SENVILLE AURA R454B Wall-Mounted Heat Pump | 18000 BTU | Montréal, South Shore & North Shore
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)
CFM (Airflow)
An 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump designed for the Quebec climate, with genuine modulation capacity
The SENVILLE AURA R454B 18,000 BTU stands out as an appealing wall-mounted heat pump for homeowners seeking good cooling capacity, low-temperature heating, modulation suited to variable loads, and integrated WiFi control. For a house, condo, open-concept floor, office, or medium-sized commercial space in Greater Montreal, this unit should primarily be evaluated based on three factors: the building’s actual heating load, its performance as outdoor temperatures drop, and the quality of its installation.
The configuration offered by AirGreen is identified by the models SENA/18HF/OQ for the outdoor unit and SENA/18HF/IQ for the indoor unit, with AHRI 207657629 and ENERGY STAR 2411855 identifiers. It uses R-454B refrigerant, includes WiFi, is certified as ENERGY STAR and ENERGY STAR Cold Climate, and can operate in heating mode down to -30 °C.
Senville’s documentation for the SENA-18HF lists a rated cooling capacity of 18,000 BTU/h, a rated heating capacity of 21,000 BTU/h, heating operation down to -30 °C, and the manufacturer’s recommendation for spaces of approximately 750 to 1,000 sq. ft. It also states that professional installation is required to maintain warranty coverage.
The technical specifications that really matter
To compare one 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump with another, it is not enough to look at the number of BTUs displayed on the box. The SENVILLE AURA has a modulating operating range that allows the compressor to reduce or increase its output according to demand.
According to the manufacturer’s technical documentation:
- Rated cooling capacity: 18,000 BTU/h
- Cooling range: 9,800 to 20,200 BTU/h
- Rated heating capacity: 21,000 BTU/h
- Heating range: 10,500 to 22,500 BTU/h
- SEER2: 21.4
- EER2: 12.5
- HSPF2 Region 4: 13.4
- HSPF2 Region 5: 9.2
- Rated COP: 3.35
- Power supply: 208/230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz
- Minimum circuit ampacity: 16 A
- Maximum protection: 20 A
These values provide a better understanding of the unit’s behavior over an entire season rather than focusing solely on its maximum output. The technical specifications also confirm the electrical power ranges in heating and cooling mode, which is useful when sizing the electrical circuit.
SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2: what they mean in Montreal
The SEER2 of 21.4 indicates strong seasonal cooling efficiency. In an area such as Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, or the North Shore, this rating is particularly relevant during periods when the unit operates several hours a day at partial load.
This is precisely where variable-speed technology becomes valuable. A properly sized heat pump should not operate solely by alternating between completely off and maximum output. It must be able to adjust its capacity to maintain a stable temperature.
For heating, the manufacturer publishes two HSPF2 ratings:
HSPF2 Region 4: 13.4
HSPF2 Region 5: 9.2
For a Quebec homeowner, the figure associated with a colder climate region is particularly useful when comparing units. It prevents choosing a heat pump solely on the basis of performance measured under milder conditions.
It is also important to distinguish the COP of 3.35 stated in the documentation from a COP measured at a specific outdoor temperature. A heat pump's performance changes with the outdoor temperature, compressor speed, and the building's actual demand.
An 18,000 BTU heat pump for 750 to 1,000 sq. ft.: an indication, not a sizing rule
Senville recommends this unit for approximately 750 to 1,000 sq. ft. This figure is a good starting point, but at AirGreen, we do not recommend choosing a heat pump solely by dividing a home's area by a number of BTUs.
Two 900 sq. ft. apartments can have completely different requirements.
A relatively recent 900 sq. ft. condo with few exterior walls may require much less heating than a Montreal duplex or triplex floor of the same size with:
- large windows;
- poorly insulated walls;
- a high ceiling;
- significant exposure to wind;
- several enclosed rooms;
- a top floor directly beneath the roof.
Conversely, installing an oversized unit is not automatically preferable. An oversized heat pump can quickly reach its setpoint without ensuring equally uniform air distribution in more distant areas.
In a common scenario we encounter when installing a wall-mounted heat pump in Montreal or on the South Shore, an open-concept space combining the living room, dining room, and kitchen generally allows better air circulation than a floor with four separate bedrooms. The layout of the home therefore becomes almost as important as its total area.
Heating down to -30 °C: this figure must be understood correctly
The ability to operate at -30 °C is one of the important features of the AURA series for our market.
However, two concepts must be distinguished:
minimum operating temperature and heating capacity available at that temperature.
Senville documentation confirms operation down to -30 °C, but the document provided does not give a precise BTU capacity at -30 °C. The AirGreen specifications, for their part, indicate:
- 15,000 BTU at -8 °C;
- 18,000 BTU at -15 °C;
- operation down to -30 °C.
