Ducted Heat Pump SENVILLE SENA R454B | 24000 BTU

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• Federal Rebate:
• Provincial Rebate: 2592$
• Energy Star®: Oui
• WiFi: En Option
• AHRI: 215735303
• Efficiency: 19.0 SEER
• Warranty (Compressor - Parts - Labor): 10-10-0
• Additional Warranty (10-10-10): Possible
• Voltage: 220V
• Sound Pressure Level (Outdoor): 55.0 dB(A)
• Gas (Freon): R-454B

A 24,000 BTU ducted system to provide the comfort of a heat pump without a wall-mounted unit visible in the rooms

The SENVILLE SENA R454B 24,000 BTU ducted heat pump is suited to a very different type of project than a conventional wall-mounted heat pump. The indoor unit is concealed in a ceiling, inter-ceiling space, mechanical room, or another technical area, and heated or cooled air is then distributed through short ducts and grilles.

For many homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore, this configuration offers an obvious advantage: it keeps the walls clear and provides a much more discreet interior appearance, while still benefiting from an inverter heat pump capable of cooling and heating several rooms.

The combination presented by AirGreen includes:

• outdoor unit: SENA-24HF-OG;
• indoor unit: SENA-24HF-IDG;
• AHRI: 215735303;
• cooling capacity of 24,000 BTU;
• R-454B refrigerant;
• SEER2: 19.0;
• EER2: 12.0;
• HSPF2: 11.7;
• ENERGY STAR certification;
• Cold Climate qualification;
• heating operation down to -30 °C;
• WiFi available as an option;
• 220 V power supply;
• 3/8 in – 5/8 in piping;
• provincial rebate displayed at 2 592 $.

The Senville brochure specifically describes the SENA-24HF/ID as a 24,000 BTU ducted system without traditional central ducts and with a heat pump, ENERGY STAR certified and designed to operate in heating mode down to -30 °C.

A ducted unit is not a traditional central system

The term ducted can be confusing.

We are not necessarily referring here to a central system serving an entire large house with dozens of meters of ductwork. This type of unit is instead designed to be connected to a relatively compact, carefully sized duct network.

The SENA-24HF-ID indoor unit measures approximately 39.37 in × 29.53 in × 9.65 in. Its low height allows it to be integrated into certain ceilings or confined spaces where a furnace or vertical central unit would be far too large.

This configuration is particularly interesting for:

• serve two or three adjacent bedrooms;
• cool an entire floor;
• serve an apartment or condo;
• completely conceal the indoor equipment;
• power several grilles with a single unit;
• avoid several visible wall-mounted heads.

The brochure also contains a verified user review describing a 24,000 BTU installation used to heat and cool three rooms, with temperature adjustments made through the dampers. The same review also notes that the installation requires more work, including fabricating plenums and suspending the components.

This is exactly the trade-off of a ducted system: more design and installation work, but a much more discreet final result.

Rated capacity of 24,000 BTU, but much wider modulation

The Senville technical table indicates:

• rated cooling: 24,000 BTU/h;
• cooling range: 5,000 to 28,000 BTU/h;
• rated heating: 26,000 BTU/h;
• heating range: 7,300 to 31,400 BTU/h.

These data are important because an inverter system does not operate constantly at maximum capacity.

As the rooms approach the requested temperature, the compressor can reduce its output. When the load increases, it can ramp up and provide more than the rated capacity under certain conditions.

This modulation helps maintain more stable temperatures and avoids the pronounced “on-off” behavior of many older systems.

SEER2 19 and HSPF2 11.7: consistent efficiency for a ducted system

The official documentation states:

The SEER2 of 19 is appealing for a ducted heat pump. However, this figure should not be compared too directly with that of a small wall-mounted unit, which may sometimes have a much higher SEER2.

In a ducted system, the fan must push air through ducts, transitions, grilles and possibly several branches. Overall performance therefore also depends greatly on the quality of the air-distribution network.

854 CFM: the ductwork becomes a component of the system

The advertised maximum indoor airflow is 853.5 CFM, or approximately 854 CFM. The other listed levels are approximately 706.3, 618 and 500.3 CFM.

These data are central to the design.

A 24,000 BTU ducted unit should not be connected to a few small ducts chosen solely because they fit easily into the ceiling.

At AirGreen, we must check:

• the duct cross-section;
• the length of the runs;
• the number of elbows;
• the size of the grilles;
• return air;
• static pressure;
• balancing between the rooms.

A duct that is too small can create noise and reduce airflow. A duct that is too large or improperly balanced can send too much air into one room and not enough into another.

The ducted system allows the rooms to be adjusted with dampers, but it does not create multiple independent thermostats.

This is a very important nuance.

