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SpecACiQ Essentials 12,000 BTU 115V (R32)Senville Aura 12,000 BTU 230V
PhotoACiQ Essentials 12,000 BTU 115V (R32)Senville Aura 12,000 BTU 230V
Our scoreSCORE6.4 / 10SCORE7.5 / 10
Our takeSame heat as the 230V 12K, 8,800 Btu/h at 5°F per ACiQ, but it needs a 25 A 115V circuit. Pick the 230V version if your panel allows.The Senville to buy for real winters, keeping 96% of its rating at 5°F with heat published to -22°F. Budget a licensed installer, because the warranty requires one.
Nominal size12,000 BTU12,000 BTU
Voltage115V230V
Rated heat at 47°F12,000 BTU/h12,000 BTU/h
Heat at 17°F10,000 BTU/h12,000 BTU/hbest
Heat at 5°Fn/a11,500 BTU/h
Lowest heating temp-4°F-22°Fbest
Max heat at lowest temp7,200 BTU/hbest5,900 BTU/h
SEER22025.4best
HSPF2 (Region IV)1010.5best
Install typeFlareFlare
Line set in box16 ftn/a
Max line run49 ft82 ftbest
Warranty covers owner installNoNo
Warranty, parts4 yr5 yrbest
Warranty, compressor6 yr10 yrbest
ENERGY STAR Cold ClimateNoYes
ENERGY STARNoYes
RefrigerantR-32R-454B
Watch out forTwo Essentials 20 SEER2 lines exist: this R32 one (model numbers with -32-) and an R-454B one with different numbers; NEEP lists only the R-454B units. The 5°F and -4°F figures are ACiQ's own maximums from its submittal, not NEEP or AHRI ratings. Warranty is 3 yr parts / 5 yr compressor unregistered; 4 / 6 needs registration within 90 days, and the whole system must be installed and diagnosed by an EPA-certified technician. Sold on Amazon by HVACDirect Online.The Amazon Aura listings don't state refrigerant. The 12k listing (SENA-12HF-16) shows a 25.5 efficiency figure that matches the older R-410A Aura and a 2 yr parts / 7 yr compressor warranty field; confirm model and refrigerant before you pay. Current R-454B wall pairings are SENA-xxHF-OG + SENA-xxHF-IGG; older R-410A pairings end /OQ + /IQ. Senville's site lists higher HSPF2 and 47°F heat than the AHRI figures on NEEP; we use the certified numbers. Senville's FAQ says no to owner installs, and the warranty requires a licensed HVAC contractor.
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