We therefore avoid presenting the simple figure “-30 °C” as a guarantee that the unit will produce its rated 18,000 or 21,000 BTUs at that temperature. To determine whether a heat pump can be used as the primary heating source in a given property, the building's heat loss must be compared with the capacity actually available when the outdoor temperature drops.
This distinction is particularly important in Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, Boucherville, Terrebonne, Repentigny, and the North Shore, where periods of extreme cold can quickly reveal the limitations of an improperly sized unit.
Indoor operation as low as 27 dB(A)
For a wall-mounted unit installed in a living room, bedroom, home office, or condo, the indoor noise level is genuinely important.
The SENVILLE AURA 18,000 BTU offers four airflow levels listed in the brochure:
- 695 CFM in Turbo mode
- 550 CFM at high speed
- 410 CFM at medium speed
- 320 CFM at low speed
The corresponding sound pressure levels are:
- 49 dB(A) in Turbo mode
- 43.5 dB(A) at high speed
- 38.5 dB(A) at medium speed
- 27 dB(A) at low speed
The outdoor unit is rated at 59 dB(A), with a maximum airflow of 1,800 CFM. This data appears in the manufacturer's technical table.
The AirGreen specifications also indicate automatic control of the vertical and horizontal louvers. This feature is particularly useful with an 18,000 BTU unit, since the positioning of the airflow directly affects its ability to reach more distant areas of the room.
Indoor unit dimensions: a detail to check before choosing its location
The indoor unit measures:
40.55 in wide × 8.46 in deep × 13.39 in high
It weighs approximately 33.5 lb.
Therefore, a wall must provide enough space not only for the unit, but also for air circulation and maintenance access.
The outdoor unit measures:
33.27 × 14.29 × 27.64 in
for a weight of approximately 101.4 lb.
In an urban installation in Montréal, these dimensions may influence the choice of location: balcony, side wall, backyard, or ground mount. The location must also allow for future maintenance without unnecessarily dismantling architectural elements or piping protection.
Dehumidification and comfort during humid summers
The manufacturer indicates a moisture removal capacity of 2.2 L/h.
This point is relevant in Greater Montreal, where an acceptable indoor temperature may still feel uncomfortable when humidity is high.
A properly sized heat pump that runs for sufficiently long periods can help reduce humidity while maintaining a stable temperature. This is another reason why installing an excessively large unit simply to obtain “more BTUs” is not always the best strategy.
R-454B refrigerant and 1/4 in – 1/2 in piping
This generation of the SENVILLE AURA operates with R-454B.
The AirGreen product sheet indicates refrigerant piping of:
1/4 in – 1/2 in
Senville documentation indicates a refrigerant charge of 50.91 oz and specifies that the unit is precharged for a length of up to 25 ft. For some installations with a greater length, additional refrigerant must be added according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This detail quickly becomes important in a home where the indoor unit is installed on the second floor while the outdoor unit is at ground level.
A professional installation must therefore take the actual piping length into account rather than simply connecting two units and assuming that the factory charge will automatically be sufficient.
Electrical supply: 208/230 V, MCA 16 A, and maximum protection of 20 A
For this heat pump, the published electrical data are relatively clear:
208/230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz
MCA: 16 A
maximum protection: 20 A
specified communication wiring: 14/4 AWG
The machine’s operating current alone should not be used to select a circuit breaker. The MCA and MOP values provided by the manufacturer must guide circuit design along with the requirements applicable to the installation.
Before the work begins, we check the electrical route, the outdoor unit location, and the panel constraints, among other things, to avoid improvised modifications during commissioning.
WiFi, app, and Alexa control
The AirGreen product sheet indicates WiFi included, while Senville documentation also mentions Alexa compatibility and an Alexa USB Kit among the contents expected with the system.
The owner can therefore adjust the settings remotely, create operating schedules, and change the temperature from the compatible app.
This feature is particularly convenient in a home where the heat pump is used for heating over long periods. Rather than constantly changing the set temperature, consistent programming generally allows you to get more benefit from the compressor’s modulation.
The wireless remote control is also included.
Warranty: an important discrepancy between the AirGreen page and the Senville documentation
The AirGreen page for this configuration indicates a warranty of:
10 years compressor – 10 years parts – 0 years labor
The Senville documentation provided for the SENA-18HF states:
10 years on the compressor – 5 years on parts.
This difference may depend on the applicable warranty program, product registration, or commercial terms associated with the unit sold. For this reason, at AirGreen, we always recommend referring to the warranty stated on the quote and the conditions applicable at the time of purchase.
The manufacturer also states that professional installation is required to maintain warranty coverage. This is a point that should not be overlooked when purchasing a mini-split unit sold with an installation kit.
A LogisVert rebate listed at $1,800
The AirGreen product page currently lists a $1,800 LogisVert provincial rebate, with an update dated November 26, 2025.
