YORK P Series Wall-Mounted Heat Pump 18 SEER | 36000 BTU

A high-capacity wall-mounted heat pump that requires careful sizing in Quebec

A 36,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump is not simply a larger version of a 12,000 or 18,000 BTU unit. At this capacity, the choice of location, the truly open floor area, air circulation, the building’s insulation level, and the thermal load become decisive. The YORK P Series 18 SEER, consisting of the DHP36NWB21S indoor unit and the DHP36CSB21S outdoor unit, belongs precisely to this category of systems designed to handle a large area with a single wall-mounted unit.

At AirGreen, when we analyze this type of unit for a property in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore, our primary concern is never to choose the largest possible BTU rating. Instead, we check whether this capacity can be distributed properly throughout the space. A 36,000 BTU heat pump installed in a large open-plan area can make perfect sense. The same unit placed in a hallway with the expectation of cooling four bedrooms behind closed doors will deliver a much less convincing result.

The YORK P Series is an inverter heat pump using R-410A, powered by 208/230 V, with a published efficiency of 18 SEER for this capacity. YORK’s 2020 documentation places the model in the P 18 SEER range and confirms the DHP36NWB21S/DHP36CSB21S pairing. It indicates a nominal cooling capacity of 33,600 BTU/h, a nominal heating capacity of 34,600 BTU/h, an EER of 8.2, a SEER of 18, and an HSPF of 9.

Why is the product called “36,000 BTU” when the stated nominal capacity is 33,600 BTU/h?

This is an important technical detail that is often misunderstood.

The 36,000 BTU in the commercial name refers to the system’s capacity class. However, the YORK technical specifications state a nominal cooling capacity of 33,600 BTU/h. Thanks to its inverter compressor, the unit does not operate continuously at this fixed value: its published cooling capacity varies approximately from 7,404 to 35,997 BTU/h.

In heating mode, the published rated capacity is 34,600 BTU/h, with a stated modulation range of 14,979 to 35,997 BTU/h under the conditions described by the manufacturer.

This modulation is much more advantageous than operation that is exclusively on/off. Once the desired temperature is approached, the compressor can reduce its speed rather than stopping abruptly and restarting a few minutes later. In a properly sized large room, this generally provides a more stable temperature and limits comfort fluctuations.

The key technical data to know before installation

For the DHP36NWB21S / DHP36CSB21S pairing, the relevant data includes:

• Capacity class: 36,000 BTU
• Rated cooling capacity: 33,600 BTU/h
• Cooling range: 7,404 to 35,997 BTU/h
• Rated heating capacity: 34,600 BTU/h
• Published heating range: 14,979 to 35,997 BTU/h
• SEER: 18
• HSPF: 9
• EER: 8.2
• Refrigerant: R-410A
• Power supply: 208/230 V, single-phase, 60 Hz
• MCA: 24 A
• MOCP/MOP: 40 A
• Refrigerant piping: 1/4 in liquid and 5/8 in gas
• Maximum total piping length: 98.5 ft / 30 m
• Maximum elevation difference: 33 ft / 10 m
• Indoor unit: approximately 53 × 13 × 10 in
• Outdoor unit: approximately 39 × 31 × 17 in
• Indoor sound pressure: 37 to 54 dB(A), depending on the speed
• Outdoor sound pressure: 65 dB(A)
• Wi-Fi: available with CS532AH adapter
• DRCPX wireless remote control: standard
• Automatic vertical and horizontal louver control
• Heating operating range: down to -20 °C according to the manufacturer's documentation

The dimensions, airflow rates, sound levels, refrigerant connections, and piping limits are detailed in the YORK documentation for the 36,000 BTU model.

High airflow: an advantage in a large room, a constraint in a small space

The DHP36NWB21S indoor unit is wide: approximately 53 inches. It is not a unit we install above a small window without carefully checking the clearances and room geometry.

The published maximum airflow reaches approximately 736 CFM. The other levels are approximately 647, 530, and 412 CFM. Indoor sound levels range from 37 dB(A) at low speed to 54 dB(A) at high speed.

These figures explain why placement matters so much. In a large living room with a high ceiling, a store, an open-plan space, or a large kitchen-dining-living area, this volume of air can help project conditioned air over a significant distance. Conversely, in a room that is far too small, occupants may feel the air movement more strongly and experience operating cycles that do not match the intended use.

