32: what changes from one series to the next
The entry point and the top of GREE’s R‑32 wall-mounted line, at 12,000 BTU and 230 V, both sold by AirGreen and ENERGY STAR cold climate certified. Same certificates, same tests, same temperatures: each gap reads value by value.
VITA R32 12,000 BTU
GWH12ATCXB-D6DN***/I / GWH12ATCXB-D6DNA4B/O · AHRI 215402236
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 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 a reference point.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat needed over the winter. A zone whose heat loss reaches 12,000 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 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 for the baseboards alike: 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 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 a 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.
- Price. Hydro-Québec Rate D in effect on April 1, 2026: 7.065¢ per kWh up to 40 kWh a day, 11.142¢ beyond that; 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 meant to compare units under the same conditions. The actual bill depends on the house, insulation, settings and use; this amount is not a promise.
The entry level and the top, measured the same way
Each step is a certified value. Both units climb it side by side, each with its own bar, on a scale specific to that step. The last step, the coldest point, has no bars: NEEP did not measure it at the same temperature for both.
AHRI certified values published by NEEP (records 389379 and 389444), accessed November 9, 2026. The steps do not add up and do not form a score.
Below −15 °C: −25 °C for one, −30 °C for the other
NEEP certifies both units at −15 °C, under the same conditions: 9,100 and 12,200 BTU/h maximum. Lower down, the VITA R32 is measured at −25 °C and the EXTRÊME R32 at −30 °C. At each temperature, the table gives a certified value, the range between two published values, or the last published point with what GREE writes below it.
The VITA sold by AirGreen and the one in the brochure
AirGreen sells the current version of the GREE VITA R32: outdoor unit GWH12ATCXB-D6DNA4B/O, AHRI certificate 215402236, the same as the GREE CHARMO R32. GREE Canada brochure no. 032025 describes the previous combination: outdoor unit GWH12ATCXB-D6DNA1A/O, certificate 214640135. This page follows the current certificate for all performance values; dimensions, sound and features come from the brochure, to be confirmed with your quote for the outdoor unit.
What each GREE brochure names
GREE Canada VITA R32 and EXTRÊME R32 brochures, French edition (document no. 032025), and the GREE Airy Inverter R32 service manual for the EXTRÊME. Only the features written in these documents are included.
VITA R32: heating stated down to −25 °C.
EXTRÊME R32: heating stated down to −30 °C; outdoor unit base pan heater (service manual).
VITA R32: down to −18 °C outdoors.
EXTRÊME R32: down to −29 °C outdoors.
VITA R32: the brochure names no particular mode.
EXTRÊME R32: “G-AI Learning”.
VITA R32: Wi-Fi; YBE1FB1F remote and XE-71 wired thermostat listed as accessories.
EXTRÊME R32: Wi-Fi; YBE1FB1F remote.
VITA R32: “low-voltage start-up”.
EXTRÊME R32: “low-voltage start-up”; automatic restart (service manual).
VITA R32: washable filters; “G10 Inverter”; fins with anti-corrosion coating.
EXTRÊME R32: washable filters; “G10 Inverter”.
Some features shown on the previous version of this page do not appear in the current VITA R32 brochure; they have been removed.
How loud each one is, according to GREE
GREE publishes eight sound pressure levels for each indoor unit, with no speed names: from 22 to 47 dB(A) for the VITA R32, from 19 to 43 dB(A) for the EXTRÊME R32.
How to read these figures. dB(A) measures a noise level as the ear perceives it: the lower the figure, the quieter the unit. The eight dots run from the slowest fan level to the fastest.
Why this is not a ranking. GREE publishes neither the distance nor the measuring conditions, and the fastest levels do not necessarily match the same airflow.
Indoor unit, in the room
The eight published levels
Outdoor unit, outside
Published value
Measurements published by GREE for each series, with no conditions stated: read them as reference points, not as a ranking.
On the wall, outside, in the piping
Indoor units to scale
The EXTRÊME R32 indoor unit is 5 5/16 in wider, and also taller, deeper and heavier: 33.1 lb versus 19.8 lb.
