SENVILLE R454B 2-Zone Heat Pump | 36000 BTU

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• Federal Rebate:
• Provincial Rebate: 4560$
• Energy Star®: Oui
• WiFi: Inclus
• AHRI: 215735317
• Efficiency: 23.0 SEER
• Warranty (Compressor - Parts - Labor): 10-10-0
• Additional Warranty (10-10-10): Possible
• Voltage: 220V
• Sound Pressure Level (Outdoor): 65.0 dB(A)
• Gas (Freon): R-454B

Two zones, a single outdoor compressor, and capacity designed for a true Québec winter

A 36,000 BTU 2-zone heat pump meets a very different need from a single-zone wall-mounted heat pump. It can heat and cool two distinct areas of a property from a single outdoor unit, while giving each zone its own indoor unit and temperature control.

The SENVILLE SENA-36HF-MOA R454B is particularly interesting in this category because it combines a nominal capacity of 36,000 BTU, an efficiency rating of 23 SEER2, ENERGY STAR certification, heating operation down to -30 °C, included Wi-Fi, and a multi-zone architecture that can be configured according to the building's needs. Senville documentation presents the SENA-36HF/D system as a 36,000 BTU ductless heat pump designed for multi-zone applications and ENERGY STAR certified.

For the 2-zone configuration, the manufacturer's page illustrates, among other options, an 18,000 BTU + 18,000 BTU pairing, with two indoor units powered by a single outdoor unit.

At AirGreen, this type of system is particularly relevant in Greater Montréal when a homeowner wants to replace two old air conditioners, heat two floors without installing ductwork, or better control two large zones with different heating and cooling loads.

The configuration shown includes, among other things:

• Outdoor unit: SENA-36HF-MOA
• Nominal cooling capacity: 36,000 BTU
• AHRI: 215735317
• ENERGY STAR reference: 3630064
• SEER2: 23.0
• EER2: 13.0
• HSPF2 Region 4: 10.7
• Refrigerant: R-454B
• Heating down to -30 °C
• Wi-Fi included
• Power supply: 208/230 V
• MCA: 37 A
• MOP: 40 A
• Outdoor sound level: 65 dB
• Maximum outdoor airflow: approximately 3,038 CFM
• Specified piping: 1/4 in – 1/2 in
• Additional warranty available
• Indicated provincial financial assistance: up to $4,560, subject to applicable eligibility conditions.

Why the 2-zone format may make more sense than two independent heat pumps

In many properties in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, installing two independent outdoor units is not always desirable.

Outdoor space may be limited. A condominium association may impose certain restrictions. A side façade may already contain an electrical meter, a gas line, a basement window, or a narrow passage.

A multi-zone heat pump can then connect two indoor units to a single outdoor unit.

This notably simplifies:

• the use of the outdoor space;
• the appearance of the installation;
• the number of visible mechanical units;
• certain portions of the electrical connection;
• managing two separate spaces with a single outdoor platform.

However, it is important to understand that a multi-zone system is not simply “two heat pumps combined in one box.” The two indoor units share the available capacity of the same outdoor compressor.

This is precisely where sizing becomes important.

36,000 BTU outdoors does not necessarily mean a constant 18,000 BTU in each room

Senville documentation indicates a nominal heating capacity of 36,000 BTU/h, with a modulating range from 10,000 to 44,000 BTU/h. In cooling mode, the stated range extends from 9,000 to 43,000 BTU/h.

This modulation is one of the important features of an inverter system.

Consider a configuration with two 18,000 BTU indoor units. This does not mean that each one constantly receives exactly 18,000 BTU.

If a single zone requires a great deal of heating while the second is already close to its setpoint, the compressor can adjust its output. Conversely, when both zones simultaneously require substantial capacity, the outdoor unit must distribute what it can produce between the two indoor units.

This distinction is essential for a successful installation.

At AirGreen, we therefore seek to understand not only the total area, but also the load of each zone.

