X-Pro 35,000 BTU 2 Zone Ceiling Cassette Mini Split Heat Pump, 22.5 SEER2, 18K + 18K

A wall head throws air in one direction, which is awkward in a square room or an open office. One end sits in the draught and the far corner never changes. Wall space is often spoken for as well, by windows, shelving or a mounted screen.

These two indoor units drop into the ceiling instead and push air out on all four sides, with 8 way 360 degree airflow. Each cassette is 25.59 inches square, comes with its own wall thermostat, and leaves the walls clear.

Everything in the cartons

The carton holds one outdoor condenser, two ceiling cassettes, and two 16 ft gas line sets and two 16 ft liquid line sets, two 19 ft communication wires, two drain hoses, two remotes with holders, two wall thermostats, wall sleeves, caps, tape, putty, screw kits and four mounting foot pads. The outdoor unit measures 42.28" x 18.43" x 33.58" and weighs 145.5 lb. The indoor units are a matched pair of 18,000 BTU ceiling cassettes, 31.9 lb each, measuring 25.59" x 25.59" x 11.85".

Sizing the two zones

Both indoor units are 18,000 BTU, published for up to 1,250 sq ft each, moving up to 260 CFM and pulling 111.6 pints a day out of the air. Those are the manufacturer's own figures for a room with average ceilings and normal insulation. Natural Resources Canada asks for a recognised load calculation, CSA F280, before equipment is picked, because a leaky 1950s bungalow and a new build of the same floor area do not need the same capacity. Take both numbers to your installer and let the calculation settle it.

Cold weather, told straight

Heating output on any air source heat pump falls as the outdoor air gets colder. The manufacturer rates this outdoor unit to keep heating down to -25 C (-13 F) and to keep cooling up to 55 C (131 F), and fits a chassis heater that keeps the base pan from icing up. What that figure does not tell you is your balance point, the outdoor temperature below which the heat pump can no longer carry the load on its own. Natural Resources Canada describes that point and the backup heat that takes over below it; your installer works it out for your house.

Airflow, controls and upkeep

Each cassette runs as low as 32 dB and spreads air on all four sides, which is why they suit square rooms and open offices better than a single wall head. Control is by remote, by the wall thermostat that ships with each indoor unit, by the wifi app, or by Alexa or Google Assistant. A self clean cycle dries the coil after running, and a child lock keeps the settings from being changed by accident.

Each indoor unit has its own controller and its own target temperature, so one room can sit at 20 C while the other sits at 23 C, from one outdoor unit and one circuit. Both zones share that one compressor: output is divided when they call at once, and the manufacturer does not publish simultaneous heating and cooling for this system, so do not plan on it.

Rated 22.5 SEER2 for cooling and 10 HSPF2 for heating. The compressor ramps its speed up and down to hold a temperature instead of switching hard on and off.

R454B has a global warming potential of 466, roughly a fifth of R410A's 2,088, and is rated A2L for low toxicity and mild flammability.

Rated to keep heating down to -25 C (-13 F) and cooling up to 55 C (131 F). The heated base pan is there to stop meltwater freezing under the coil during a defrost cycle.

Wifi built in, with Alexa and Google Assistant support, a remote for each indoor unit, a wall thermostat for each indoor unit, and a 24 hour timer.

Two 16 ft copper line sets, communication wire, drain hoses and mounting hardware ship with the system. The manufacturer does not publish a maximum line length for this model, so have your installer confirm the runs before the holes are cut.

This is not a plug in appliance. It needs a dedicated 208-230V, 60 Hz circuit and a disconnect at the outdoor unit, wired by an electrician. The indoor units are fed from the outdoor unit, not from separate outlets.

The manufacturer states that installation by a professional technician is required for this system. Refrigerant handling is regulated province by province in Canada.

Ships from a Canadian warehouse. Free shipping on orders over $150; some remote areas, PO boxes and surcharge regions may cost extra.

Return within 14 days of purchase, unused, in original condition and packaging.

Covered directly by the manufacturer under their warranty terms for material and manufacturing defects.

Air leaves the cassette on all four sides, which evens out a room that a single wall head would blow straight across.

Both indoor units are 18,000 BTU, so the pair suits two comparable spaces: two bedrooms, or a main floor split into two areas.

Refrigerant work is regulated in every province, and the manufacturer requires a professional technician. This suits buyers who already have an HVAC contractor and an electrician lined up.

What we stand behind

• One outdoor unit, two indoor units and two 16 ft line sets in the box
• Ships from a Canadian warehouse, free shipping over $150
• 14 day returns on unused product in original packaging
• Covered by the manufacturer's warranty for material and manufacturing defects

Can a homeowner install this, or is a licensed installer required?

The manufacturer states that professional installation is required for this system. In Canada, handling refrigerant is regulated province by province, and provinces require trained service providers for installing, servicing and decommissioning equipment that contains halocarbons. Ontario, as one example, restricts removing, discharging and disposing of refrigerants to certified technicians and requires a separate trade Certificate of Qualification to actually work on the equipment. Budget for an HVAC contractor and an electrician.

What electrical supply does it need?

A dedicated 208-230V, 60 Hz circuit, not a wall outlet. On a multi zone system the indoor units are powered from the outdoor unit rather than from their own plugs, and code calls for a disconnect at the outdoor unit. An electrician sizes the breaker and wire from the unit's own nameplate.

What size room does each indoor unit suit?

The manufacturer publishes up to 1,250 sq ft for each of the two 18,000 BTU indoor units. Treat those as a starting point. Natural Resources Canada asks for a recognised load calculation such as CSA F280 before equipment is selected, since ceiling height, insulation, air leakage and window area all change the answer for the same floor area.

How well does it heat in a Canadian winter?

The outdoor unit is rated to keep heating down to -25 C (-13 F), and a chassis heater keeps the base pan clear. Output still drops as it gets colder: Natural Resources Canada describes the balance point, the outdoor temperature below which a heat pump can no longer carry the whole load and backup heat takes over. Where that point falls depends on your house, not on the equipment alone, so ask your installer to work it out.