Senville AURA 36,000 BTU 4-Zone (9k x4) vs Pioneer Quantum Ultra 36,000 BTU 4-Zone (4 x 9k)
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Quick take: The Senville AURA 36,000 BTU 4-Zone (9k x4) costs $950 less; the Senville AURA is the more efficient unit (23 SEER2).
| Spec | Senville AURA 36,000 BTU 4-Zone (9k x4) | Pioneer Quantum Ultra 36,000 BTU 4-Zone (4 x 9k) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$3,180 | ~$4,130 |
| Type | Multi-Zone | Multi-Zone |
| Capacity | 36k BTU | 36k BTU |
| Coverage | ~1,350 sq ft | ~1,650 sq ft |
| SEER2 (cooling) | 23 | 22.5 |
| HSPF2 (heating) | 10.7 | 10 |
| Low-Ambient Heating | to -22°F | to -13°F |
| Max heat at 5°F (NEEP) | 36,000 BTU | 26,000 BTU |
| Heat kept at 5°F | 100% of rated | 72% of rated |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-454B |
| Zones | 4 zones | 4 zones |
| Voltage | 230V | 208/230V |
| WiFi Control | Built-in | Built-in |
| Install | Sold with a precharged 1/4 x 3/8 in. lineset in 16, 25 or 50 ft options; the listed $3,180 is the 16 ft version, and the 25 and 50 ft versions cost $320 and $620 more. Flared connections and, on the pro route, a vacuum pull are needed at each head. Senville ties its compressor term to proper installation, so keep the installer's invoice. | Price is the 4-circuit outdoor unit ($2,538) plus four 9k Quantum Ultra wall heads ($398 each) from Pioneer's own store, with line sets extra. The condenser is precharged for 100 ft of combined lineset, takes 18,000 to 48,000 BTU of connected indoor load, and calls for a 30A double-pole breaker. Four sets of flared lines and a vacuum pull make this a pro install in practice. |
| Warranty | 10-year compressor / 5-year parts, contingent on professional installation and registration | Pioneer lists parts and compressor coverage of up to 5 years when registered within 90 days. |
Pros & cons
Senville AURA 36,000 BTU 4-Zone (9k x4)
- ✓NEEP lists no capacity loss at 5°F: 36,000 BTU/h against 36,000 at 47°F
- ✓23 SEER2 / 10.7 HSPF2 and Energy Star cold-climate listing
- ✓Wi-Fi compatibility and Alexa control from the Senville app
- ✓Four heads and a precharged lineset for about $3,180
- ✗Stock has been thin, so confirm a ship date before booking an installer
- ✗Lineset length choice changes the price by up to $620
- ✗Four 9k heads equal the condenser's nameplate, leaving no headroom
- ✗Smaller installer and parts network than Mitsubishi, Daikin or Gree
Pioneer Quantum Ultra 36,000 BTU 4-Zone (4 x 9k)
- ✓Cold-climate designated, with 26,000 BTU/h of heat at 5°F in NEEP
- ✓Precharged for 100 ft of combined lineset
- ✓Accepts wall, cassette, flex-mount and concealed-duct heads
- ✓Can run with unused circuits closed, so it works as a 2 or 3-zone system too
- ✗Warranty is up to 5 years and requires registration within 90 days
- ✗Needs a 30A double-pole breaker on a 208/230V circuit
- ✗Four 9k heads are 36,000 BTU on a 36,000 BTU condenser, leaving no headroom to add rooms without a larger head