LG R32 Central Heat Pump | 1.5 Tons - 18,000 BTU

A compact central heat pump, designed for our winters, humid summers, and ducted homes.

When a homeowner calls us to replace an aging central system or to upgrade the comfort of a ducted home, there's almost always one thing in common: on paper, several machines seem suitable, but in practice, it's the installation details, air quality, heating stability, and humidity management that make the difference. The LG R32 Central Heat Pump | 1.5 Ton - 18,000 BTU is particularly appealing because it fits perfectly into the realities of Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore , where we experience periods of dry cold followed by humid thaws, and then sometimes stifling heat waves.

At AirGreen, we consider it a particularly relevant choice when you want to:

• Uniformize the temperature in several rooms with a network of ducts.

• Achieve efficient air conditioning while improving dehumidification in the summer.

• Opt for a modern solution, more aligned with the evolution of the sector ( R-32 refrigerant).

• Benefit from a multi-position indoor unit, practical in mechanical rooms which are often constrained (basement, technical closet, half-height space, etc.).

Our approach is simple: a central heat pump is not just "a machine." It's a system: outdoor unit + ducted indoor unit + ductwork + control + drainage + power supply + commissioning . And it's the harmony of this system that creates comfort.

What you're actually buying: a complete, coherent, and adaptable central system

This model consists of a KUSXB181A outdoor unit and a KNSLB181A indoor unit, designed for ducted air distribution (air handler). The key advantage here is the "multi-position" design: the indoor unit can be installed in several orientations, which is extremely helpful when space is limited.

In practical terms, this gives you:

• A homogeneous distribution : instead of having one room "too cold" and another "too hot", we work on balancing to strive for uniform comfort.

• Better management of temperature differences : Homes in Montreal and the surrounding area often have zones that react differently (cooler basement, warmer upper floor, sun-facing room, colder north-facing facade). A well-tuned central system can correct these differences.

• A more discreet integration : little visual impact in rooms, unlike some wall configurations.

• Installation flexibility : vertical, horizontal, and "downflow" configuration possible with conversion, useful in several mechanical layouts.

The specifications that really matter in real-world conditions

Numbers are important, but only if they help you make sound decisions. Here are the key specifications for this central heat pump, along with real-world data.

Capacity and format

• Nominal air conditioning capacity: 18,000 BTU (≈ 1.5 tonnes )

• Ideal format for multiple homes and residential units where an efficient central system is desired without oversizing.

• The final sizing must always take into account insulation, windows, volume, solar gains, and existing air distribution (ducts).

Energy efficiency (seasonal benchmarks)

• SEER2: 17.5 (seasonal air conditioning efficiency)

• EER2: 13.5 (instantaneous air conditioning efficiency)

• HSPF2: 11.5 (seasonal heating efficiency)

In practice, this means the system can provide efficient air conditioning and heating for a large portion of the year. However, optimal performance always comes from a well-executed system: correct ductwork, appropriate airflow, clean installation, and rigorous commissioning.

Dehumidification: an often underestimated point

One important detail: the advertised dehumidification capacity of around 2.75 pints per hour is very useful in our climate. In Montreal and on the South Shore, hot periods are often accompanied by high humidity. However, it's not just the temperature that makes a house uncomfortable: it's the combination of temperature and humidity.

A properly adjusted central heat pump can:

• Reduce the feeling of "sticky" air

• Stabilize nighttime comfort (more pleasant bedrooms)

• Reduce the load on certain stand-alone dehumidifiers

• Protect sensitive materials (wood, floors, basement)

Operating ranges: important for our climate

• Cooling operation with an extended outdoor range

• Operates in heating mode down to significantly cold temperatures

In reality, this helps to better manage the shoulder seasons and part of the winter. And when conditions exceed what the heat pump can deliver on its own, integration with a backup system (depending on the configuration) can ensure continuous comfort.

R-32: a modern choice, but above all, an installation that must be exemplary.

The R-32 refrigerant is part of a technological evolution in the sector. For the customer, the idea is not to enter into a theoretical debate: the essential point is that this type of system requires careful implementation.

At AirGreen, this translates into very concrete installation and commissioning standards:

• Fittings and sealing : we take the time to do things properly, because a small imperfection becomes a real problem over time.

• Complete vacuuming : essential for durability and performance.

• Methodical control : pressures, temperatures, compressor behavior, mode stability.

• Site cleanliness : the quality of a central system is also evident in the attention to detail (drainage, insulation, support, routing of lines).

Our goal is simple: to install in such a way that during annual maintenance, everything is clear, accessible, logical, and durable.

Multi-position: the difference between "it fits" and "it's well done"

The multi-positional concept of the interior unit is a decisive advantage for many homes here.

Scenario 1: Plex in Montreal, cramped mechanical room

Often :

• Lower basement

• Existing conduits that run wherever they can

• Drain needs to be properly repaired

• Insufficient original air return

In this context, the flexibility of orientation of the indoor unit makes it possible to avoid compromises: access to the filter, the path of the ducts, and future maintenance can be optimized.

Scenario 2: House in Laval, existing but poorly balanced ducts

The following are frequently encountered:

• A layout that favors the ground floor

• Upstairs rooms are warmer in the summer

• A poorly positioned air return

Here, the installation of a high-performance central system must be accompanied by real ventilation work: adjustments, registers, sometimes targeted corrections.

Scenario 3: South Shore, renovated house, desired comfort and significant silence

In several neighborhoods, the renovations are bringing about:

• Adding insulation / new windows

• Room redesign

• New air volumes to manage

An 18,000 BTU central heat pump can be excellent, provided that the distribution logic, flow rate, and comfort strategy are revalidated.

AirGreen case study: replacing a noisy central heating system, improved comfort from the first week

We often see customers who tolerated a "decent" system without realizing how much a good replacement can transform their daily lives.