We therefore favor a wall that allows the unit to blow along the length of the area rather than directly toward a sofa, bed, work table, or an area where occupants remain stationary for several hours.

Automatic vertical and horizontal louvers: a particularly useful detail at 36,000 BTU

The P Series includes airflow direction control with automatic vertical and horizontal swing, referred to in the documentation as “3D Auto Swing.” YORK also indicates up/down and left/right swing functions, as well as angular positioning.

On a small heat pump, louver direction already improves comfort. On a unit with this capacity, it becomes even more important.

In cooling mode, we generally seek to take advantage of the natural circulation of cool air without directing a concentrated stream straight at occupants. In heating mode, the direction can be adjusted to push warm air more effectively toward the occupied area. Horizontal swing also helps distribute airflow over a wider area when a single wall-mounted head serves a large room.

Down to -20 °C in heating mode: what this figure actually means

The documentation indicates a heating operating range of -20 °C to 24 °C for model DHP36CSB21S.

However, a common mistake must be avoided: a minimum operating temperature is not the same thing as a capacity guaranteed at that temperature.

The manufacturer confirms that the unit can operate down to -20 °C, but the supplied table does not provide a specific certified capacity for this model at -8 °C or -15 °C. We therefore would not present this heat pump as though it automatically delivered its nominal 34,600 BTU at -20 °C.

This is particularly important in Greater Montreal. A residence that intends to use a heat pump as its primary heating source must be assessed differently from a building where the unit supplements electric baseboard heaters, a furnace, or another heating system.

The YORK P Series can provide heating in cold weather, but it should not be confused with a modern heat pump specifically certified as ENERGY STAR cold climate with detailed capacity tables at very low temperatures.

The AirGreen product sheet provided for this model also identifies it as not ENERGY STAR and not ENERGY STAR Cold Climate. It currently lists no provincial LogisVert grant associated with the product. For a new project where the primary objective is to maximize grants and performance below -20 °C, we normally compare this option with newer cold-climate heat pumps before making a final recommendation.

Beware of the old SEER ratings and the new SEER2 ratings

This heat pump comes from a generation documented by YORK in 2020. The manufacturer therefore presents its performance according to the SEER, HSPF, and EER ratings used in that documentation: 18 SEER, 9 HSPF, and 8.2 EER for the 36,000 BTU model.

An SEER of 18 should not automatically be converted to “SEER2 18.” The testing methods are not identical.

For this reason, when we present this YORK P Series, we prefer to retain the manufacturer’s published values rather than create an approximate conversion. This approach avoids incorrectly comparing an older-generation heat pump with a newer unit whose certification is already expressed entirely in SEER2 and HSPF2.

1/4 in. - 5/8 in. refrigerant fittings: to be checked before replacement

The DHP36NWB21S/DHP36CSB21S combination uses 1/4 in. liquid and 5/8 in. gas piping. YORK allows a maximum total length of approximately 98.5 feet, with a maximum elevation difference of 33 feet.

This information is particularly important when replacing an older heat pump.

It is tempting to automatically keep the existing piping because it already passes through several walls, a finished ceiling, or a difficult-to-access area. We never take this compatibility for granted simply because the two systems appear to have similar capacity.

We check the actual diameter of both lines, their condition, length, insulation, installation method, and compatibility with the new equipment. An incorrect diameter can affect oil return, pressures, compressor operation, and the system’s overall reliability.

The electrical circuit must be designed for 24 A MCA and a maximum of 40 A

The manufacturer specifies for the DHP36CSB21S a minimum circuit ampacity of 24 A and maximum overcurrent protection of 40 A.

This does not simply mean finding an empty space in the electrical panel.

Before an AirGreen installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Boucherville, Terrebonne, Repentigny, Blainville, Saint-Eustache, Brossard, or elsewhere on the South Shore and North Shore, we must consider the panel capacity, dedicated circuit, wiring gauge, disconnecting means near the outdoor unit, and the electrical requirements applicable to the job.

For a 36,000 BTU heat pump, this check should be part of the initial planning, especially in an older property that still has a panel with limited capacity.