A very common layout: open ground floor and upper floor with bedrooms

In a South Shore home, for example, the ground floor may include the living room, dining room, and kitchen in one large open area, while the upper floor contains several bedrooms accessible from a hallway.

Installing an identical indoor unit on each floor may seem simple, but the needs may differ.

The ground floor may experience greater solar gains in the afternoon. The upper floor may accumulate heat in the summer. An open stairwell can allow warm air to rise and alter the balance between the two zones.

We must then take into account:

• the location of each indoor unit;
• natural air circulation;
• door layout;
• sun exposure;
• attic insulation;
• the area actually open to the unit;
• the heat loss from each floor.

It is often this design work that determines whether a 2-zone heat pump will be comfortable in every room.

A 23 SEER2 rating that puts summer efficiency first

The technical documentation confirms a rating of 23 SEER2 and an EER2 of 13 for the SENA-36HF-MOA. It also indicates an HSPF2 of 10.7 for Region 4 and 8.5 for Region 5.

SEER2 represents seasonal cooling efficiency according to a standardized testing methodology.

For a homeowner who uses air conditioning extensively in Montreal or Laval, a SEER2 rating of 23 is therefore highly relevant.

However, we advise against selecting a heat pump based solely on its SEER2 rating.

An extremely efficient system on paper can lose some of its advantage if:

• the indoor units are poorly positioned;
• the refrigerant lines are improperly installed;
• the system is oversized;
• the filters are neglected;
• a unit blows directly toward a staircase rather than toward the occupied area;
• the drains are poorly designed;
• the refrigerant is not managed properly during commissioning.

A heat pump’s efficiency is therefore the result of two elements: the equipment and the installation.

38,000 BTU at -8 °C: a particularly interesting figure for Montreal

The available data for this configuration indicate a heating capacity of approximately 38,000 BTU/h at -8 °C, with a COP of 2.12.

At -15 °C, the listed capacity is still approximately 36,000 BTU/h.

This data is particularly relevant in Quebec, since a heat pump is not evaluated only during the mild temperatures of fall. Its performance at -8 °C and -15 °C provides a much more useful indication of what it can deliver during a significant portion of the heating season.

A system capable of maintaining a large portion of its rated capacity at these temperatures can further reduce reliance on backup heating, provided it has been properly sized for the building.

At -30 °C, capacity decreases: this must be taken into account

The SENVILLE is advertised as continuing to provide heating down to -30 °C, which is also confirmed in the manufacturer’s documentation.

At this extreme temperature, the data provided for the configuration indicate:

• heating capacity: approximately 22,400 BTU/h
• COP: approximately 1.47

This figure deserves more attention than the simple statement “heating down to -30 °C.”

A 36,000 BTU heat pump therefore does not necessarily produce 36,000 BTU when the outdoor temperature reaches -30 °C.

If a home loses, for example, 35,000 BTU/h at this temperature and the heat pump provides approximately 22,400, the difference must be supplied by another heating source.

Depending on the property, this may include:

• electric baseboard heaters;
• an existing furnace;
• convector heaters;
• another backup system.

At AirGreen, we prefer to explain this reality when selecting the system rather than creating the impression that a minimum operating temperature automatically represents full rated capacity.

COP of 2.12 at -8°C: what this means in simple terms

A COP of 2.12 means that, at the corresponding temperature condition, the heat pump can provide approximately 2.12 units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed by the heat-pumping process.

At -30°C, the indicated COP drops to 1,47.

This is normal: the lower the outdoor temperature drops, the more difficult it becomes to extract heat from outside and transfer it indoors.

Actual performance may also vary depending on:

• defrost cycles;
• the requested indoor temperature;
• the number of active zones;
• the length of the lines;
• compressor modulation;
• outdoor conditions;
• the condition of the filters and coils.

A true cold-climate heat pump

The configuration is listed as COLD CLIMATE: Yes, and Senville’s documentation also presents the system as optimized for cold climates, with heating maintained down to -22°F, or -30°C.

