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ZEPHYR CB22 R‑32 and CB25 R‑454B: what changed, number by number
Two 12,000 BTU ZEPHYR wall units, at 208/230 V. The CB22 uses R-32, the CB25 R-454B. According to the ZEPHYR brochures, the indoor unit has the same dimensions and the same speeds; the outdoor unit, the expansion device, the heating range and the certified ratings change.
What the electricity costs, in dollars, winter and summer
Estimate for a 12,000 BTU/h zone in Montréal, with the same formula as on all our comparison pages. The AHRI certificates give an HSPF2 Region V of 7.5 for the CB22 and 9.0 for the CB25, and a SEER2 of 20 and 23.
How this amount is calculated
- Heat to supply in winter : 12,000 BTU/h (3.52 kW) × 24 h × 4,167 degree-days (base 18 °C) ÷ (18 − (−23.1 °C)), prorated to the heating hours you choose. Degree-days and design temperature: Natural Resources Canada, HOT2000 climate map, Montréal International station. At 24 h a day: 8,558 kWh of heat.
- Heat pump electricity : heat × 3.412 ÷ HSPF2 Region V from the AHRI certificate (7.5 for the CB22, 9.0 for the CB25). Region V includes the electric backup set by the standard.
- Electric baseboards : 1 kWh of electricity per kWh of heat.
- Cooling : 12,000 BTU/h ÷ SEER2 (20 and 23) × hours per day × 60 days ÷ 1,000, the method of Hydro-Québec’s air-conditioning calculator.
- Price : Hydro-Québec Rate D in effect on April 1, 2026, taxes (GST and QST) included; system access charge excluded.
Two simplifications: fewer heating hours reduce the heat pro rata, without counting the recovery after a temperature setback; 24 h of cooling assumes rated capacity all day, which is a maximum, since a variable-speed unit slows down. The result is an estimate, not a bill.
From the CB22 to the CB25, step by step
Each step compares a value from the ZEPHYR brochure or the AHRI certificate. Click a step: the photo shows the part concerned. For the choice between R-32 and R-454B in general, see our guide on the two refrigerants.
Indoor unit: same published dimensions33 7/16 × 11 9/16 × 8 1/16 in in both brochures; 5 fan speeds, from 28 to 46 dB(A).
Same features listedNight, quiet, iFeel and 4D modes, 8 °C maintenance heating, self-cleaning, heated base pan, LED remote: the list is identical in both brochures.Below −15 °C: every published point
In Montréal, the January mean is −9.2 °C and the building design temperature is −23 °C. NEEP certifies both units at −15 °C; the coldest certified point is −20.6 °C for the CB22 and −25 °C for the CB25. The CB25 brochure adds a value at −20 °C (−5 °F), outside the certificate.
Five speeds, almost the same numbers
Both brochures publish the indoor unit’s sound pressure at each of the five speeds, and 53 dB(A) for the outdoor unit. Only the high speed differs, by half a decibel.
In the room, the indoor unit
By fan speed, according to the ZEPHYR brochures
What people ask us about the CB22 and the CB25
Which indoor unit comes with the 12,000 BTU CB22?
The current AHRI certificate, 218325270, covers the ZE-12CB22AI indoor unit with the ZE-12CB22O outdoor unit. The ZEPHYR brochure names the model ZE-12CB22, without a suffix. The exact number appears on the quote.
Can a CB22 be switched to R-454B?
Each unit is certified with its refrigerant: the CB22 certificate covers R-32, the CB25 certificate R-454B. The two brochures publish different charges, expansion devices and outdoor units.
Are R-454B and R-32 in the same safety class?
Yes, both are classed A2L under the ASHRAE 34 standard: lower toxicity, low flammability. Their GWP differs: 675 for R-32 and 466 for R-454B, according to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. Our R-32 or R-454B guide covers both in detail.
Why does the CB25 show 11,000 BTU/h at −15 °C, and its brochure 10,600?
The AHRI certificate, published by NEEP, gives 11,000 BTU/h; the ZEPHYR brochure, 10,600 BTU/h maximum. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails: the page uses 11,000 and mentions the other value.
Which one to choose?
This page does not rank the units. It shows what the certificates and brochures publish; the choice depends on the room, the heat needed in extreme cold and the location of the outdoor unit.
Are they eligible for grants?
Eligibility depends on the program, its official list on the purchase date and the exact unit. This page promises no amount. The warranty documents come with the quote.
