Central Heat Pump CONFORTO MHSD | 2.5 Tons - 30,000 BTU - R410A

The in-between size for an open-plan family home

Between a small home and a large one are all the family homes whose needs fall between two common sizes. The Central Heat Pump CONFORTO MHSD | 2.5 Tons - 30,000 BTU - R410A fills that space: the MHSD130DACFC outdoor unit is paired with the MHAH130DACFC indoor unit, an air handler that replaces the furnace and distributes warm or cool air through the existing duct system.

Its certified ratings are 16.2 SEER2, 10.0 EER2 and 8.9 HSPF2. The system is ENERGY STAR certified with the cold-climate designation under ENERGY STAR ID 3892547, its certificate still lists capacity at -30 °C, and it qualifies for a $2,520 LogisVert grant.

Why a 2.5-ton size

The 2.5-ton size, or 30,000 BTU/h, exists for homes whose load calculation falls between two more common sizes. Taking the smaller size would make the backup heat work more often in winter; taking the larger size would cause short cycles in spring, in fall and for much of the summer. The in-between size, when it matches the calculation, is the one that runs longest within its efficiency range.

It often suits a two-storey cottage, a large bungalow with a finished basement or a split-level on the North Shore or in Longueuil. These examples are only indicative: wall and roof insulation, window age, orientation and airtightness change the result. An older home that was never renovated may need more; a recent, well-sealed home may need less. We do the room-by-room calculation before recommending a size.

Open-plan living and air circulation

An open-plan main floor, where the kitchen, dining room and living room share the same volume, lends itself well to central heating and cooling: air moves freely from one area to another. These spaces often have large windows and patio doors, which bring in a lot of sun in summer and heat loss in winter. The load calculation takes this into account.

Register placement matters too. Registers under the windows counter the cold air that drops from the glass in winter; a well-placed return draws air from the whole room back to the indoor unit. During the visit, we check that the existing duct system serves this space well and, if needed, propose corrections.

How it works: variable speed and R-410A

The heat pump moves heat instead of producing it. In winter, the R-410A refrigerant captures heat from the outdoor air and brings it to the indoor unit's coil; in summer, a reversing valve flips the cycle. The variable-speed (inverter) compressor adjusts its speed to demand: it runs slowly in mild weather and speeds up as the cold or heat intensifies.

For the occupants, this means a steady temperature, air that circulates continuously and fewer on-off cycles than with a conventional furnace or air conditioner.

Winter: what the certificate lists

• At -8 °C (17 °F): 21,000 BTU/h, with a COP of 2.34.
• At -15 °C (5 °F): 24,000 BTU/h, with a COP of 1.80, about 80% of the 30,000 BTU/h nominal size.
• At -30 °C: 13,700 BTU/h, with a COP of 1.16.

The -8 °C and -15 °C points are measured separately; we report each one as published. These figures come from certificate AHRI 216683750, published by NEEP. At -30 °C, the heat pump still delivers slightly more heat than the electricity it uses, but the gap with ordinary electric heating becomes thin. That is when backup heat becomes truly important.

The role of electric backup

In an all-electric central installation, backup heat usually comes from heating elements housed in the indoor unit. They switch on when the house loses more heat than the heat pump supplies, which happens mostly during deep cold snaps in Montreal. The rest of the time, the heat pump heats on its own.

Two settings make the difference: the size of the backup, which we establish from the load calculation, and the thermostat logic, which decides when the backup comes into play. Backup that kicks in too early erases part of the gains; backup that is too weak leaves the house cool in deep cold. We set both during commissioning.

Reading the SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 ratings

The SEER2 of 16.2 measures cooling efficiency over a typical summer, and the EER2 of 10.0 measures full-load efficiency on a hot day. The HSPF2 of 8.9 measures efficiency over the whole heating season: it is the rating that weighs most on the bill of an electrically heated home in Quebec.

The COP complements these seasonal ratings at a specific temperature: an electric baseboard has a COP of 1, and this system shows 2.34 at -8 °C. On an ordinary winter day, it therefore delivers more than twice the heat it uses in electricity.

Summer cooling

In summer, the open-plan area and its large windows take in a lot of heat in the afternoon. The central system responds through every register at once, with no equipment visible in the rooms. By slowing down as it approaches the set point, the compressor keeps the air cool without short cycles, and air that spends a long time over the cold coil loses its moisture. The house stays comfortable even on heavy days.

Condensate drains from the indoor unit to a floor drain or a condensate pump.

The $2,520 LogisVert grant

The system is listed in Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program, with $2,520 for the owner of an existing home, according to the list in effect on the installation date. The amount corresponds to the certified pairing of the MHSD130DACFC outdoor unit and the MHAH130DACFC indoor unit.

We confirm eligibility before signing and prepare the detailed invoice, model numbers and proof of payment. Our page on the efficient heat pump grant summarizes the program's conditions.

Installation by AirGreen

From load calculation to commissioning

The home visit is used to do the load calculation, examine the duct system and the air return, and choose the location of the outdoor unit. The written quote specifies the size, the backup heat and any corrections to the duct system.

On installation day, the furnace is removed and the air handler takes its place, connected to the plenum, the air return and the drain. The outdoor unit is mounted on a wall bracket or a stand, above the snow line, away from roof drip. The insulated copper line set is brazed, pressure-tested and put under vacuum before the valves are opened. The electrical connection is made on a dedicated circuit, with an outdoor disconnect. Commissioning checks the charge, airflow, defrost and backup heat settings.

Maintenance

Check the indoor unit's filter every month in season and replace it according to its format. Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and leaves and do not cover it in winter. Plan annual HVAC maintenance: coil cleaning, and a check of the condensate drain, the electrical connections and the backup heat. In winter, the white vapour during defrost is normal.

Warranty

Warranty: 10 years on the compressor, 10 years on parts and 6 years on labor.

AirGreen, for the life of the installation

A family business active for more than fifteen years in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, we hold RBQ licences for ventilation, refrigeration and electrical work and carry $5,000,000 in liability insurance. The in-home assessment is free, the quote is in writing, and our financing options let you choose the right unit rather than the cheapest one.

Request your free estimate for the Central Heat Pump CONFORTO MHSD | 2.5 Tons - 30,000 BTU - R410A. We assess the home room by room, confirm that the in-between size is the right one and check your grant eligibility before signing.