Optional Wi-Fi, wireless remote included

The DRCPX wireless remote is included as the standard controller with the P Series. Wi-Fi control is possible, but it requires the CS532AH adapter. The YORK brochure states that the EWPE Smart app can be used with the P Series when this adapter is installed.

This is an important distinction: Wi-Fi is not built into this version by default.

For a homeowner who mainly wants to adjust the setpoint, mode, fan speed, and louver direction from the room, the standard remote covers the essential functions. For a cottage, apartment, business, or simply for remote control from a phone, the Wi-Fi adapter may be useful.

What we check at AirGreen before recommending a YORK P Series 36,000 BTU

High capacity does not replace proper air distribution

One of the scenarios we regularly need to correct in HVAC is an oversized unit selected in the hope of “pushing” air into several enclosed rooms.

A wall-mounted heat pump primarily heats and cools the space where its indoor unit is installed. A 36,000 BTU model can move more air than a small unit, but it does not turn a house with separate rooms into a central system.

Let’s take a typical layout: a large ground floor comprising a kitchen, dining room, and living room with no major walls between the areas. A properly positioned large wall-mounted unit can be highly effective there because its airflow can circulate freely.

Now, let’s place the same heat pump in a hallway with three enclosed bedrooms and a bathroom. Even with 36,000 BTUs available, the doors and partitions become the real obstacles. Adding capacity does not properly solve the distribution problem.

In this second case, we may recommend a different configuration: multiple zones, a multi-zone heat pump, a ducted system, or another solution better suited to the building.

A 53-inch indoor unit requires a proper installation plan

The size of the indoor evaporator should be checked even before choosing its final position. At approximately 53 inches wide, sufficient space must be provided for mounting, connections, maintenance, and airflow.

We also assess the condensate drain route. A drain installed with an improper slope can cause drainage problems, noise, leaks, or an unnecessary need for a condensate pump.

Outside, the 39 × 31 × 17 inch unit must be installed with sufficient clearance around the heat exchanger and fan. Its published sound pressure level is 65 dB(A), which also warrants considering its position relative to bedrooms, patios, windows, and neighboring properties.

Warranty: why system registration matters

The AirGreen listing indicates a warranty of 10 years on the compressor, 10 years on parts, and 0 years on labor for this product.

YORK documentation explains the warranty mechanism for this generation more precisely: the published standard coverage was 7 years on the compressor and 5 years on parts, while eligible system registration allowed an upgrade to extended protection of 10 years on the compressor and 10 years on parts. The manufacturer also mentioned a separate labor coverage option.

That is why we recommend always validating the product registration, serial number, and applicable terms at the time of installation rather than simply keeping the invoice in a file.

Who is this heat pump best suited for?

The YORK P Series 18 SEER 36,000 BTU is primarily suitable when a very large open area requires substantial capacity and a single wall-mounted unit is a logical solution.

It may be suitable for a large open-concept ground floor, certain lofts, light commercial spaces, large family rooms, or properties where air conditioning is a major priority and supplemental heating already exists.

We would be much more cautious if the project required a primary heat pump for Quebec’s extreme cold, eligibility for cold-climate subsidy programs, or efficiency comparable to the best current-generation units.

This distinction is part of an HVAC contractor’s role: not recommending a product solely because its rated capacity appears sufficient.

Installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore

At AirGreen Air Conditioning & Heating, we can verify on-site whether this YORK heat pump truly matches the building, the thermal load, and the intended use.

We examine the actual area served, insulation, sun exposure, number of windows, ceiling height, airflow between rooms, electrical panel, refrigerant line routing, drainage, and the location of the outdoor unit, among other factors.

This assessment also determines whether a 36,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump is preferable to two smaller units, a multi-zone system, or a central or ducted solution.

For homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, the North Shore, and Montérégie, this comparison is often more important than the difference between two technical specifications. A high-performance unit can only deliver its full performance when properly sized and installed.

Request an AirGreen quote

To obtain the price of the YORK P Series 18 SEER Wall-Mounted Heat Pump | 36000 BTU, check its availability, or confirm whether the DHP36NWB21S / DHP36CSB21S model is suitable for your property, contact AirGreen Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning & Heating.

We can compare this YORK with other wall-mounted solutions and recommend a configuration suited to your building rather than a capacity chosen solely based on the number of square feet.

Phone: 514-316-2973
Email: sales@airgreen.ca