Ducted Heat Pump SENVILLE SENA R454B | 12000 BTU

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• Federal Rebate:
• Provincial Rebate: 1152$
• Energy Star®: Oui
• WiFi: En Option
• AHRI: 215735301
• Efficiency: 20.0 SEER
• Warranty (Compressor - Parts - Labor): 10-10-0
• Additional Warranty (10-10-10): Possible
• Voltage: 220V
• Sound Pressure Level (Outdoor): 575.0 dB(A)
• Gas (Freon): R-454B

A compact ducted heat pump for integrating heating and cooling without a visible wall-mounted unit

A 12,000 BTU ducted heat pump meets a very specific need: achieving the comfort of a traditional ductless system while concealing the indoor unit in a ceiling, soffit or mechanical space and distributing air through short duct sections and discreet grilles.

The SENVILLE SENA R454B 12,000 BTU, consisting of the SENA-12HF-OG outdoor unit and the SENA-12HF-IDG ducted indoor unit, is a particularly appealing option for certain renovations in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore. It may be suitable for a bedroom suite, a floor, an office, a condo or a specific portion of a home where avoiding multiple wall-mounted units is desirable.

Senville documentation presents this family as a Concealed Duct system, that is, a mini-split heat pump with a concealed, ducted indoor unit. The 12,000 BTU product is explicitly identified as the SENA/12HF/ID, ENERGY STAR certified and designed for heating and cooling.

For the AirGreen configuration, the main specifications are:

• Outdoor unit: SENA-12HF-OG
• Indoor unit: SENA-12HF-IDG
• Cooling capacity: 12,000 BTU
• AHRI: 215735301
• ENERGY STAR reference: 3630048
• SEER2: 20.0
• EER2: 12.0
• HSPF2: 10.0
• Refrigerant: R-454B
• Cold climate: yes
• Heating down to -30 °C
• Wi-Fi: optional
• Power supply: 208/230 V
• Maximum airflow: approximately 401 CFM
• Piping: 1/4 in – 3/8 in
• Indoor unit dimensions: 27.56 × 19.92 × 7.87 in
• Outdoor unit dimensions: 31.69 × 12.99 × 21.81 in
• Additional warranty: available
• Provincial rebate indicated: $1,152, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

Ducted does not mean a traditional central system

The distinction is important.

A central heat pump generally uses a larger air handler connected to a duct network distributed throughout much of the home. A compact ducted heat pump like the SENA-12HF-IDG works more like a mini-split heat pump with a concealed indoor unit.

It can supply one or more grilles through a small duct network.

This configuration may be worthwhile when we want to:

• serve two or three adjacent rooms;
• completely conceal the indoor unit;
• keep the walls clear;
• integrate air conditioning into a renovation;
• condition an entire floor without redoing the HVAC system for the whole house;
• improve the comfort of a particular area.

A ducted system can therefore provide a more discreet finish than a wall-mounted head while remaining much more compact than a traditional central system.

Only 7.87 inches high for the indoor unit

One of the most interesting figures in the technical specifications is the height of the indoor unit.

It measures:

27.56 in × 19.92 in × 7.87 in

and weighs approximately 39.46 lb.

A height of less than eight inches makes it possible to consider installations that would be impossible with a traditional central air handler.

Depending on the structure, we can, for example, integrate the unit into:

• a soffit;
• a drop ceiling;
• a space above a hallway;
• an accessible portion of an attic crawl space;
• a compact mechanical space.

But these dimensions do not mean that 7.87 inches of clearance is actually sufficient.

The following must also be planned for:

• the ducts;
• the insulation;
• the drain;
• the refrigerant connections;
• the wiring;
• service access;
• replacing or cleaning the filter.

We therefore always check the available space before confirming that a ducted installation is feasible.

400 CFM: the duct network must be designed around the available airflow

The brochure indicates four indoor airflow levels:

• 400.2 CFM in Turbo mode
• 323.7 CFM at high speed
• 264.9 CFM at medium speed
• 176.6 CFM at low speed.

The 401 CFM figure used on the AirGreen product sheet therefore corresponds very closely to Senville’s published maximum airflow.

This figure is particularly important with a ducted unit.

