SENVILLE SENA R454B Ceiling Cassette Air Conditioner | 24000 BTU

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• Federal Rebate:
• Provincial Rebate: 2448$
• Energy Star®: Oui
• WiFi: En Option
• AHRI: 215735307
• Efficiency: 20.7 SEER
• Warranty (Compressor - Parts - Labor): 10-10-0
• Additional Warranty (10-10-10): Possible
• Voltage: 220V
• Sound Pressure Level (Outdoor): 61.5 dB(A)
• Gas (Freon): R-454B

A 24,000 BTU ceiling cassette designed to distribute air where a wall-mounted unit becomes less effective

The SENVILLE SENA R454B 24,000 BTU ceiling cassette air conditioner, combination SENA-24HF-OG / SENA-24HF-ICG, addresses a very different need from that of a conventional wall-mounted heat pump. Its main advantage is not simply its 24,000 BTU capacity: it is the way it distributes air from the ceiling in multiple directions, without taking over a wall and without concentrating the entire airflow at one end of the room.

This feature is particularly relevant in large open areas, offices, commercial spaces, meeting rooms, restaurants, certain condos, and residential spaces where furniture, windows, or the architecture make it difficult to position a wall-mounted unit.

At AirGreen Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning & Heating, we regularly encounter this type of situation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore: a room has enough floor area to justify substantial capacity, but no wall offers a truly suitable location for distributing air evenly. In this context, a ceiling cassette becomes a much more logical HVAC solution.

Although its commercial name emphasizes air conditioning, it is indeed a reversible heat pump capable of both heating and cooling. The Senville brochure precisely describes the product as a 24,000 BTU ceiling cassette heat pump, ENERGY STAR certified and designed to operate year-round.

The main features of the SENVILLE SENA 24,000 BTU

For the AirGreen combination, the essential data are:

The technical brochure publishes a nominal cooling capacity of 23,400 BTU/h and a nominal heating capacity of 25,000 BTU/h for the SENA-24HF-IC cassette. It also confirms a SEER2 of 20.7, an EER2 of 12, and an HSPF2 region 4 of 11.6.

The AirGreen product page lists the product in the commercial 24,000 BTU category, which is consistent with its nominal class. However, when we compare systems for a quote, we always distinguish between the rounded commercial capacity and the exact certified values.

The key difference: distributing air from the center of the room

A ceiling cassette does not work like a wall-mounted head.

A wall-mounted unit generally projects air from one side of the room. In a large open area, this jet can travel a good distance, but side areas or sections behind obstacles may receive less air.

The cassette is installed in the ceiling and can distribute its airflow around it.

The value of this design is particularly clear in the verified testimonial reproduced in the Senville brochure. A homeowner explains that a wall-mounted unit already installed in their office space was not delivering the desired results, while the ceiling cassette with four-way air distribution was much better suited to the space.

This is exactly the type of problem we seek to address during an AirGreen assessment.

The number of BTUs was not necessarily the only problem. How the air was distributed was also an issue.

Up to approximately 765 CFM: enough airflow for a large area

The brochure lists the following airflow rates:

• Turbo: 765.2 CFM
• High speed: 706.3 CFM
• Medium speed: 635.7 CFM
• Low speed: 547.4 CFM

An airflow of this magnitude is significant for a 24,000 BTU cassette.

It can move a significant volume of air through a large room, but that airflow must be distributed properly.

That is why cassette placement deserves as much attention as its capacity.

If it is installed near a wall while most of the room is on the other side, part of the advantage of multidirectional distribution is lost.

In an open area, we generally look for a location that allows the cassette to distribute its air in several useful directions.

Automatic louvers and air circulation

The AirGreen specifications indicate automatic vertical louver control, with manual horizontal adjustment depending on the configuration.

With a cassette, the panel's geometry itself helps distribute air around the unit.

This distribution becomes particularly interesting in:

• a conference room;
• a large living room;
• a kitchen-dining area;
• a commercial space;
• an open-plan office;
• a waiting room;
• a space without a suitable free wall for a wall-mounted heat pump.

In this type of environment, the goal is not to send all the airflow in one direction, but to create more even circulation around the occupied space.

A discreet unit, but one that requires ceiling space

The indoor unit measures approximately:

32.68 in × 32.68 in × 8.07 in

and weighs approximately 47.18 lb.

Its depth of just over eight inches explains why cassettes can fit relatively discreetly into certain drop ceilings or utility spaces.

But “only 8 in” does not mean that a cassette can be installed in any ceiling.

We must allow space for:

• the unit body;
• refrigerant connections;
• condensate drain;
• wiring;
• support components;
• maintenance access;
• the clearances required to remove certain components.

A tightly finished ceiling can therefore make installation much more complex than a commercial suspended ceiling.

33.5 dB(A) at low speed

The cassette is rated at approximately:

• 33.5 dB(A) at low speed
• 42.5 dB(A) at medium speed
• 45 dB(A) at high speed
• 48.5 dB(A) in Turbo mode

These values explain why this type of unit may be suitable for an office or living area.

