LG R32 Central Heat Pump | 3 Ton - 36,000 BTU

A 3-tonne central heating system designed for Quebec: performance, control, and stable comfort throughout the house

When a homeowner contacts us to replace an old electric furnace with air conditioning, or a central heat pump at the end of its lifespan, the objectives are always the same: uniform temperature , controlled humidity , reduced noise , reasonable energy bills , and a system that can withstand the extreme temperature swings of Montreal winters. The LG R32 Central Heat Pump | 3 Tons - 36,000 BTU fits perfectly into this framework, provided that three elements are addressed carefully: sizing , ductwork integration , and commissioning .

At AirGreen, we install central heating systems in a wide variety of contexts: duplexes in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie where the building envelope has been upgraded in stages, single-family homes in Laval (Fabreville, Chomedey) with large open spaces, and newer houses on the South Shore or North Shore with more “modern” but sometimes poorly balanced ductwork. In these scenarios, a 3-tonne central heating unit is often a good size, but it must be “tuned” to the building, like tuning a musical instrument: without this, you might have a system that performs well on paper, but is inconsistent in everyday use.

Useful technical data sheet (the data that matters on the ground)

Here is the important information to understand what this LG can deliver and how to prepare it to excel:

• Air conditioning capacity: 36,000 BTU (3 tons)

• Size: 3 Tonnes

• Rated power: 36,000 BTU

• Gas (freon): R-32

• Exterior model: KUSXB361A

• Interior model: KNSLB361A

• AHRI: 215812199

• ENERGY STAR®: Yes

• ENERGY STAR® (Cold Climate): Yes / Yes

• Advertised heating capacity: down to -16°C

• Power at -8°C: 27,000 BTU (a concrete indicator for winter)

• Power at -15°C: 33,000 BTU

• Sound pressure level (indoors): 35 / 40 dB(A)

• Sound pressure level (outdoors): 54.0 dB(A)

• Dehumidification: 7.17 pt/h

• Interior dimensions (L x D x H): 21 x 21.38 x 55.88 in

• External dimensions (W x D x H): 37.41 x 15.32 x 54.34 in

• Piping: 3/8 – 5/8

• Voltage: 220V

• MCA: 32A

• MOP: 35A

• Wi-Fi: optional

• Warranty (compressor – parts – labor): 10-10-0 years (extended warranty available)

• Provincial grant (LogisVert): $3,240 (updated: November 26, 2025)

These figures take on their full meaning when linked to the realities of a house: cooling capacity for humid summers, heating capacity in negative temperatures, noise level, and above all the consistency between the machine and the ductwork network.

The R-32: what it really changes for a homeowner

R-32 is not a marketing ploy for a product sheet; it's a modern technical choice, consistent with the evolution of the HVAC industry. For a homeowner in Longueuil , Brossard , Terrebonne , or Blainville , the benefit is simple:

• Continuity and modernity : a recent system aligned with current market standards.

• Stable performance : the latest generation of heat pumps is designed for better modulation and finer comfort management.

• Maintenance and service : when installation and commissioning are done methodically (vacuuming, leak testing, parameter verification), a more reliable and consistent system is obtained over time.

It's not the refrigerant alone that guarantees comfort, but the entire system: "machine + installation + settings + maintenance". And that's precisely where the difference lies between an installation that satisfies you from the first season and one that generates unnecessary service calls.

The interior unit: the place where comfort quality is gained (or lost)

In a central system, the indoor unit is not just a technical "block": it is the heart of the air distribution system. It influences:

• static pressure in the ducts (therefore noise and flow rate),

• dehumidification (key to comfort in summer),

• the stability of the cycles (avoiding excessively frequent stops/restarts),

• the consistency between distant and nearby rooms.

This is also where regular maintenance is most cost-effective: a neglected filter or a problematic drain can reduce the performance of a perfectly functional machine.

Why a central heating system is often the best choice (and when it isn't)

For many properties in Greater Montreal, a central heat pump is ideal when:

• There is already a usable network of conduits,

• We want consistent comfort in several rooms.

