FUJITSU CENTAURI R32 Central Heat Pump | 1 Ton - 12000 BTU

A compact central heat pump, designed for Quebec and homes here.

In Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on both the North and South Shores , many HVAC needs are similar: stable comfort, controlled energy consumption, and a system that integrates seamlessly into the home without turning the project into an endless construction site. The Fujitsu Centauri R32 1-tonne (12,000 BTU) central heat pump addresses precisely this need: a ducted solution that delivers high performance in both cooling and heating, while remaining flexible for installation, even in tight mechanical spaces.

At AirGreen, we often see this scenario: a homeowner wants to replace an old, noisy electric furnace, an aging heat pump, or a makeshift setup (air conditioner + space heater) that's expensive to run in the winter. They're looking for a central system that:

• distributes air evenly throughout several rooms,

• avoids temperature differences between bedrooms and open areas,

• allows for fine adjustments (flow rates, modes, schedules),

• and remains reliable when winter presents real challenges.

This Centauri stands out for its very “field-oriented” approach: it combines an Inverter outdoor unit and a multi-position air handler indoor unit, which provides valuable flexibility in both renovation and construction.

What “1 tonne / 12,000 BTU” actually means (and what it doesn’t mean)

The phrase “1 tonne = small system” is often used. In practice, this is a dangerous oversimplification. A nominal capacity of 12,000 BTU can be ideal in many situations, provided that the sizing and air distribution are appropriate.

In our practice, 1 tonne is frequently relevant for:

• well-insulated condos or condominium units,

• townhouses with optimized ductwork,

• some bungalows where the building envelope has been improved (windows, insulation),

• specific floors when the zoning strategy is well thought out

• or plexes where the surface area to be treated is realistic and the air circulation is well managed.

What makes the difference is not just the number on the technical specifications sheet, but:

• the actual load on the building (insulation, windows, infiltration),

• the available airflow in the right place,

• the static pressure of the network,

• and how the system modulates its power on a daily basis.

A simple reading of the technical data that really matters

The specifications may seem “dense”, but certain lines deserve special attention, as they explain the actual comfort and operating costs.

• R-32 refrigerant : more modern and generally less impactful than some older refrigerants. In practice, this also translates into equipment designed around this refrigerant and more standardized installation practices.

• Inverter technology : the heat pump adjusts its power output rather than running at full capacity and then shutting off. The result: fewer temperature fluctuations, a more consistent feeling of comfort, and often fewer energy consumption spikes.

• Cold weather performance : the crucial point in Quebec. When the system is designed to maintain heating at low temperatures, it reduces the reliance on supplemental electric heating.

• Seasonal efficiency (SEER2 / HSPF2) : useful for comparing systems, but always to be put in the context of installation (ducts, settings, use).

• Noise level : a detail that becomes central as soon as a unit is near a bedroom, a used backyard, or a dense neighborhood (typical of Montreal).

At AirGreen, we use this data as a starting point, then we translate it all into concrete decisions: location of the outdoor unit, routing of lines, vibration management, choice of control, ventilation settings.

Why the “multi-position ducted central unit” format is a game changer

The multi-position indoor unit (air handler) allows you to choose a configuration adapted to the building: up-flow, left, right , and down-flow (with a kit required depending on the situation). In practical terms, this means that it can adapt to:

• a narrow mechanical room,

• a finished basement ceiling,

• a mechanical room in a condo

• a renovation where one has to work with existing pipes,

• or a house where access is limited (stairs, low ceilings, existing structure).

This is exactly the type of flexibility that avoids costly “workarounds” (moving walls, redoing a mechanical room, rebuilding an entire plenum, etc.).

Another very practical point is the unit's ability to push air through an existing ductwork system. In many homes, the ductwork isn't perfect. There are bends, transitions, older sections, and sometimes undersized return vents. A central system must be able to work with this reality—and above all, it must be installed and calibrated to do so.

Installation and actual performance: something we systematically verify at AirGreen

A successful central heat pump is one where the customer forgets about the system… because everything is stable. No rooms that are “impossible” to heat, no irritating blower noise, no recurring summer humidity, and no bills that skyrocket as soon as January arrives.

The exact models and traceability: a detail that avoids many problems

We always emphasize the clear identification of units, as this is the basis of effective after-sales service:

• Outdoor unit: AOUH12KUAS1

• Indoor Unit: AMUH12KUAS

• AHRI: 217290592

• Certification: ENERGY STAR® and ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate (subject to eligibility requirements)

Why is this important? Because the most costly errors in service are often compatibility errors: wrong accessory, wrong control, or part ordered for another series.

Refrigeration lines: routing, insulation, supports… the difference between “it works” and “it works well”

In a central installation, the routing of refrigeration lines and condensate drainage is often where future problems lurk.

We pay particular attention to:

• the total line length and realistic limits,

• the difference in height between units,

• complete and continuous insulation (especially in cold areas),

• supports and mechanical protection (vibrations, friction),

• and the quality of the fittings (a crucial detail for stability).

A common mistake seen in renovations is running lines "as quickly as possible" in an unheated space, with incomplete insulation, or a compressed passage behind a finish. The system may function, but with symptoms that are difficult to diagnose: sporadic noises, icing, reduced efficiency, or less stable cycles.

Ducts and static pressure: the heart of comfort in a central heat pump

The ductwork is the "road network" of your comfort. Even the best central heat pump will perform poorly if the network isn't consistent.

When we evaluate a project, we look at, among other things:

• the presence of leaks (ducts, junctions, plenums),

• the quality of the return air (often neglected),

• restrictions (tight bends, crushed ducts, undersized grilles),

• the balance between rooms (bedrooms vs open area),

• and the distribution logic (where the air blows, where it returns, at what rate).

In practice, this is often where the project is "won." A typical example: a house in Laval where the upstairs bedrooms are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Before concluding that "the heat pump isn't powerful enough," it's often necessary to correct the balancing, improve the return air, and optimize the flow rates. This is a major difference between a simple equipment replacement and a true HVAC solution.

Airflow, noise and feel: what the customer really experiences on a daily basis

Comfort isn't just about the displayed temperature. Customers mostly talk about how it feels:

• “We can feel a draft.”

• “The blower is too noisy at night.”

• “The living room is perfect, but the bedroom is freezing.”

• “In summer, the air is fresh but the humidity remains.”

These symptoms are almost always linked to a trio:

1. airflow,

2. ventilation speed

3. network balancing.

With a central air handler, you can work with precision:

• Reduce speed to avoid nighttime noise.

• temporarily increase to respond to a peak,

• Adjust the grids or dampers to balance,

• and optimize summer dehumidification.

The goal: stable comfort, without “side effects”.

Summer humidity and dehumidification: a very common expectation in Montreal and on the South Shore

In many areas (near the river, in densely populated neighborhoods, and in homes with basements), summer humidity quickly becomes a real problem. A central heat pump isn't just for cooling; it also needs to provide a feeling of drier, more comfortable air.

What we are clearly explaining:

• Dehumidification depends on operating time, fan speeds, and the airtightness of the building.

• A fan that is too fast can reduce contact time and therefore moisture extraction.

• A network of ducts that “collects” humid air from the basement without a strategy can negatively impact comfort.

In a project in Longueuil , for example, the client felt that “the air conditioning wasn’t doing anything” even though the temperature was dropping. In reality, the humidity remained high. After optimizing the fan speeds and adjusting the air distribution (and correcting some unwanted air leaks), the perceived comfort level was completely transformed, without unnecessarily increasing the cooling capacity.

Control, Wi-Fi, thermostat: choose between simplicity or smart integration

A central system can be managed in several ways: remote control, thermostat, communication modules, home automation integrations. The pitfall is adding accessories "for fun" without any coherence.

Our approach is simple:

• If the client wants a clear and robust use: we favor a simple, readable, easy-to-explain control logic.

• If the client wants intelligent management (schedules, remote control, integration): we choose the appropriate options and document everything, so that the system remains understandable in 3 years, not just at the time of installation.

In condominiums and certain light commercial contexts, more advanced integration may also be relevant, but it must be considered from the outset (not added "after the fact").

Auxiliary heating: when it really helps (and when it complicates things)

An electric backup can be an excellent tool… or a source of unnecessary costs. It all depends on the building.

We recommend supplemental support in specific cases:

• a network of conduits that is difficult to balance (but can be improved),

• more exposed areas (gable ends, large windows),

• need for stability at extreme temperatures,

• or specific customer requirements (absolute comfort, continuity).