The actual sound level also depends on the ceiling structure.

A poorly secured mechanical installation can transmit more vibration than a properly suspended and isolated unit.

True dehumidification performance: approximately 4.99 pints per hour

The brochure indicates a moisture-removal capacity of 2.36 liters per hour.

This corresponds to approximately 4.99 pints per hour, the value shown on the AirGreen specification sheet.

This figure is particularly significant during the hot, humid days of Montreal and Montérégie.

A properly sized air-conditioning system does more than lower the temperature. It must also remove some of the moisture from the air.

An oversized unit can sometimes reach the requested temperature too quickly and reduce its operating time, which can impair humidity control.

We therefore do not automatically choose a 24,000 BTU cassette simply because a room is “large.” We must verify the actual load.

20.7 SEER2: appealing efficiency for a cassette

The Senville has a SEER2 of 20.7 and an EER2 of 12.

This efficiency level is particularly appealing for a system that can replace both an air conditioner and a significant portion of electric heating.

Actual consumption obviously varies according to:

• outdoor temperature;
• setpoints;
• insulation;
• sun exposure;
• hours of use;
• the actual capacity required;
• filter and coil maintenance.

A high SEER2 rating can therefore never compensate for improper sizing or lack of maintenance.

Operation down to -30 °C: available capacity must be examined closely

The Senville is advertised as operating in heating mode down to -30 °C, which the brochure also confirms.

The AirGreen specification sheet provides the following capacities:

The COP at -8 °C is approximately 2.78.

At -30 °C, the published maximum COP drops to 1.16.

This progression illustrates an essential reality of heat pump heating: the unit can continue operating at very low temperatures without necessarily retaining its rated capacity.

At -30 °C, 9,500 BTU/h represents less than half of the 24,000 BTU commercial capacity.

In a large open area, supplementary heating may therefore be required during cold snaps if the building's heat losses exceed this value.

Performance at -15 °C is particularly noteworthy

The stated capacity of 23,800 BTU/h at -15 °C is close to the system's rated capacity.

For the climate of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and the South Shore, this value is often more indicative of everyday winter performance than capacity at an extreme temperature of -30 °C.

This means that the system can still provide a significant portion of the heating for much of the winter.

Auxiliary heating becomes especially crucial when temperatures become significantly more severe or when the building has high heat losses.

AirGreen installation: a ceiling cassette requires more preparation than a wall-mounted heat pump

The ceiling structure must properly support the unit

A ceiling cassette should not simply rest on the tiles of a suspended ceiling.

The indoor unit weighs approximately 47 lb, not including accessories, the panel, and connections.

It must be supported by an appropriate structure.

When preparing a job site in Montreal, Laval, or Longueuil, we must check:

• the available structure above the ceiling;
• the location of the joists;
• existing ductwork;
• plumbing;
• electrical cables;
• light fixtures;
• sprinklers;
• mechanical obstacles.

In some commercial spaces, all this space is already heavily occupied. A few inches' difference in the chosen location can avoid many modifications.

The condensate drain is a critical point

A cassette produces condensate in cooling mode.

This water must be drained reliably.

The drain route must be planned before cutting into the ceiling, especially when the unit is located in the center of a room.

Poor drainage can cause:

• water accumulation;
• backflow;
• ceiling stains;
• tile damage;
• odors;
• safety shutdowns;
• damage to surrounding materials.

In a professional HVAC installation, the drain line should never be considered a secondary detail.

Choosing the center of the room is not always automatic

It may seem logical to place a cassette perfectly in the center of a room.

It is not always the best option.

The right location also depends on:

• where people are seated;
• display windows;
• ceiling height;
• heat sources;
• the furniture layout;
• doors;
• the fenestration;
• the refrigerant line route;
• access to the drain.

In a restaurant, for example, we avoid directing a strong airflow directly at certain tables whenever possible.

In an office, we want to reduce direct drafts over workstations.

A common scenario: a large open area with very few available walls

We regularly encounter projects where nearly all available walls are occupied by:

• windows;
• cabinets;
• shelves;
• doors;
• screens;
• architectural elements.

A wall-mounted heat pump would then require a compromised location.

The ceiling cassette offers a particularly attractive alternative because it removes the indoor unit from the walls and uses the ceiling as the distribution point.

This is often the type of project where the SENVILLE 24,000 BTU cassette makes the most sense.

R-454B and precharge up to 25 ft

The cassette operates with R-454B.

The brochure indicates a charge of 63.49 oz and a factory charge for a refrigerant line up to 25 ft.

Senville also specifies that a 50 ft set requires the installer to add refrigerant on site.

The line length must therefore be measured before installation.

When the cassette is near the center of a building, the route to the outdoor unit can easily exceed that of a wall-mounted head installed on an exterior wall.

3/8 – 5/8 piping

The AirGreen sheet specifies:

3/8 in – 5/8 in

for the refrigerant piping.

These diameters must be followed in accordance with the specifications for the installed combination.

For a replacement, we do not assume that existing old piping can automatically be reused simply because its length appears adequate. The diameter, condition, previous refrigerant, and manufacturer requirements must be verified.

208/230 V, MCA 25 A, and MOP 25 A

The technical documentation confirms a 208/230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz power supply, with a voltage range of 187 to 253 V.

It also indicates:

MCA: 25 A
maximum protection: 25 A

The published interconnection wiring is 14/4 AWG.

As always, the final circuit must be installed according to applicable requirements, the nameplate specifications, and the actual site configuration.

A 130 lb outdoor unit

The outdoor unit measures:

37.24 × 16.14 × 31.89 in

and weighs approximately 130.29 lb.

Its maximum outdoor airflow reaches approximately 2,236.7 CFM, with a published sound level of 61.5 dB(A).

We must therefore leave enough space around the outdoor heat exchanger and avoid areas where snow could block the unit.

Installing a -30 °C heat pump at ground level would be a poor decision

A heat pump designed to continue heating at very low temperatures must be able to operate during snowstorms.

We therefore look for a location that allows:

• adequate height above accumulated snow;
• drainage of defrost water;
• sufficient space around the heat exchanger;
• access for maintenance;
• reduced vibrations transmitted to the structure.

The defrost cycle can produce a significant amount of water that freezes around the outdoor unit. This must be anticipated from the outset of the installation.

WiFi optional

Unlike certain Senville wall-mounted models where WiFi is included as standard, the AirGreen listing indicates that WiFi is optional here.

For an office, business, or large living area, adding remote control may be worthwhile.

Among other things, it allows you to adjust settings before occupants arrive or reduce operation when the space is unoccupied.

Self-diagnostics and leak detection

Senville mentions self-diagnostics and leak detection functions that can help identify certain problems.

These functions are useful, but they do not replace HVAC maintenance.

Reduced airflow or discomfort may also be caused by a dirty filter, a clogged heat exchanger, a problematic drain, or incorrectly positioned louvers.

The cassette must remain accessible for maintenance

A ceiling cassette provides a very discreet visual result, but it must not become inaccessible.

The filters must be removable.

The panel must be removable.

Mechanical components must remain accessible for diagnostics.

We therefore avoid designing an installation where finishing elements prevent the normal opening or removal of service components.

Warranty: a point to confirm before purchase

The AirGreen listing indicates a warranty 10-10-0, namely:

10-year compressor – 10-year parts – 0-year labor, with the possibility of additional coverage.

The supplied Senville brochure nevertheless indicates 10 years on the compressor and 5 years on parts.

We therefore recommend confirming the conditions that actually apply at the time of purchase and product registration.

This verification is preferable to automatically using the most advantageous duration when there is a discrepancy between several documents.

A listed provincial rebate of $2,448

The AirGreen listing indicates a $2,448 provincial rebate for this combination.

The heating capacity at -8 °C is published as 20,400 BTU/h, which is important data for programs that calculate financial assistance based on low-temperature capacity.

The combination is also identified as ENERGY STAR cold climate with the number 3630054.

As always, we confirm eligibility based on the exact combination and the program conditions in effect at the time of installation.

Who do we especially recommend this SENVILLE cassette to?

This 24,000 BTU cassette is particularly worth considering for:

• a large open area;
• a commercial space;
• an office;
• a meeting room;
• a restaurant;
• a basement with a suspended ceiling;
• a condo with extensive glazing;
• a central room with no exterior wall available;
• a property where the appearance of a wall-mounted unit is an issue;
• a space where multi-directional air distribution is preferable.

It is less suitable when there is no available space above the ceiling or when a wall-mounted unit can cover the space more simply and at a lower cost.

The mistakes we aim to avoid at AirGreen

A ceiling cassette can deliver excellent results when properly selected, but its installation requires more planning than a wall-mounted head.

The most costly mistakes are often:

• choosing the cassette solely based on the floor area;
• installing it too close to a wall;
• underestimating the space required above the ceiling;
• neglecting drainage;
• unnecessarily extending the refrigerant lines;
• making the filter difficult to access;
• failing to plan for the support structure;
• improperly positioning the outdoor unit;
• assuming that “-30 °C” means 24,000 BTUs are available at -30 °C.

At AirGreen, we aim to address these factors before work begins.

A particularly interesting solution when air distribution matters as much as BTUs

The SENVILLE SENA R454B 24,000 BTU ceiling cassette combines 20.7 SEER2 efficiency, an 11.6 HSPF2, an airflow of approximately 765 CFM, a dehumidification capacity of approximately 4.99 pints per hour, and heating operation down to -30 °C.

But its main difference from a wall-mounted heat pump remains its air distribution from the ceiling.

In the right spaces, this feature can be more important than a few additional SEER points.

For a project in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, the South Shore, or elsewhere in Montérégie, we can assess whether the cassette is truly the best type of indoor unit, whether the ceiling provides enough space, how to drain the condensate, and where to place the outdoor unit.

Contact AirGreen for a quote on the SENVILLE SENA R454B 24,000 BTU ceiling cassette. We can verify the capacity, location, ceiling, drainage, piping, electrical circuit, AHRI reference, and applicable rebate before installation.