This clearly distinguishes it from a model that can operate only down to -15°C or -20°C.

For a property in Longueuil, Terrebonne, Laval, Boucherville, Repentigny, or Montréal, this operating range corresponds much better to the use we expect from a heat pump used as the primary heating source for a large part of the winter.

An ENERGY STAR certification and a specific AHRI number

The SENA-36HF-MOA is listed as ENERGY STAR, with reference 3630064 and AHRI number 215735317.

The brochure also explicitly mentions the system’s ENERGY STAR certification and AHRI certification.

The AHRI number is important because it identifies a certified combination rather than merely a product family.

When we prepare an installation involving financial assistance, we must ensure that the installed equipment matches the eligible pairing.

Up to $4,560 in indicated provincial grants

The AirGreen sheet indicates a $4,560 provincial grant for this configuration.

This amount can make comparison with less efficient systems particularly worthwhile.

However, a grant amount should never be considered automatically guaranteed. Programs may impose conditions related in particular to:

• the building;
• the system type;
• the AHRI number;
• the certification;
• the installation date;
• the contractor;
• the required documentation;
• the criteria in effect at the time of the application.

We therefore always recommend confirming actual eligibility before calculating a project’s net cost.

An outdoor unit weighing more than 200 lb: the location must be properly prepared

The outdoor unit measures 38.58 in × 16.34 in × 38.39 in and weighs approximately 211.86 lb. The manufacturer also specifies a maximum outdoor airflow of 3,037.2 CFM and a sound level of 65 dB.

This is therefore not a small outdoor unit.

For an installation in Montreal or Longueuil, where side passages can be narrow, we must measure the location before delivery.

On the North Shore or South Shore, space is often more generous, but other constraints arise: snow accumulation, terrain slope, terrace, bedroom windows, or neighboring properties.

A proper outdoor installation must include:

• a stable base;
• sufficient height above the snow;
• adequate clearance around the heat exchanger;
• access for maintenance;
• a logical route for both piping sets;
• proper drain management;
• a location that avoids unnecessarily directing noise toward a bedroom or neighboring terrace.

65 dB outdoors: how to interpret the sound level

The manufacturer specifies 65 dB for the outdoor unit.

This value must be considered when choosing the location.

A unit installed against a bedroom wall, beneath a window, or in a narrow passage between two buildings may be perceived differently from a unit placed in an open area.

Reflective surfaces can also affect how sound is perceived.

At AirGreen, choosing the outdoor location is therefore part of the design, not just a matter of aesthetics.

MCA 37 A and maximum protection of 40 A

The technical data sheet states:

• power supply: 208/230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz
• voltage range: 187 to 253 V
• MCA: 37 A
• maximum protection: 40 A.

This information must be verified before installation.

In an older Montreal home equipped with a 100 A panel, for example, we do not assume that a new heat pump circuit can simply be added without analysis.

The available capacity at the electrical panel, existing loads, and the project’s electrical requirements must be verified.

R-454B: another generation of refrigerant

The system uses R-454B.

The documentation indicates a charge of 134.04 oz and specifies that the unit is precharged for up to 125 ft of refrigerant line.

This substantial precharge is particularly relevant for a multi-zone heat pump, since two indoor units may require separate piping runs.

However, “precharged for 125 ft” should not be interpreted as authorization to install any length or configuration without respecting the manufacturer’s specified limits.

Each branch must be properly designed, with the appropriate diameters and a compliant installation.

Why piping matters even more on a two-zone system

The configuration specifies 1/4 in – 1/2 in piping.

On a two-zone system, we must manage two separate refrigerant lines from the outdoor unit.

In a duplex, a two-story house, or a property with one indoor unit at the front and the other at the back, the lengths can become substantial.