Conversely, in a well-insulated house, with the right sizing, the backup can remain very little used — which is often the goal.

Subsidies and eligibility: what we clarify from the outset

Many homeowners arrive on a product page with a very specific question: “Am I eligible for a subsidy?”

At AirGreen, we quickly clarify:

• Eligibility requirements vary depending on the program.

• Details such as efficacy, certification, and product identification matter.

• and documentation and proof of installation play a role in the case.

Our method consists of integrating this reality from the quote stage: the client must understand what is included, what is necessary, and how to avoid errors that complicate a refund.

AirGreen case studies: concrete examples from the field

Case 1 — Montreal (Ahuntsic):
A duplex with existing ductwork, the owner tired of a noisy and erratic system. Our diagnosis revealed insufficient air return and restrictions in two duct branches. Rather than oversizing, we corrected the distribution and then installed a modern central solution. The result: much more consistent comfort between rooms, reduced perceived noise, and smoother operation (fewer fluctuations).

Case 2 — Laval (Duvernay):
Townhouse, compact mechanical room. The client wanted a central system but was apprehensive about a complete overhaul. The flexible configuration of the indoor unit allowed for a clean integration. After commissioning, the most appreciated improvement wasn't just the temperature: it was the stability, especially at night, and the ability to easily adjust the schedules.

Case 3 — Longueuil (Greenfield Park):
The property experienced summer humidity and had a finished basement. The client thought they needed a larger unit. In reality, the issue lay in airflow and overall circulation. Optimizing velocities, balancing the system, and implementing a return air strategy transformed comfort without increasing the nominal capacity.

Case 4 — North Shore (residential area with winds and snowdrifts):
This installation required the outdoor unit's placement to account for snow and wind. Here, the choice of mounting bracket, height, protection, and airflow became critical factors. A poorly positioned outdoor unit might function… but then become problematic in the depths of winter. We prioritized a sheltered yet unobstructed location, with vibration damping and proper drainage.

Mistakes to avoid before buying (the ones that are most often corrected)

1. Choosing the size without a real evaluation : sizing is a basis, not an assumption.

2. Ignoring the conduit network : a network in poor condition negates the benefits of the best equipment.

3. Underestimating the air return : too often, we “blow” well, but we “return” poorly.

4. Poorly managing condensate : slope, siphon, risk of backflow, risk of damage.

5. Neglecting vibrations : supports, silent blocks, wall penetrations, structural noise.

6. Installing too close to an obstacle : lack of clearance = compromised performance and reliability.

7. Adding accessories without coherence : control, Wi-Fi, interfaces… everything must remain logical and maintainable.

8. Oversizing “for safety” : this can reduce dehumidification and increase cycles.

Maintenance and sustainability: how to maintain performance year after year

A well-maintained central system retains its efficiency, comfort, and reliability. We particularly recommend:

• periodic inspection and cleaning (as needed),

• checking the filters (and replacing them at the correct intervals),

• condensate flow control,

• checking the condition of the ductwork (leaks, insulation, grilles),

• and validation of operating parameters at the start of the season.

In practice, maintenance is also a useful time for adjustments: a change in configuration (renovation, adding a room, new use of the basement) can modify the load and distribution. A central system is “living”: it must remain adapted to the house.

Why entrust this project to AirGreen?

At AirGreen, we don't just do a "standard" installation. We deliver a complete and coherent solution:

• building assessment (ducts, statics, clearances, constraints),

• clean and durable installation (supports, insulation, drainage, protection)

• commissioning and settings (flow rates, modes, control logic),

• transparency on options (Wi-Fi, thermostat, additional heating, accessories),

• and a structured after-sales service, based on clear traceability of models and choices.

We work daily on real buildings, with their real constraints. This is what makes the difference between a central heat pump that "works" and a central heat pump that becomes a true comfort, simple, stable and cost-effective.

Next Step!

Are you considering the FUJITSU CENTAURI R32 | 1 Ton - 12,000 BTU central heat pump for your property in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , on the North Shore , or the South Shore ? Contact AirGreen for an on-site estimate and clear recommendations: sizing, ductwork integration, control options, and comfort strategy. We'll guide you toward a solution tailored to your building and your priorities.