DURASTAR Sirius Heat Wall-Mounted Heat Pump | 12000 BTU - R454B

The Baseboard-Heated Living Room-Kitchen: the Natural Setting for 12,000 BTU

In homes and dwellings across Greater Montreal, the room that consumes the most energy in winter is almost always the same: the open-concept area combining the living room, kitchen, and dining room, heated by a series of electric baseboards. The DURASTAR Sirius Heat Wall-Mounted Heat Pump | 12,000 BTU - R454B is designed to take over in this type of space, with certified heating capacity that does not collapse when the cold arrives.

Its certified ratings are 24.0 SEER2, 13.2 EER2, and 10.5 HSPF2. The system is ENERGY STAR certified with the cold-climate designation, operates in heating mode down to -30 °C, and appears on Hydro-Québec's list with a $1,440 LogisVert grant.

Heating Capacity That Holds Up

• At -8 °C: 12,000 BTU/h, meaning the full rated capacity, with a COP of 2.44
• At -15 °C: 11,500 BTU/h, with a COP of 1.80
• At -30 °C: up to 5,900 BTU/h, with a COP of 1.25
• At 8 °C: from 3,800 to 16,000 BTU/h
• Cooling range: from 3,600 to 13,500 BTU/h

In other words, between 0 °C and -15 °C, the range in which most of a Montreal winter is concentrated, the unit delivers approximately its full rated capacity. These values come from AHRI 215359252, a certificate published by NEEP. The manufacturer's commercial sheet states 10,000 BTU/h at -8 °C; we rely on the certificate, which serves as Hydro-Québec's reference.

Replacing the Baseboards or Keeping Them as Backup

We rarely recommend removing the baseboards. The strategy that delivers the best results is to let the heat pump heat the open-concept area for most of the season, lower the baseboard thermostats by a few degrees, and let them take over only in closed bedrooms and during the coldest nights. At -8 °C, the heat pump then provides nearly two and a half times as much heat as a baseboard for the same amount of electricity.

To estimate the right size, we start with a simple rule, approximately 18,000 BTU/h per 1,000 square feet, and then adjust it based on ceiling height, window area, orientation, and the degree of openness between rooms. A 12,000 BTU unit is therefore suitable for most open-concept areas measuring 450 to 650 square feet. Beyond that, or when air must rise to another floor, the 18,000 BTU model becomes more appropriate.

The $1,440 LogisVert Grant

This system is registered with the LogisVert program and qualifies for assistance of $1,440 for owners of existing homes. It is identified by ENERGY STAR ID 3621148. The amount depends on the list in effect on the installation date, and enhanced assistance applies to certain multi-unit residential buildings. We confirm eligibility before signing, then provide the required documents: detailed invoice, indoor and outdoor model numbers, and proof of payment. For full details, see our page on the Hydro-Québec efficient heat pump grant.

Condo, Plex, or Townhouse: Checks Before Installation

The 12,000 BTU size is very common in condominiums and plexes. It is also where building-related constraints matter most.

Outdoor Unit Location

The condenser measures 31.69 x 12.99 x 21.81 inches, weighs 72.8 pounds, and produces 56 dB(A). Before discussing the unit itself, we need to determine where it can go: balcony, backyard, side wall, or flat roof. Several condominium associations strictly regulate visible equipment, and some Montreal boroughs restrict façade installations. We review these rules with you and prepare the technical information the association usually requests: dimensions, sound level, and mounting method.

Line Length

The refrigerant lines are 1/4 and 3/8 inch, precharged for 25 feet and approved for up to 82 feet, with a maximum elevation difference of 49 feet. This allowance makes it possible to place the outdoor unit on the rear balcony even if the living room faces the street. Beyond the precharge, 0.16 ounces of refrigerant is added per foot. Our installations remain fully exposed, with no opening in the interior wall.

Electrical Panel

Power supply: 208-230 V, MCA of 15 A, 15 A circuit breaker. In older buildings where the electrical service is already heavily loaded, this moderate requirement often makes the difference between a simple project and a costly upgrade.

Comfort in the Open-Concept Area

The indoor unit measures 31.57 x 7.87 x 11.61 inches and weighs 19.0 pounds. It operates between 20 and 40 dB(A) and moves up to 383 CFM in Turbo mode, enough to project air from one end of a typical open-concept area to the other. The vertical louver oscillates automatically, while the lateral direction is adjusted manually during commissioning according to the room's layout. Available functions include Follow Me, Active Clean, Sleep, Turbo, Silence, and ECO/GEAR, which reduces cooling consumption in stages. Wi-Fi is not built in; a DuraStar adapter module is available separately.

R-454B Refrigerant

R-454B is part of the new generation of A2L refrigerants, whose global warming potential is significantly lower than that of R-410A. These systems include a factory-installed leak detector, and their handling follows the safety rules specific to mildly flammable refrigerants.

Living Comfortably with the Unit

• White vapour outside in winter indicates a normal defrost cycle.
• A three-minute restart delay protects the compressor.
• Indoor filters cleaned every two weeks during the season preserve airflow and efficiency.
• Annual HVAC maintenance keeps the coils clean and the condensate drainage clear.

Why AirGreen

AirGreen is a family-owned Montreal company that installs and services heat pumps in Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, the South Shore, and Montérégie. We hold the RBQ licences required for the LogisVert program in ventilation, refrigeration, and electrical work, and we assist every customer with their grant application.

Request your free estimate for the DURASTAR Sirius Heat Wall-Mounted Heat Pump | 12,000 BTU - R454B. We will confirm your eligibility for LogisVert, assess your building's constraints, and provide you with a detailed quote.