If a single ducted unit serves three bedrooms, we can balance the airflow using dampers and ductwork design. But this does not automatically turn the system into a true independent multi-zone heat pump.

There is generally only one main control logic.

We can therefore adjust the amount of air sent to each room, but the three rooms do not become three completely independent systems.

For a homeowner who requires 19 °C in one bedroom, 23 °C in another, and 21 °C in a third, with completely independent control, a multizone system with separate units may be more appropriate.

A wired wall controller rather than a simple infrared remote

The brochure indicates wired control for this ducted unit.

This makes sense for a unit hidden above a ceiling or in a utility space.

The wall controller must be placed in an area representative of the overall temperature served by the system, away from:

• of a very sunny window;
• of an exterior door;
• of a draft;
• of a heat source;
• of a supply grille.

The AirGreen specifications also indicate that WiFi can be added as an option.

Heating down to -30 °C: the actual capacity remains the figure to watch

The heat pump is advertised as Cold Climate, and the brochure confirms a minimum outdoor heating temperature of -30 °C.

The AirGreen specifications provide additional data:

• approximately 21,600 BTU/h at -8 °C;
• approximately 24,000 BTU/h at -15 °C;
• approximately 10,200 BTU/h at -30 °C.

It also indicates a COP of approximately:

• 2.71 at -8 °C;
• 1.28 at -30 °C.

These figures show why the “-30 °C” rating must always be interpreted with caution.

At -15 °C, the capacity remains very good. At -30 °C, it drops significantly.

At the same time, the building’s heat loss increases.

For an installation in a Montreal, Laval, or Longueuil home, we must therefore determine whether the ducted system should be the zone’s primary heating source or whether it will be supported by baseboards or another source during the coldest periods.

Designing and installing a SENVILLE ducted system: the invisible details are what determine the outcome

The ducted unit is discreet after installation, but a great deal of work is hidden above the ceiling

A successful installation may leave only a few visible grilles in the rooms.

Behind this apparent simplicity, we must plan for:

1. the unit’s position;
2. the supply plenum;
3. return air;
4. the ducts;
5. the supports;
6. drainage;
7. the refrigerant lines;
8. the controller;
9. the service access.

The customer comment featured in the brochure is particularly revealing: it describes the installation as lengthy, notably because of fabricating the plenums and suspending the components, but describes the final result as excellent.

An interior height of only 9.65 in, but the required space is greater

The unit itself is 9.65 in. high.

This does not mean that 10 inches of clearance will always be sufficient.

The following must also be planned:

• the fittings;
• the insulation;
• the drain;
• the plenum;
• the suspension;
• access to the panels.

We therefore check the available height before promising that a system can be completely concealed.

The air return must not be overlooked

With a wall-mounted unit, air returns directly to the appliance through its filter.

With a ducted unit, a properly sized air return must be created.

An undersized return can cause:

• a whistling sound;
• excessive static pressure;
• a reduction in airflow;
• an increase in noise;
• a loss of performance.

In some projects, the available space for the return is more difficult to find than the space for the supply.

Indoor sound levels can drop to 29.5 dB(A)

The brochure indicates indoor sound levels of approximately:

• 40 dB(A);
• 37 dB(A);
• 35 dB(A);
• up to 29.5 dB(A) at low speed.

This can result in a very quiet system, especially when the unit is properly isolated from the building and located outside the main room.

Poor mounting or improperly sized ducts can nevertheless transmit noise and vibrations. Installation quality is therefore decisive.

Approximately 2.03 L/h of dehumidification

The brochure indicates a moisture removal capacity of approximately 2.03 liters per hour.

During a humid summer in Greater Montreal, this function directly contributes to comfort.

It also means that the drain must be able to discharge a significant amount of water during long operating periods.

Drainage must remain accessible

A concealed ducted unit in a ceiling can become problematic if the drain was installed without future access.

We therefore aim to plan a solution that will allow the technician to inspect or clean:

• the pan;
• the outlet;
• the fittings;
• the drain route.

A leak above a finished ceiling can be much more costly than a visible leak beneath a wall-mounted unit.

R-454B and 25-foot precharge

The documentation indicates a charge of approximately 63.49 oz of R-454B and a precharge for approximately 25 feet of piping.

Senville also specifies that a 50-foot line set requires refrigerant to be added on site.

The AirGreen data sheet indicates the diameters:

• 3/8 in. liquid;
• 5/8 in. gas.

At 24,000 BTU, these dimensions are larger than those used on several small wall-mounted heat pumps.

R-454B: why professional installation is even more important

The R-454B belongs to the A2L refrigerant family.

Commissioning must therefore be carried out using appropriate procedures and tools.

A professional installation includes, among other things:

• properly prepared connections;
• leak testing;
• vacuuming;
• proper charge;
• temperature and operation verification.