Context

Single-family home ( North Shore area, near Laval ):

• Old central system: acceptable cooling, uneven heating

• Louder than normal blower noise

• Short cycles: frequent start/stop

• Comfort varies from room to room

Specific complaints from the customer

• Uncomfortable floor in summer, even with the thermostat turned down.

• Cool, damp basement

• Air felt "irregular": sometimes too strong, sometimes insufficient

• Electricity bills rise during heat waves

AirGreen intervention: what made the difference

1. Validation of the sizing
   We don't start with a theoretical figure. We validate the actual needs: insulation, volume, occupancy habits, sun exposure, losses and gains.

2. Air circulation verification and optimization
   The biggest pitfall of a central air conditioning system is installing an excellent unit on ductwork that can't keep up. We validate the air return, distribution, critical sections, and make the necessary corrections.

3. Intelligent placement of the outdoor unit
   In densely populated residential areas, location has an influence on:

• Perceived noise

• Snow accumulation

• Accessibility for maintenance

• Longevity (clearances, air circulation)

4. Commissioning and balancing
   After installation, we make adjustments that give a tangible result: flow rate, registers, stability, comfort in key rooms (bedrooms, living room, office).

Result

• More uniform comfort

• Sensation of more stable air

• Less noise perceived

• Better management of summer humidity

• A system that operates "calmly" instead of forcing

Common mistakes to avoid with an 18,000 BTU central heat pump

1) Oversize "just to be sure"

This is one of the most costly mistakes, because it comes at the cost of comfort. A system that's too large:

• Cycle too quickly

• Dehumidifies less effectively

• Creates temperature variations

• Wears out faster in some cases

A well-sized 1.5 tonne can be significantly more comfortable than a poorly justified 2 tonne.

2) Neglecting the return air

Without proper air return, even the best central heat pump loses its advantages:

• Increased noise

• Insufficient flow rate

• Uneven temperatures

• Reduced overall yield

3) Underestimating condensate drainage

Drainage is an invisible detail… until the day it malfunctions. A proper installation includes:

• Correct slope

• Service access

• Protection against backflow / unpleasant surprises

• Clear, clean, sustainable logic

4) Forgetting about balancing

Balancing is what transforms an "acceptable" installation into a high-end result:

• Flow rate adapted by zone

• Reduction of problematic parts

• Real and consistent comfort

• Reduction in typical complaints (room too hot, basement too cold, etc.)

5) Poorly planning access to the interview

A central system requires maintenance. If the filter is inaccessible or everything is clogged, maintenance will be neglected, and performance will suffer. At AirGreen, we install with the future in mind.

What we do differently at AirGreen for an LG R32 central unit

A properly installed central heat pump is the result of a series of coherent technical decisions. At AirGreen, we emphasize the following points, adapted to the realities of Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore and the South Shore .

1) Preparation and planning geared towards actual performance

• Electrical validation (circuit, circuit breaker, compliance)

• Optimized location (noise, maintenance, clearances, snow)

• Piping designed to be clean, durable, and easy to diagnose.

• Vibration damping and reduction (improved acoustic comfort)

2) Clean and logical installation (which avoids unnecessary service calls)

• Thoughtful and accessible drainage

• Line insulation and neat finishes

• Management of passageways (walls, foundations, technical exits) to prevent infiltration and damage.

• Access to the filter, fittings, and service

3) Serious commissioning (the moment when quality is confirmed)

• Checks in heating and air conditioning mode

• Control of behavior under load

• Validation of air temperatures and operational stability

• Practical adjustments based on the actual house, not just a specification sheet

4) Clear explanation to the customer (to ensure lasting comfort)

• How to use the control/thermostat

• How to avoid common usage errors (extreme settings, too frequent changes)

• What maintenance should be performed, and how often?

• How to recognize the signals of a clogged filter or a disturbed flow rate

Who is this model for (and why is it a good choice)?

Owners with existing ducts

If you already have a ductwork system, this model could be an excellent option for:

• Modernizing comfort without multiplying visible units

• Stabilize the temperature in several rooms

• Improving the management of summer humidity

Renovated or partially renovated houses

After construction work, it is not uncommon for:

• The heating/cooling needs change

• The air distribution is less balanced

• Certain rooms become more sensitive (office, bedroom, open-plan area)

In these cases, a well-calibrated central heat pump, combined with good balancing, can provide significantly superior comfort.

Owners who want "discreet" and efficient comfort

A central system, when well designed, provides a much-appreciated level of comfort:

• More even air

• Little visual impact

• Simple control

• Possibility of integrating ventilation and air quality strategies

Details and features to remember (quickly, but usefully)

• 18,000 BTU (1.5 tonnes) : a convenient size for many residential installations with ductwork.

• SEER2 17.5 / HSPF2 11.5 : efficiency benchmarks that can translate into better-controlled fuel consumption

• R-32 : modern technology that requires flawless installation

• Multi-position : valuable flexibility in confined mechanical rooms

• Dehumidification : a real advantage for our humid summers

• Planning and balancing : the two factors that determine final satisfaction

Conclusion: The LG R32 18,000 BTU central unit delivers excellent results when installed correctly.

The LG R32 Central Heat Pump | 1.5 Ton - 18,000 BTU is a solid choice when looking for a reliable, efficient, and consistent central system, especially for ducted homes in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore . It combines excellent performance, a modern approach to R-32 refrigerant , and a multi-position indoor unit that facilitates clean installation in real-world environments.

At AirGreen, we recommend it primarily as part of a comprehensive approach: ductwork validation , proper commissioning , balancing , and a long-lasting installation. The desired result is not just a new machine: it's stable, quiet, and satisfying comfort every day.