TCL APEX XS Central Heat Pump (Black) | 5 Tonnes - 60000 BTU
SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
EER2 (Instant Cooling Efficiency)
COP at -8 °C (Heating energy efficiency)
COP at -15 °C (Heating energy efficiency)
Operating temperature down to -30 °C (MAX)
Performance Airflow (Airflow Rate)
Moving away from oil or all-electric heating: converting a large building
5-ton projects rarely come to us as simple replacements. They are conversions: a building still heated with oil, a property whose electric baseboards cost a fortune every winter, or a commercial space equipped with a gas system at the end of its service life. The question is not only which heat pump to choose, but also what heating architecture to put in place for the next fifteen years.
The 5-ton TCL APEX XS central heat pump in Basalt Grey finish is well suited to these conversions because it integrates equally well into a complete system or as an add-on to an existing heating appliance.
Three architectures, three economic rationales
Dual fuel with an existing furnace. The heat pump provides heating as long as its efficiency exceeds that of the fossil-fuel appliance; below the switchover point, the furnace takes over. This configuration has the advantage of adding almost no electrical load—the backup already exists and does not consume electricity. In a building with limited electrical service, this is often the only practical option in the short term.
All-electric with electric resistance backup. The heat pump handles the load down to its balance point; a 5, 10, 15, or 20 kW heating kit supplements it below that threshold. This is a simple configuration with no on-site fuel, but it requires substantial electrical capacity and careful sizing of the element.
Retrofit with a coil in a cabinet. Only the heat pump section is replaced, while the existing air handler is retained. This is the most economical option when the existing blower is recent and properly sized—but it requires verifying that the blower can actually move 1,800 CFM at the required pressure, which is not always the case.
We evaluate all three before making a recommendation. The best choice depends on the current fuel, available electrical capacity, applicable rate, and the building's expected holding period.
Sizing the supplemental heat without overloading the electrical service
This is the central trade-off in a project of this size. The outdoor unit already requires a minimum ampacity of 42 A with 60 A protection. Adding a 20 kW element at 230 V represents a major additional load, with its own power supply and protection.
The reflex of choosing the largest available kit is costly and rarely justified. The correct approach:
- Calculate the building load at the design temperature for the area.
- Establish the balance point using the heat pump’s capacity curve—which remains at 50,000 BTU/h at -15 °C for this model.
- Size the supplemental heat for the remaining gap below this point, not for the building’s total load.
- Check the electrical load calculation according to the Code, including all other building loads.
This method frequently results in a 10 kW element where 20 kW had been considered, avoiding an electrical service upgrade costing several thousand dollars.
Certified data
- 54,000 BTU/h at 8.3 °C — COP 3.40
- 54,000 BTU/h at -8 °C — COP 2.20
- 50,000 BTU/h at -15 °C — COP 1.85
- 25,000 BTU/h at -30 °C maximum capacity — COP 1.20
Values from the NEEP cold-climate heat pump directory, based on AHRI-certified tests. Note: the commercial designation of this model is “60,000 BTU/h,” but the certified nominal capacity is 54,000 BTU/h, with a peak that can reach 60,000 BTU/h in cooling mode. The certified value must be used for sizing.
Seasonal performance: 17.0 SEER2, 10.0 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2. ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified.
Technical data sheet
- Air handler : H60APH20UDE — Outdoor unit : H60SDH20XQC
- AHRI certificate : 218453821 — ENERGY STAR number : 4622451
- Refrigerant: R-32, 134.0 oz charge
- Airflow: 1,800 CFM — static pressure: 0.58 / 0.8 in.
- Outdoor power supply: 220 V — MCA 42 A, MOP 60 A
- Piping: 3/8 in. liquid, 7/8 in. gas
- Sound level: 53 dB(A) indoors, 54 dB(A) outdoors
- Air handler dimensions: 24.50 x 21.00 x 56.00 in. (D cabinet) — filter 22 x 20
- Outdoor unit dimensions: 40.69 x 16.13 x 52.69 in.
- Heating range: down to -30 °C
- LogisVert grant: $6,480 in an existing home
What a conversion changes beyond the equipment
Removing an oil- or gas-fired appliance is not limited to disconnecting the old system. Several elements are part of the project and must be included in the budget from the outset:
- Tank removal and, where applicable, checking the soil in the case of heating oil.
- Sealing the chimney or repurposing the exhaust flue, depending on what remains connected.
- Modifications to the ductwork system if the required airflow exceeds what the original installation can provide—a critical point at 1,800 CFM.
- Fresh-air treatment in a commercial building, which is subject to specific requirements and represents a separate load.
- Adjustment of the electricity rate and reassessment of the demand charge, particularly in dual-energy systems.
A quote covering only the equipment gives an appealing price and a higher final bill. We prefer to price the entire project.
The Basalt Grey finish
The 5-ton outdoor unit is tall: 52.69 in. On a commercial property or in an apartment building's backyard, it is visible. Basalt Grey blends much better with a concrete foundation, metal siding, or dark brick than the light finish, and it maintains a clean appearance despite salt residue and street dust. There is no mechanical difference from the Zinc White version.
Maintenance in demanding conditions
A 5-ton system that provides a building's primary heating justifies professional maintenance at least annually, and every six months in commercial use. The program covers the indoor coil, the 22 x 20 filter, the condensate pan and drain, the R-32 charge, the outdoor coil, clearances, backup heat operation, and airflow measurement.
The condensate drain requires particular attention: the volume of water produced during full cooling by a unit of this capacity can turn a partially clogged drain into water damage within a few hours.
Why AirGreen
A heating conversion in a large building involves the electrical system, ductwork, ventilation, removal of the old system, and financial assistance programs. At AirGreen, we handle these aspects together rather than sequentially because the decisions influence one another: the choice of backup heat depends on the electrical service, which depends on the balance point, which depends on the load calculation.
We provide the customer with a quote that reflects the complete project, including the necessary corrections identified in advance.
Contact AirGreen for a conversion analysis, electrical load calculation, and complete quote for the 5-ton TCL APEX XS in Basalt Grey finish in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.