The published values, unit by unit
Certified values: AHRI certificates published by NEEP. Electrical, installation and sound: ZEPHYR brochures (BRO_2606). “Higher” only appears under the same conditions.
| Published value | ZEPHYR CB22 R-32 | ZEPHYR CB25 R-454B |
|---|---|---|
| AHRI certificate (NEEP) | ||
| SEER2 | 20 | 23 |
| EER2The CB22 brochure states 10.5 | 10 | 12.25 |
| HSPF2 Region IV / V | 9.0 / 7.5 | 10.0 / 9.0 |
| Capacity at 8.3 °C (min. / rated / max.)BTU/h | 4,000 / 12,000 / 12,600 | 3,000 / 12,000 / 13,000 |
| Capacity at −8.3 °C (min. / rated / max.)BTU/h | 3,400 / 9,000 / 9,550 | 2,550 / 10,800 / 12,000 |
| Capacity at −15 °C (min. / rated / max.)BTU/h | 2,900 / 7,500 / 7,500 | 2,000 / 11,000 / 11,000 |
| COP at −15 °C, at maximum output | 1.83 | 2.00 |
| Coldest certified point (different temperatures) | ||
| Capacity min. / max. at the coldest pointBTU/h | 1,500 / 6,000 to −20.6 °C | 1,000 / 6,100 to −25 °C |
| COP at the coldest point, at maximum output | 1.53 to −20.6 °C | 1.38 to −25 °C |
| Certifications and refrigerant | ||
| ENERGY STAR / cold climate (NEEP) | No / No | Yes / Yes |
| AHRI certificate · NEEP record | 218325270 · 418044 | 215414830 · 418302 |
| RefrigerantGWP per the IPCC (AR4); ASHRAE 34 class | R-32 · GWP 675 · A2L | R-454B · GWP 466 · A2L |
| Refrigerant charge | 21.87 oz | 38.10 oz |
| Electrical, ZEPHYR brochures | ||
| Power supply | 208/230 V, 1 phase, 60 Hz | 208/230 V, 1 phase, 60 Hz |
| MCA / MOPMinimum circuit ampacity / maximum overcurrent protection | 9.5 A / 15 A | 10.5 A / 15 A |
| Rated current, cooling / heating | 5.2 / 4.8 A | 4.4 / 4.2 A |
| Cable between units | 4/14, stranded copper, 600 V | 4/14, stranded copper, 600 V |
| Installation, ZEPHYR brochures | ||
| Liquid / gas diameters | 1/4 – 3/8 in | 1/4 – 3/8 in |
| Line-set length (min. – max.) | 10 – 65 ft | 10 – 98 ft |
| Precharged for | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Maximum height differenceIndoor unit higher | 50 ft | 50 ft |
| Expansion device | Capillary tube | Electronic (EEV) |
| Heating operating range | −25 to 24 °C | −30 to 24 °C |
| Cooling operating range | −15 to 48 °C | −15 to 48 °C |
| Outdoor unit (W × H × D) | 28 1/8 × 21 1/4 × 9 1/2 in | 31 7/8 × 23 × 11 in |
| Indoor unit dimensions (W × H × D) | 33 7/16 × 11 9/16 × 8 1/16 in | 33 7/16 × 11 9/16 × 8 1/16 in |
| Indoor airflow (min. – max.) | 253 – 400 CFM | 253 – 394 CFM |
| Sound, indoor unit (min. – max.) | 28 – 46 dB(A) | 28 – 46 dB(A) |
| Sound, outdoor unit | 53 dB(A) | 53 dB(A) |
| Compressor | Rotary, GMCC | Rotary, GMCC |
“Higher” (highlighted) marks the higher value of the same measurement, under the same conditions; it is never a recommendation. The coldest points are at different temperatures: nothing is highlighted there.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose for your home, talk to our team: bring the room to heat, the planned location of the outdoor unit and the estimated line length.
Where every number comes from
Data verified on November 9, 2026. This page compares two units from the same brand, value by value; it does not rank them. Efficiency and capacity values: AHRI certificates published by NEEP; electrical, installation and sound: ZEPHYR brochures. When a source contradicts the AHRI certificate, the certificate prevails.
Estimated cost. AirGreen estimate using the method described above, identical on all our comparison pages; it is not a bill.
Trademarks. ZEPHYR is a trademark of its owner. The logo is used only to identify the products shown. AirGreen is a retailer; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturer.
Photos: AirGreen, for identification. Both AirGreen product pages use the same product photos.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us : every reported figure is checked again.