Gree Livo R-32 12,000 BTU vs Senville AURA 12,000 BTU (Cold Climate)
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Quick take: The Gree Livo R-32 12,000 BTU costs $21 less; the Senville AURA 12,000 BTU (Cold Climate) is the more efficient unit (25.4 SEER2).
| Spec | Gree Livo R-32 12,000 BTU | Senville AURA 12,000 BTU (Cold Climate) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,379 | ~$1,400 |
| Type | Single-Zone | Single-Zone |
| Capacity | 12k BTU | 12k BTU |
| Coverage | ~550 sq ft | ~600 sq ft |
| SEER2 (cooling) | 19 | 25.4 |
| HSPF2 (heating) | 8.5 | 10.5 |
| Low-Ambient Heating | to -13°F | to -22°F |
| Max heat at 5°F (NEEP) | 9,100 BTU | 11,500 BTU |
| Heat kept at 5°F | 76% of rated | 96% of rated |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-454B |
| Zones | Single zone | Single zone |
| Voltage | 230V | 208/230V |
| WiFi Control | Built-in | Built-in |
| Install | Gree sells through distributors and points buyers to a GREE Select contractor. The flared line set (not included, 15 to 50 ft sets sold separately) needs nitrogen testing and evacuation, and R-32 is a mildly flammable A2L refrigerant, so choose an installer trained for it. | Standard flare-and-vacuum install, pre-charged R454B to 25 ft, but on a dedicated 208/230V circuit. Cold-climate mounting matters: raise the condenser above snow line and plan drainage for defrost melt. Pro installs typically run $1,500-$3,000. |
| Warranty | 7-year compressor / 5-year parts with online registration. | 10-year compressor, 5-year parts (professional install + registration required) |
Pros & cons
Gree Livo R-32 12,000 BTU
- ✓Heating operation listed to -13°F and cooling from 0°F
- ✓7-year compressor term with registration
- ✓Indoor unit as quiet as 27 dB
- ✗19 SEER2 / 8.5 HSPF2 trails the LG Mega 12k (20 / 9.0) at $139 less
- ✗52 dBA outdoor is louder than LG's 50 dBA
- ✗Line set not included
Senville AURA 12,000 BTU (Cold Climate)
- ✓Rated heating down to -22°F with ~75% capacity retention in extreme cold
- ✓25.4 SEER2 / certified 10.5 HSPF2 (Region IV) — strong efficiency at this price
- ✓Energy Star certified and commonly eligible for the 25C federal tax credit
- ✓Heating output range of 4,000-14,500 BTU modulates well for mild days
- ✓Owner sentiment across the family runs higher than the LETO line
- ✗$1,400 before install — nearly double a LETO 12k
- ✗Certified 10.5 HSPF2 trails the Mitsubishi FX12 (12.4) and Fujitsu 12k (12.7) on heating efficiency
- ✗Defrost cycles are audible and produce meltwater that must drain away