| Installation | VITA R32 | EXTRÊME R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum piping length | 65.6 ft | 131.2 ftEXTRÊME brochure. The GREE Airy R32 service manual gives 65.6 ft for this 12,000 BTU model; the length is confirmed with your quote. |
| Precharged length | Not published by the manufacturer. | 24.6 ftGREE AIRY R32 brochure and service manual. |
| Maximum height difference | 39.4 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 | 28 13/16 × 21 7/8 × 12 63/64 in, 56.2 lbBrochure no. 032025, previous combination (A1A). | 34 3/8 × 21 27/32 × 14 51/64 in, 78.3 lb |
| Indoor unit, weight | 19.8 lb | 33.1 lb |
| Electrical protectionPer the manufacturer | MOP 15 A (MCA 12 A) | MOP 15 A (MCA 11 A) |
| Dehumidification | 1.4 L/h | 1.4 L/h |
| Stated heating / cooling range | −25 to 24 °C / −18 to 48 °C | −30 to 30 °C / −29 to 50 °C |
GREE Canada brochures (document no. 032025); for the EXTRÊME R32, also the GREE AIRY R32 brochure and the GREE Airy Inverter R32 service manual. Clearances: GREE R32 outdoor unit owner’s manual (X40270A_2, p. 8, covering Airy, Charmo and Clivia), shown in a figure; the installer confirms them on site.
What people ask about these two GREE wall units
Which version of the VITA R32 does AirGreen sell?
The current version: outdoor unit GWH12ATCXB-D6DNA4B/O, AHRI certificate 215402236. GREE brochure no. 032025 describes the previous combination (certificate 214640135). All performance values on this page come from the current certificate.
Which one delivers more heat at −15 °C?
According to NEEP, 12,200 BTU/h maximum for the EXTRÊME R32 and 9,100 BTU/h for the VITA R32, at the same temperature and under the same test conditions, with COPs of 2.00 and 1.80.
Why can’t the coldest points be compared?
NEEP measures the VITA R32 at −25 °C (6,500 BTU/h) and the EXTRÊME R32 at −30 °C (8,500 BTU/h). Two different temperatures: each figure stands on its own. Between −15 and −30 °C, the “Extreme cold” table shows what is published for each.
Are the VITA R32 and the CHARMO R32 the same thing?
At 12,000 BTU and 230 V, the GREE VITA R32 and the GREE CHARMO R32 share the same AHRI certificate, 215402236: same AHRI and NEEP certified values. The indoor unit, the remote and the warranty can differ from one name to another.
Are both ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes, with the cold climate designation for both, according to the ENERGY STAR directory (VITA R32: March 17, 2026; EXTRÊME R32: November 20, 2025). The NEEP record for the VITA R32 shows “no” for ENERGY STAR; the official directory prevails.
Are they eligible for rebates?
Eligibility depends on the official list in force on the date of purchase. This page promises no amount; the current list is checked when you get your quote.
All AHRI and NEEP values
| Certified value | VITA R32 | EXTRÊME R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Rated capacity at 35 °C | 12,000 BTU/h | 12,000 BTU/h |
| SEER2 | 19.0 | 29.5 |
| EER2 | 9.75 | 15.2 |
| Heating, same conditions | ||
| HSPF2 Region IV / V | 8.5 / 7.3 | 10.0 / 8.0 |
| 8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 3,070 / 12,000 / 12,000 | 3,270 / 12,200 / 16,200 |
| 8.3 °C: COP at min., rated, max. | 5.29 / 3.52 / 3.52 | 5.04 / 4.53 / 3.77 |
| −8.3 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,700 / 9,700 / 11,500 | 2,800 / 13,000 / 13,000 |
| −8.3 °C: COP at min., rated, max. | 3.04 / 2.71 / 2.20 | 4.32 / 2.06 / 2.06 |
| −15 °C: min. / rated / max.BTU/h | 2,600 / 9,100 / 9,100 | 2,600 / 12,200 / 12,200 |
| −15 °C: COP at min., rated, max. | 2.54 / 1.80 / 1.80 | 4.23 / 2.00 / 2.00 |
| Coldest point — different temperatures, not highlighted | ||
| Test temperature | −25 °C (−13 °F) | −30 °C (−22 °F) |
| Capacity min. / max. | 1,800 / 6,500 BTU/h | 2,600 / 8,500 BTU/h |
| COP at maximum output | 1.42 | 1.75 |
| Certifications and refrigerant | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate | Yes / YesENERGY STAR directory, March 17, 2026; NEEP shows “no” for ENERGY STAR. | Yes / Yes |
| ENERGY STAR directory, markets listed | United States, Canada | United States |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 215402236 · 389379 | 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 measurement, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Capacities and COPs by test point are not highlighted: the order changes with the point you read.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose for your room, talk it over with our team: bring the room dimensions, the planned outdoor location and your current heating.
Where each figure comes from
Data checked November 9, 2026. Performance: AHRI certificates and the NEEP database. Dimensions, sound, piping and features: per the manufacturer. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails.
Trademarks. GREE, VITA, CHARMO, EXTRÊME, AIRY and SAPPHIRE are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a retailer of this brand; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturer.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us: every reported figure is rechecked.