The brochure also specifies that professional installation is necessary to maintain the warranty and the expected performance.

Outdoor unit: dimensions and sound level

The outdoor unit measures approximately:

37.24 × 16.14 × 31.89 in

and weighs approximately 130.29 lb.

The brochure also indicates a maximum outdoor airflow of approximately 2,236.7 CFM and a sound level of 61.5 dB(A).

The AirGreen sheet currently mentions 55 dB(A) for the outdoor sound level. Since this value differs from the attached technical brochure, we recommend confirming the applicable value for the exact combination SENA-24HF-OG + SENA-24HF-IDG before comparing this model’s noise level with another unit.

A discrepancy requiring verification regarding MCA and MOP

The AirGreen sheet provided currently indicates:

• MCA: 15 A
• MOP: 15 A

The technical brochure for the SENA-24HF-ID model nevertheless indicates:

• Minimum Circuit Ampacity: 25 A
• Maximum Fuse: 25 A

This difference is too significant to ignore.

Before an HVAC installation, we must confirm the nameplate data of the units and the electrical requirements corresponding exactly to the AHRI combination. The circuit must never be sized solely based on contradictory commercial data.

14/4 AWG interconnection wire

The brochure indicates connection wiring 14/4 AWG between the components.

This indication concerns the interconnection planned by the manufacturer and does not replace a complete verification of the electrical supply circuit.

ENERGY STAR and a provincial subsidy of $2,592

The AirGreen combination is listed as:

• ENERGY STAR: yes;
• Cold Climate: yes;
• ENERGY STAR ID 3630050;
• provincial subsidy: 2 592 $.

The brochure confirms ENERGY STAR certification and heating down to -30 °C.

Eligibility for and the amount of a subsidy must always be verified at the time of quotation using the exact combination and the current program rules.

Warranty: another detail to be confirmed

The AirGreen sheet states:

10 years compressor – 10 years parts – 0 years labor, with the possibility of an additional warranty.

The Senville brochure currently states:

10 years on the compressor and 5 years on parts.

The technical table also states 10 years compressor / 5 years parts.

The coverage applicable to the product actually sold must therefore be confirmed at the time of ordering.

Ducted or several wall-mounted units: how we make the choice

A ducted system has several advantages:

• invisible indoor equipment;
• a single indoor unit;
• several possible grilles;
• good architectural integration;
• quiet operation;
• completely unobstructed walls.

But it requires:

• ducts;
• plenums;
• a return-air path;
• technical space;
• more design work;
• well-planned maintenance access.

Several wall-mounted units are generally easier to install and allow truly independent room control, but they remain visible.

The choice therefore depends as much on the building as on the equipment.

A scenario particularly well suited to this 24,000 BTU SENVILLE unit

Consider a floor with three bedrooms close together and a hallway.

The homeowner does not want three wall-mounted heads.

If the ceiling space allows the ducted unit to be installed and three short, properly sized branches to be created, the SENA-24HF-ID can be a very clean solution.

We can then adjust the dampers to balance the airflow according to each room’s load.

Conversely, if the rooms are very far apart and the ducts become long, winding, and difficult to balance, another solution may be preferable.

Why choose AirGreen for a ducted system

A ducted heat pump requires more design work than a wall-mounted unit.

At AirGreen, we assess:

• the heating load;
• the location of the concealed unit;
• the ductwork network;
• grilles;
• return air;
• static pressure;
• drainage;
• electricity;
• the refrigerant circuit;
• accessibility;
• low-temperature heating;
• the rebate.

We carry out ducted heat pump installations in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, the North Shore, and Montérégie, both for renovations and for projects where interior aesthetics require the HVAC components to be concealed.

Our assessment of the SENVILLE SENA R454B 24,000 BTU ducted heat pump

This combination has several particularly interesting features:

• 24,000 BTU cooling capacity;
• 26,000 BTU nominal heating capacity according to the brochure;
• capacity modulation up to 28,000 BTU in cooling mode;
• capacity modulation up to 31,400 BTU in heating mode;
• SEER2 19;
• EER2 12;
• HSPF2-4 11.7;
• heating down to -30°C;
• ENERGY STAR;
• Cold Climate;
• R-454B;
• maximium airflow of approximately 854 CFM;
• indoor sound level as low as 29.5 dB(A);
• indoor unit only 9.65 in. high;
• WiFi available as an option;
• wired wall controller.

Its main advantage, however, is architectural: it delivers the performance of an inverter heat pump without displaying a large indoor unit on every wall.

For a quote on a SENVILLE SENA R454B 24,000 BTU ducted heat pump, contact AirGreen. We can check the available space, size the ductwork, confirm heating requirements, verify electrical requirements, and check the applicable financial assistance for your project in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore.