Wall-Mounted Heat Pump ARCOAIRE Deluxe | 18,000 BTU - R454B

The main heat source for a large open area, even in the heart of winter

For many owners, the real question is not whether a heat pump cools well, but whether it still heats when the thermometer plunges. The Wall-Mounted Heat Pump ARCOAIRE Deluxe | 18,000 BTU - R454B answers with certified figures at every stage of winter, from the ordinary cold day down to -30 °C. It is aimed at those who want the heat pump to carry the heating of the open area, and the baseboards to be almost unused.

Its certified ratings are 24.5 SEER2, 14.0 EER2 and 15.2 HSPF2. The system is ENERGY STAR certified with the cold-climate designation under ENERGY STAR ID 3624487. It runs on R-454B refrigerant and qualifies for a $2,316 LogisVert grant.

A Quebec winter in three temperatures

This pairing's certificate publishes three heating points: -8 °C (17 °F), a typical cold day in December or March; -15 °C (5 °F), real January cold; and -30 °C (-22 °F), the harshest nights of winter. Looking at these three points together, rather than the nominal capacity alone, tells you what the heat pump will actually do in your home. Each point is measured separately; we report each one as published.

At -8 °C: a COP of 3.01

The certificate lists 19,300 BTU/h at -8 °C, about 107% of nominal capacity, with a COP of 3.01. In other words, on an ordinary cold day, the heat pump delivers a little more than its nominal capacity, and more than three units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed. An electric baseboard delivers one. It is at these temperatures that a large part of the heating season plays out.

At -15 °C: more heat than the nominal capacity

The certificate lists 22,600 BTU/h at -15 °C, about 126% of nominal capacity, with a COP of 2.34. The -15 °C value is higher than the -8 °C value: the variable-speed compressor speeds up as the cold deepens, instead of topping out just when the house needs it most. For a well-insulated open area, this is what lets the heat pump remain the main heat source in the middle of January.

At -30 °C: still 11,900 BTU/h

The certificate also publishes the maximum capacity at -30 °C: 11,900 BTU/h, about 66% of nominal capacity, with a COP of 1.45. Even on the coldest nights, the heat pump keeps heating and still delivers more heat than it consumes in electricity. Depending on insulation, a baseboard or other backup set a few degrees below the set point can top up during those few hours. The ENERGY STAR cold-climate designation confirms that the pairing was evaluated for this climate.

What the 15.2 HSPF2 sums up

The measurement points describe specific moments; the HSPF2 rating sums up heating efficiency over a whole season. It is the most useful rating for estimating a heat pump's effect on the winter bill in Quebec.

• HSPF2 of 15.2: seasonal heating efficiency. The higher it is, the less each winter month costs in electricity.
• SEER2 of 24.5: seasonal cooling efficiency.
• EER2 of 14.0: cooling efficiency on a hot day.
• COP of 3.01 at -8 °C, 2.34 at -15 °C and 1.45 at -30 °C: heat delivered per unit of electricity at each measured point.

These figures come from certificate AHRI 215413214, published by NEEP.

Which spaces it suits

A nominal capacity of 18,000 BTU/h typically suits a large open kitchen-dining-living area, on the ground floor of a cottage, a semi-detached house or a large condo. Because capacity in deep cold is high, there is no need to oversize to get through winter: a properly sized unit runs longer at low speed, which improves comfort, summer dehumidification and efficiency.

A single head does not heat closed bedrooms or the upper floor. Some heat rises through an open staircase, but rooms whose doors stay closed keep their own heating or get their own heads. We discuss this during the visit, floor plan in hand.

Summer, without thinking about it

In cooling mode, the nominal capacity is 18,000 BTU/h. The 14.0 EER2 rating measures efficiency at the hottest time of day, and the SEER2 rating of 24.5 sums up the full season. At low speed, the indoor coil condenses moisture from the air, which drains away: continuous dehumidification keeps the open area comfortable at a reasonable set point.

The $2,316 LogisVert grant

The system is listed in Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program, with $2,316 for the owner of an existing home, according to the list in effect on the installation date. We confirm eligibility before signing and prepare the detailed invoice, model numbers and proof of payment. Our page on the efficient heat pump grant summarizes the program's conditions.

Installation, step by step

An outdoor unit ready for winter

A heat pump that heats at -30 °C must be able to run all winter without being smothered by snow. The outdoor unit goes on a ground or wall stand, above the snow line, sheltered from snow and ice sliding off roofs, and away from bedroom windows, including the neighbours'. In cold, humid weather, frost forms on the outdoor coil; the heat pump then starts a short defrost cycle, and the meltwater must be able to drain without forming ice on a walkway or a front step. We take this into account when choosing the location.

R-454B is the new-generation refrigerant, with a much lower global warming potential than the previous one. Classified A2L, it requires precise installation methods, which we apply on every job.

Wall head, lines, electrical and commissioning

The visit includes a load calculation and the choice of the wall for the head, up high, from which the airflow can cross the open area lengthwise. The head is secured to the framing with a drainage slope for condensate. The refrigerant lines, the cable and the drain go through a single sealed opening, and a line cover can finish the run. The system needs a dedicated circuit: we check the panel capacity during the visit. At commissioning, the circuit is evacuated and checked for tightness, then we test heating, cooling and the drain, and set the backups.

Maintenance and warranty

Rinse the indoor filters every two weeks in season, keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and leaves, and plan annual HVAC maintenance of the coils, drain and electrical connections. A clean outdoor coil defrosts more efficiently. In winter, white vapour during defrost and a short pause in heating are normal. Our cleaning service takes over when you prefer to hand off the annual visit.

Warranty: 10 years on the compressor, 10 years on parts and 6 years on labor.

AirGreen, for the life of the installation

A family business active for more than fifteen years in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and the South Shore, we hold RBQ licences for ventilation, refrigeration and electrical work and carry $5,000,000 in liability insurance. The in-home assessment is free, the quote is in writing, and our financing options let you choose the right unit rather than the cheapest one.

Request your free estimate for the Wall-Mounted Heat Pump ARCOAIRE Deluxe | 18,000 BTU - R454B. We assess your open area and confirm the right size and your grant eligibility before signing.