A clean installation notably requires:

1. a well-planned route before drilling;
2. an appropriate slope for gravity drains;
3. mechanical protection for the lines;
4. properly executed refrigerant connections;
5. a proper vacuum before commissioning;
6. a leak-tightness check;
7. an exterior finish that remains accessible for servicing.

An error on a single branch can affect the comfort of one zone and complicate future troubleshooting.

Two zones do not mean simultaneous heating and cooling

This is a common question with multi-zone heat pumps.

Indoor units connected to the same outdoor unit generally need to operate in a compatible mode. In other words, you should not expect to heat one zone significantly while the other is simultaneously providing cooling.

In a typical residence, this is generally not a problem.

However, in a property with very different orientations, a large sun-exposed sunroom, and a cold north-facing room, this point can become important during the shoulder seasons.

We take this into account before recommending a multi-zone configuration.

Wi-Fi included and Alexa integration

The SENA-36HF-MOA includes smart control features.

The documentation indicates app control, Alexa compatibility, and the ability to schedule the system and manage comfort remotely.

The manufacturer also lists an Alexa USB kit, wireless remote controls, and communication wiring among the included components.

In a two-zone installation, this feature is more useful than in multiple single-zone systems, because the homeowner can manage the two spaces separately without having to go to each unit.

Automatic vertical and horizontal louvers

The AirGreen configuration indicates:

• vertical louvers: automatic
• horizontal louvers: automatic

This allows the airflow to be directed more effectively in a large room.

However, the unit’s location remains crucial. Even with motorized oscillation, a unit installed too close to a wall, directly in front of a staircase, or in a poorly chosen corner will not distribute air as effectively as a unit positioned after analyzing the room.

Integrated diagnostics and leak detection

Senville documentation mentions an integrated diagnostic and leak-detection system, with monitoring capable of alerting the user to a problem, particularly one related to refrigerant.

These functions can speed up the identification of certain anomalies, but they do not replace a technical diagnosis.

An error code often helps identify a group of problems; it does not necessarily indicate which part needs to be replaced.

At AirGreen, we use diagnostic information as a starting point, then verify the system’s actual conditions.

“Up to 1,800 sq. ft.”: a marketing indication, not a sizing method

Senville documentation indicates that the system can cover up to 1,800 sq. ft.

We recommend treating this figure with caution.

A recently built 1,800 sq. ft. home on the South Shore and a century-old 1,800 sq. ft. home in Montreal can have completely different heat losses.

Even the distribution of the 1,800 sq. ft. changes the result.

An open bungalow does not perform the same way as a three-story house with several enclosed bedrooms.

We therefore use area as one piece of data among several others, never as the sole sizing criterion.

AirGreen Installation: how to turn a good specification sheet into true comfort in two zones

The choice of the two indoor units is just as important as that of the outdoor compressor

The system documentation indicates that it can support 2 to 5 zones, depending on the configuration.

In the application discussed here, we are referring to a two-zone configuration.

The manufacturer offers, among other options, an 18,000 + 18,000 BTU combination, but the right combination must be adapted to the building.

Two zones of similar area do not always require the same indoor unit.

A large open room with a cathedral ceiling may have a higher load than a floor of comparable area with several well-insulated bedrooms.

The distribution must therefore be decided before ordering.

The mistake we want to avoid: choosing the heads based solely on square footage

Suppose that two zones are each 800 sq. ft.

It would be tempting to conclude that they require the same capacity.

But the first may have:

• large patio doors;
• a 12-foot ceiling;
• a southwest-facing orientation;
• an open kitchen;
• more air infiltration.

The second may include rooms with small windows and standard-height ceilings.

The number of square feet is the same, but the load is not.

That is why we assess the building’s actual conditions before choosing the distribution of the indoor units.

The drains can be more complicated than the refrigerant lines

On a wall-mounted heat pump, each indoor unit produces condensation in cooling mode.

With two zones, we therefore have two drains to manage.

When a natural slope toward the outside is available, drainage remains relatively simple. When the unit must be installed on an interior wall or in a configuration where gravity is insufficient, a condensate pump may be required.

At AirGreen, we try to account for this aspect during the estimate because poor drainage can lead to:

• water leaks;
• pump noise;
• marks on the wall;
• additional maintenance;
• system shutdowns if a safety device is triggered.

The warranty deserves careful verification

The AirGreen listing indicates a 10-10-0 manufacturer’s warranty, with the possibility of an additional warranty.

However, the Senville documentation provided specifies 10 years on the compressor and 5 years on parts.

It also states that professional installation is required to maintain full warranty coverage and the expected performance.

When preparing a quote, we therefore always recommend confirming the exact coverage corresponding to the system combination sold, the registration conditions, and the terms in effect.

The manufacturer’s warranty and a labor warranty are two different protections.

Simple maintenance, but two indoor units to monitor

One of the advantages of a ductless heat pump is the absence of a central network to maintain.

However, this does not mean “zero maintenance.”

Each indoor unit has its own filters and heat exchanger.

To maintain good performance, we particularly recommend:

• to clean the filters regularly;
• to monitor dust buildup in the blower wheels;
• to keep the air inlets and outlets clear;
• to check the drains;
• to avoid blocking the outdoor unit with objects or vegetation;
• to keep the outdoor unit clear of snow;
• to have the indoor units thoroughly cleaned when dirt buildup warrants it.

In a two-zone system, a very dirty unit may operate less efficiently than the other and give the impression that the system is distributing its capacity poorly.

When this SENVILLE 36,000 BTU 2-zone system is an excellent candidate

The SENVILLE SENA-36HF-MOA R454B is particularly worth considering when a homeowner wants to:

• heat and cool two large zones with a single outdoor unit;
• get a heat pump that operates down to -30 °C;
• take advantage of a 23 SEER2 rating;
• maintain strong heating capacity at -8 °C and -15 °C;
• benefit from an ENERGY STAR system;
• get the included Wi-Fi control;
• reduce the number of outdoor units;
• take advantage, if eligible, of financial assistance of up to 4 560 $.

It is particularly well suited to projects where the two zones can operate in a complementary manner and where the placement of the indoor units allows for good air distribution.

When we would consider another configuration

We might recommend a different approach if:

• the two zones have extremely different needs;
• they frequently need to operate in opposite modes;
• a single indoor unit cannot properly distribute air throughout a divided zone;
• the actual total load exceeds what the system can provide during extreme cold;
• the distance or line-set configuration makes the installation excessively complicated;
• two independent outdoor units would provide greater flexibility for the project.

The best system is therefore not necessarily the one with the highest BTU rating. It is the one whose design matches the building.

Why have AirGreen install this 2-zone heat pump

At AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage, we do not reduce a multi-zone installation to choosing a location for two wall-mounted units.

We analyze the entire project:

• capacity of each zone;
• solar exposure;
• air circulation;
• ceiling height;
• indoor unit placement;
• line-set length;
• drainage;
• electrical supply;
• outdoor location;
• snow management;
• noise level;
• future accessibility for servicing.

This approach is especially important with a 36,000 BTU 2-zone heat pump, since both spaces depend on the same outdoor unit.

A well-designed configuration lets you take advantage of inverter modulation, heating down to -30 °C, 23 SEER2, and individual zone control. Conversely, poor placement of the indoor units can reduce comfort despite very appealing technical specifications.

Get an AirGreen quote for the SENVILLE 2-Zone R454B 36,000 BTU

Are you considering a SENVILLE 2-zone 36,000 BTU heat pump for a house, condo, duplex, or business?

Contact AirGreen for an assessment of your project. We can verify the required capacity for each zone, the location of the units, the line-set routing, drainage, electrical supply, and eligibility for applicable financial assistance programs.

We install and service multi-zone heat pumps in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, the South Shore, and Montérégie, with particular attention to sizing and commissioning quality.