• We want a visually discreet solution.

• We want simple control via thermostat.

However, a power plant is not automatically “the best” if:

• The ducts are too small or too leaky.

• The air return is insufficient.

• some areas are structurally difficult (e.g., very exposed floor, very cold basement).

In these cases, we offer targeted corrections (ductwork, air returns, balancing) or a hybrid strategy. The goal is not to install "a product," but to deliver consistent comfort within the reality of your building in Montreal , Laval, or on the South Shore/North Shore .

What homeowners really notice after installation

A well-executed project results in concrete effects:

• a house where there is no longer a marked "variation" between the living room and the bedrooms,

• a sensation of more constant, less aggressive airflow,

• a more comfortable summer thanks to better humidity management,

• Less noise at the grilles when the pressure is well controlled.

• an impression of control: clear thermostat, stable settings, explained operating logic.

It is these details that transform a purchase into long-term satisfaction.

Installation and adjustments: the AirGreen method for a reliable, quiet and pleasant 3-tonne power plant

A central heat pump can be excellent yet disappointing if the installation is rushed. The common problems we encounter after hasty installations are well-known: cycles that are too short, noisy ducts, poorly controlled humidity, uncomfortable areas, poorly designed drains, or an unoptimized electrical supply. Here's our step-by-step approach, based on practical experience.

1) Sizing: the point that influences everything else

A 36,000 BTU unit is not chosen "out of habit." Incorrect sizing is costly in two ways:

• Too small : the machine struggles, comfort drops in cold weather, and consumption increases.

• Too big : short cycles, less well controlled humidity, irregular air sensations, accelerated wear from frequent starts.

Our approach:

• validation of surface areas and volumes (high ceilings, mezzanine, finished basement),

• analysis of the actual insulation (not just the year of construction),

• consideration of large glazed surfaces (very common in Ville-Marie , Griffintown, certain sectors of Longueuil ),

• discussion on habits: schedules, target temperatures, priority rooms.

A common mistake to avoid is replacing a vehicle with one of the same tonnage without reassessing the house. In Montreal , a phased energy renovation can drastically change the actual needs. A 3-ton vehicle might become too large after insulation, windows, and weatherproofing.

2) Conduit network: the most underestimated element

In real life, a large part of the dissatisfaction stems from the ductwork. Even an excellent heat pump cannot compensate for:

• conduits that are too narrow,

• air leaks in the attic or basement,

• insufficient air return,

• missing or incorrectly adjusted registers,

• poorly sized openings.

What we do systematically:

• joint inspection and sealing,

• checking the air return (often the Achilles' heel),

• identification of "orphan" zones (remote rooms with insufficient flow),

• balancing of flow rates to grids and realistic adjustments.

Why this is crucial for summer in Montreal: when the airflow isn't consistent, dehumidification suffers. The result: a comfortable temperature, but a persistent feeling of humidity. Comfort isn't just about a number on the thermostat.

3) Installation of the indoor unit: accessibility, drainage, vibrations

A properly installed indoor unit should allow for:

• easy access for changing the filter

• reasonable access to components for maintenance,

• a drain designed to last (slope, siphon, odor prevention),

• an assembly that limits vibrations and resonances.

A common mistake to avoid is a "compact" installation that makes the filter inaccessible. This is the perfect scenario for a neglected filter, reduced flow rate, and a system that appears "less efficient" when it is actually struggling.

4) Drainage, humidity, summer: the recipe for unnecessary service calls

In Laval and on the South Shore , basements are often more humid. In the summer, a central heating system works extensively to manage indoor humidity. A poorly designed drain can cause:

• excesses,

• smells,

• humidity around the unit,

• mold in confined areas.

Our goal: clean, stable, and easy-to-inspect drainage. It's a detail that makes all the difference.

5) Electricity and protection: reliability and safety

Here, we're talking about a 220V power supply, with a 32A MCA and a 35A MOP . In practice, this means:

• a suitable circuit breaker,

• wiring of the correct gauge

• neat connections

• a check of the electrical panel if the capacity is limited.