A wall-mounted head blows directly into a room. A ducted unit must move its air through:

• a return section;
• the filter;
• the coil;
• the plenum;
• the ducts;
• the grilles.

Every elbow, restriction, or undersized duct creates resistance.

This is one of the reasons we avoid turning a small ducted unit into a pseudo-central system serving an excessively long network. The product must be used in the type of configuration for which its capacity and airflow are suited.

An example of a configuration where a ducted system becomes particularly practical

Let’s consider a house in Longueuil where three small bedrooms are located on the same floor.

The owner does not want to install three wall-mounted heads. A single wall-mounted unit in the hallway is not an ideal solution either, since the bedroom doors are often closed.

A properly sized ducted unit can allow for the placement of:

• a supply grille in each bedroom;
• a suitable return-air system;
• the indoor unit in the corridor ceiling or in an adjacent space.

The result is much more discreet, and air distribution does not depend on leaving the doors open.

However, the combined heating load of the rooms must be verified. The available 12,000 BTU must correspond to the entire served area.

A capacity that modulates from 3,400 to 13,500 BTU in cooling mode

The Senville technical data sheet indicates a nominal cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, with a modulation range of 3,400 to 13,500 BTU/h.

This range is important for comfort.

During a relatively mild day, the system does not need to constantly produce 12,000 BTU. Inverter technology can reduce its output to better match demand.

This generally allows for longer, more consistent operating periods rather than a succession of starts and stops at full capacity.

In heating mode, the brochure indicates a nominal capacity of 12,500 BTU/h, with an operating range from 3,800 to 16,200 BTU/h.

20 SEER2, an EER2 of 12, and an HSPF2 of 10

The SENVILLE ducted system offers:

• SEER2: 20
• EER2: 12
• HSPF2 Region 4: 10
• HSPF2 Region 5: 8
• Nominal COP: 3.39 W/W.

For a homeowner comparing several ducted heat pumps in Montreal or Laval, SEER2 provides a good reference for seasonal cooling efficiency.

HSPF2 tells us more about seasonal heating performance.

The nominal COP of 3.39 means that, under the corresponding test condition, the system transfers approximately 3.39 units of thermal energy for each unit of electrical energy used by the heat pump cycle.

However, this COP should not be applied to all outdoor temperatures.

At -8 °C: approximately 9,600 BTU with a COP of 2.49

The AirGreen data provided for this configuration indicates:

At -8 °C:

• capacity: 9,600 BTU/h
• COP: 2,49

For a small ducted area, this capacity can still cover a significant portion of the heating load if the building envelope performs well.

In an older home or an area with a lot of glazing, the result may be different.

This is why we do not select a 12,000 BTU heat pump based solely on floor area.

At -15 °C: the AirGreen data indicates 11,800 BTU

The supplied AirGreen data sheet indicates 11,800 BTU/h at -15 °C.

This value is higher than the 9,600 BTU figure given at -8 °C. The attached brochure does not provide these two low-temperature performance points, so it does not allow this progression to be confirmed directly.

For an accurate heat-loss calculation or to compare this model with a competitor, we therefore recommend verifying the exact capacities at -8 °C and -15 °C using AHRI match 215735301 or the performance table corresponding to this revision.

This detail is particularly important when determining whether the heat pump can handle a zone’s load on its own for much of the winter.

Operation down to -30 °C

The Senville brochure clearly indicates heating operation down to -22 °F, or -30 °C, and presents the unit as a cold-climate heat pump.

The AirGreen data sheet gives, at this limit:

• 6,400 BTU/h
• COP: 1.28

This makes it immediately possible to understand the difference between two commonly confused concepts.

The system can operate down to -30 °C, but it does not necessarily produce 12,000 BTU at -30 °C.

Its capacity listed in the AirGreen data is therefore approximately 6,400 BTU/h.

For a small, well-insulated area, this may remain useful. For an area with heat losses greater than this capacity, supplemental heating will be necessary during the most severe cold spells.

Why the ducted format can improve comfort in several small rooms

One of this product’s main advantages is not found solely in its energy performance.

Its ability to distribute air to multiple locations.

A 12,000 BTU wall-mounted head can easily heat a large open area, but its air has difficulty passing through several closed doors.

With a ducted unit, we can divide the airflow among several grilles.

A configuration could, for example, include:

• two bedrooms, each with a grille;
• a small office and a bedroom;
• a primary bedroom with a better-positioned supply grille;
• a small residential area divided into several zones.

Duct sizing then becomes central.

The static pressure must be checked in the installation manual

The provided brochure gives the airflow, but the available excerpts do not specify the allowable external static pressure.

We therefore avoid inventing a value.

Before designing a duct system, you must check the applicable manual:

• available static pressure;
• fan speeds;
• ductwork limits;
• the permitted settings.

This is particularly important for a ducted heat pump installation, as an overly restrictive duct network could reduce the actual airflow at the grilles.

An indoor unit rated between 32.5 and 36 dB in the brochure

The brochure indicates:

• 36 dB at high speed
• 34.5 dB at medium speed
• 32.5 dB at low speed.

The AirGreen data provided, for its part, indicates 29,5 / 41 dB.

Since the two series do not correspond exactly and the brochure clearly presents the three H/M/L speeds, we recommend validating the final data for the exact matched system before publishing a single value.

In practice, the perceived noise from a ducted system also depends heavily on the ductwork and grilles.

A grille that is too small can create more aerodynamic noise than the unit itself.

Outdoor sound level: the brochure indicates 56 dB

Another discrepancy should be clearly noted.

The AirGreen sheet provided lists a value of “Sound (Ext) 575.0”, while the Senville documentation indicates 56 dB for the outdoor unit.

For the technical presentation of this product, the value of 56 dB is the one shown in the attached brochure. The website data should therefore be verified before final publication.

This type of validation is important for maintaining an accurate and consistent product listing.

AirGreen installation: ductwork, drainage, R-454B, and service access determine the outcome just as much as the heat pump itself

R-454B is confirmed in the documentation for this version

Unlike some older generations of heat pumps, the documentation provided for this ducted SENA clearly indicates R-454B.

Senville specifies that the system is precharged for up to 25 feet of piping and that the 50-foot kit requires an additional charge to be added on site by the installer.

The technical data sheet also indicates a refrigerant charge of 35.27 oz and confirms a 25 ft precharge.

On site, this means that the actual line length must be measured before commissioning.

1/4 in. – 3/8 in. piping

The AirGreen configuration indicates:

• 1/4 in. for the liquid line
• 3/8 in. for the gas line

These dimensions are consistent with a heat pump of this capacity.

When replacing a system, we do not automatically reuse old piping simply because it is already in the wall or ceiling.

We check:

• the diameter;
• the condition;
• the length;
• the type of previous refrigerant;
• the manufacturer’s requirements;
• the feasibility of compliant commissioning.

Compact outdoor unit: 31.69 × 12.99 × 21.81 inches

The brochure confirms outdoor dimensions of 31.69 × 12.99 × 21.81 in, with a weight of approximately 72.75 lb.

This format is well suited to urban environments.

In Montreal, Laval, or Longueuil, the side space may be limited by:

• a fence;
• a basement window;
• a passageway;
• a deck;
• the neighboring property.

A relatively compact unit offers more possibilities, but air clearances and service access must always be respected.

Drainage deserves as much attention as the air ducts

The ducted indoor unit produces condensation in cooling mode.

Since it is often hidden in the ceiling or a soffit, a leak may be much less visible at first than with a wall-mounted unit.

We therefore plan:

1. the drain route;
2. the slope;
3. the discharge point;
4. protection against backflow;
5. future access;
6. the possible need for a pump.

A system that is perfectly installed from a refrigeration standpoint can still become problematic if the drainage was improvised.

The return air must remain accessible

Another mistake is hiding the ducted unit so thoroughly that accessing the filter or appliance becomes difficult.

Instead, we seek a balance between discretion and serviceability.

The homeowner must be able to service the filter, and a technician must be able to access the unit without opening a large section of the ceiling for every service visit.

This question must be settled before the walls or soffit are closed.

Wired thermostat and Alexa compatibility indicated in the brochure

The technical documentation specifies:

• thermostat type: wired control
• Alexa: enabled.

The AirGreen specifications also mention optional Wi-Fi.

For a ducted system, a wall-mounted controller often makes particular sense since the indoor unit itself is hidden.

The thermostat then becomes the main point of interaction with the system.