Since programs, eligibility criteria, and amounts may change, we verify the applicable eligibility when preparing a quote.
For a homeowner in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, or the North Shore, this step can have a significant impact on the net cost of a new wall-mounted heat pump installation.
Why AirGreen installation matters as much as choosing the SENVILLE AURA
A heat pump with good technical specifications can deliver disappointing results if the choice of location, drainage, piping, or commissioning is poorly executed.
The mistakes we seek to avoid from the outset of project preparation
In our HVAC work in Greater Montreal, several problems can be prevented before installation even begins.
Choose 18,000 BTU solely based on floor area
The recommendation of 750 to 1,000 sq. ft. is useful, but it does not replace an analysis of the home’s layout.
We also assess the insulation, windows, exposure, number of rooms, and airflow.
Install the indoor unit in a location that blocks air distribution
A heat pump can be powerful enough on paper and still leave part of the home uncomfortable if its airflow hits a wall immediately or remains trapped in a room.
Automatic control of the vertical and horizontal louvers is useful, but it cannot compensate for a poor location.
Neglecting condensate drainage
The drainage must be planned with an adequate slope whenever the installation allows it.
A poorly designed route can lead to drainage problems, unwanted noise or service calls that could have been avoided.
Forgetting about winter conditions around the outdoor unit
In our climate, the location of the outdoor unit must account for snow, ice, defrosting and the access required for maintenance.
Installing the unit too low or in an area where defrost water cannot drain properly can create problems precisely when the heat pump is under the greatest demand.
Confusing “operates at -30°C” with “maintains its full capacity at -30°C”
This is probably one of the most common misinterpretations on heat pump specification sheets.
The minimum operating temperature is important information, but it must always be considered in relation to the available heating capacity at the outdoor temperature.
How we prepare a SENVILLE AURA 18,000 BTU installation
A well-planned installation generally includes several checks before startup:
- Assessment of the area to be heated and cooled to confirm that 18,000 BTU actually meets the need.
- Choosing the indoor location to promote good air distribution.
- Choosing the outdoor location while taking noise, access, snow and defrosting into account.
- Planning the routing of the refrigerant lines, drainage and wiring.
- Verification of the electrical supply according to the unit’s MCA and MOP ratings.
- Installation and preparation of the refrigerant circuit in accordance with professional practices.
- Commissioning and verification of operation in cooling and heating modes.
- Wi-Fi setup, when desired.
- Explanation of the main controls to the owner, including the modes, fan, louvers and programming.
This method is particularly useful when an installation must be integrated neatly into a façade, balcony, townhouse or Montreal plex where options for routing the piping are limited.
What type of property is this heat pump particularly suited to?
The SENVILLE AURA 18,000 BTU R454B can be a suitable option for:
- an open-plan floor of a house;
- a large living room combined with a kitchen and dining area;
- a medium- to large-sized condo;
- an apartment whose layout allows air to circulate;
- an office or small commercial space;
- a wall-mounted heat pump replacement requiring a capacity of around 18,000 BTU;
- a homeowner looking for an ENERGY STAR Cold Climate heat pump with WiFi control.
In a property consisting of several small rooms isolated from one another, a single 18,000 BTU wall-mounted unit is not necessarily the most efficient configuration. A different solution, sometimes involving multiple zones, may provide a better distribution of comfort.
Should another heating system be kept?
It depends on the building and its heat load.
Although the SENVILLE AURA can operate down to -30 °C, the decision to use a heat pump as the primary heating source should be based on the power actually required by the home on the coldest days.
In some properties, the existing electric heating remains useful as a backup system. In others, the heat pump can handle a much larger proportion of the annual heating needs.
Our goal is to size the system according to the building rather than present the minimum operating temperature as a universal heating guarantee.
Is this a heat pump suitable for a bedroom?
Its noise level can drop as low as 27 dB(A) at low speed, which is beneficial for installation in an environment where noise matters.
However, its width of approximately 40.55 in. and its 18,000 BTU capacity must be taken into account. For a small individual bedroom, this capacity could be far too high. For a large suite, an open floor, or several connected areas, the assessment is different.
Why choose AirGreen for installation in Montreal, Laval, or on the Shores?
We install and maintain HVAC heating and cooling systems throughout Greater Montreal. Our work involves more than simply mounting a unit on the wall: we aim to match the system’s capacity, location, and installation to the building’s actual constraints.
Whether your property is located in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Boucherville, on the South Shore, or on the North Shore, we can assess your space’s configuration, determine whether the SENVILLE AURA 18,000 BTU is suitable, and prepare a detailed installation proposal.
Contact AirGreen to get a quote, check eligibility for the applicable rebate, or compare the SENVILLE AURA 18,000 BTU with other wall-mounted heat pumps suited to Quebec’s climate. We can help you choose the right capacity before proceeding with the installation.