In older properties in Montreal (Plex, buildings renovated in phases), this aspect is essential to avoid unexpected outages and protect the machine.

6) Commissioning: transforming an installation into a high-performance system

A proper commissioning is not a formality. We are looking for a measurable and lasting result:

• temperature stability

• consistent data rates,

• drainage control,

• normal operation in different modes

• concrete explanations to the customer (thermostat, instructions, best practices).

What we systematically explain:

• how to choose a realistic instruction (avoid “playing yo-yo”),

• how to use time slots intelligently,

• how to monitor the filter,

• how to clear the outdoor unit (snow, leaves, air circulation).

A well-informed customer keeps their machine in good condition longer and avoids unnecessary costs.

Real-life scenarios that are often encountered (and how they are resolved)

Case 1 – House in Laval: discomfort in winter despite a new machine
The client felt that “it was heating, but not evenly throughout.” The problem wasn't the heat pump: it was insufficient return air and a lack of air balancing. After correcting the return air and adjusting the airflow rates, the house became much more stable, especially in the rooms furthest from the heat pump.

Case 2 – Duplex in Montreal: noise from vents and whistling
The noise was caused by excessive static pressure in an undersized section of ductwork. Targeted modification and balancing reduced the whistling while improving distribution within the chambers.

Case 3 – South Shore: Uncomfortable humidity in summer
The temperature was fine, but it felt "heavy." We addressed the cause: poorly distributed airflow and suboptimal operation. After adjustments and usage tips, the humidity was better controlled without turning the house into a "cold room."

Case 4 – North Shore: short cycles and inconsistent comfort
In a highly renovated and airtight house, the old tonnage-based approach no longer applied. The solution was to revise the strategy (adjustments, flow control, and targeted recommendations). The result: more stable cycles and more consistent comfort.

These cases illustrate a reality: comfort depends as much on the reading of the building as on the machine.

Maintenance: What really protects your investment

For a central ducted heat pump , the most cost-effective maintenance is regular and simple:

• Filter : check and replace according to your environment (dust, animals, renovations).

• Drain : preventative inspection, cleaning if necessary.

• Outdoor unit : clear around, gentle cleaning, checking for obstructions.

• HVAC maintenance visit : general check, inspection of connections, validation of operation.

A common mistake is waiting until there's a problem. In HVAC , a small symptom (reduced airflow, unusual noise, humidity) is often a simple signal to correct before it becomes costly.

Optimizing comfort: practical tips we give to our clients

To get the most out of a 3-ton LG central unit:

• maintain stable guidelines (avoid extreme deviations),

• Do not block air return (furniture, carpets, doors permanently closed),

• check the vents (avoid closing too many vents, which increases the pressure),

• clear the exterior in winter (accumulation of snow and ice around),

• plan an interview at the right pace.

These simple actions improve the consistency of comfort in homes in Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , and throughout the North Shore and South Shore .

Why choose AirGreen for this LG model?

In a residential HVAC project, the customer is not just buying a brand: they are buying an installation method , a commissioning , and an ability to solve the details that make the difference.

At AirGreen:

• we analyze the conduits instead of “installing and leaving”,

• We aim for a consistent distribution, piece by piece.

• We prioritize silence and stability (not just power).

• We clearly explain how it works and how to maintain it.

• We serve Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore and the South Shore daily with a structured and transparent approach.

Things to keep in mind before choosing a 3-tonne power plant

• The sizing determines the quality of comfort and the stability of the cycles.

• The ductwork and air return system often make the difference between “it works” and “it’s pleasant”.

• A methodical commissioning improves reliability and performance over time.

• R-32 and ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate certification are part of a modern approach adapted to Quebec's climate.

For a free on-site estimate , an assessment of your ductwork, and a clear proposal (including relevant options and subsidy rationale), contact AirGreen. We serve Montreal , Laval , Longueuil , the North Shore , and the South Shore .
Call us at 514-316-2973 or email us at sales@airgreen.ca to obtain a quote and schedule a visit.