ENERGY STAR and AHRI number 215735301

Senville indicates that the SENA-12HF/ID is ENERGY STAR-certified, with an efficiency rating of 20 SEER2 and operation down to -30 °C.

The AirGreen configuration specifies:

• AHRI: 215735301
• ENERGY STAR: 3630048

These references are important when a financial assistance program requires a specific equipment pairing.

Provincial rebate listed at $1,152

The AirGreen product sheet associates this configuration with a $1,152 provincial rebate.

As with any financial assistance, this amount must be considered according to the rules applicable to the actual project.

Eligibility may depend on:

• the building;
• the exact equipment combination;
• the AHRI number;
• the program in effect;
• the documents provided;
• the installation date and location.

At AirGreen, we recommend confirming these details before calculating the final net cost of the heat pump.

Warranty: a difference between the AirGreen product sheet and the brochure

The AirGreen product sheet indicates a 10-10-0 manufacturer’s warranty, with the possibility of an additional warranty.

The Senville brochure states:

• 10 years on the compressor
• 5 years on parts.

The technical sheet also repeats this 10-year compressor / 5-year parts coverage.

The documentation also specifies that professional installation is required to maintain the expected coverage and performance.

We therefore always confirm the exact conditions applicable to the product actually sold.

Built-in diagnostics and leak detection

Senville mentions the following features:

• automatic diagnostics
• leak detection
• maintenance alerts.

These features can help identify certain issues more quickly.

However, they do not replace a complete HVAC diagnosis.

A comfort issue may be caused by the refrigerant, but also by a dirty filter, a restrictive duct, a thermostat, a drain, or an improperly balanced system.

Why we particularly like ducted systems in certain renovations

A successful ducted installation can give the impression that there is practically no heating or cooling equipment in the room.

The customer mainly sees:

• the grilles;
• the thermostat;
• a stable temperature.

This is precisely the desired result in several renovations where aesthetics matter.

However, this discreet design requires more technical preparation.

We must coordinate the work with the ceiling structure, ductwork, drainage, and service access. The system becomes nearly invisible after the work is complete, but its installation must never be treated as an afterthought.

Who is the SENVILLE SENA 12,000 BTU ducted system particularly suitable for?

This configuration may be suitable for:

• a floor comprising several small rooms;
• a primary bedroom with a bathroom or adjacent space;
• a condo;
• an office;
• a basement suite;
• a small commercial area;
• a project where no wall-mounted head is desired.

It combines several interesting features:

• 12,000 BTU
• 20 SEER2
• HSPF2 of 10
• operation down to -30°C
• R-454B
• approximately 401 CFM
• an indoor unit only 7.87 inches high
• ENERGY STAR certification
• Optional Wi-Fi
• possibility of a financial incentive of 1 152 $, subject to eligibility.

When a wall-mounted unit may make more sense

A ducted system is not automatically preferable.

A wall-mounted unit may be a better choice when you want:

• a simpler installation;
• fewer ducts;
• immediate access to the filters;
• a direct drain;
• a lower installation cost;
• to condition a single large open room.

We recommend a ducted system when its architectural advantages and air distribution provide real value to the project.

Why choose AirGreen for a ducted installation

At AirGreen Climatisation & Chauffage, we approach this type of system as a true air distribution project.

We check:

• the 12,000 BTU capacity in relation to the load;
• the available 401 CFM;
• number of grilles;
• duct length;
• air returns;
• ceiling space;
• drainage;
• the R-454B piping;
• the electrical supply;
• access for maintenance;
• the outdoor unit;
• the control.

It is this coordination that allows a ducted heat pump in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or South Shore to deliver the desired comfort without creating a duct network that is too restrictive or difficult to maintain.

Request an AirGreen quote for the 12,000 BTU SENVILLE SENA Ducted

Are you considering a 12,000 BTU SENVILLE SENA R454B ducted heat pump for a bedroom, floor, condo, suite, or commercial space?

Contact AirGreen for a technical assessment. We can verify sizing, available space, duct distribution, drainage, electrical supply, refrigerant line routing, and eligibility for financial incentives.

We install and maintain ducted heat pumps in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore, South Shore, and in Montérégie, with particular attention to airflow, architectural integration, and winter operation.