The maker's photo for this series, not this exact size; the outdoor unit grows with capacity

Gree · Single-Zone

Gree Vireo R-32 18,000 BTU

VIR18HP230V1R32AH / VIR18HP230V1R32AO

~$2,105approximate retailer price at last check, equipment only

BTU/h: 18k
Volts: 230
Zones: 1
SEER2: 24.5
HSPF2: 9
Heats to: -22°F
Refrig.: R-32
Covers: 800 ft²
Wi-Fi: Built in

Best forCold-climate homes that want a documented 5°F capacity and built-in Wi-Fi without paying Sapphire prices.

Overview

The Vireo is Gree's mid-tier line, below the Sapphire and above the Livo, and the 18k is its most common size. Gree's brochure rates it 24.5 SEER2, 13.65 EER2 and 9.0 HSPF2 with an Energy Star Cold Climate designation, and it publishes rated heating of 18,000 BTU/h at both 47°F and 17°F and a maximum of 14,600 BTU/h at 5°F (COP 1.9), heating to -22°F. That is a real cold-climate curve for the money: the pair sells for about $2,105, about $2,000 under the Sapphire 18k. Wi-Fi is built into the head, the indoor unit is 27 to 48 dB(A), and the AHRI certificate is 215218911. The HSPF2 of 9.0 is the weakest number, and it is lower than the Senville Aura 18k's 11.0, though the Aura's capacity at 5°F is not published.

14,600 BTU/h max at 5°F
About $2,000 under the Sapphire 18k
131 ft max lineset

Cold-weather output

At 5°F it still makes 81% of its rated heat, according to the certified NEEP listing for this pairing. Gree rates it to keep running down to -22°F.

COP at 5°F: 1.9
Refrigerant: R-32
AHRI cert.: 215218911
ENERGY STAR cold climate: Yes

Pairing: VIR18HP230V1R32AO with VIR18HP230V1R32AH. Checked October 8, 2026 on NEEP's ccASHP list; a different head or condenser posts different numbers.

Strengths and catches

Strengths

+Rated 18,000 BTU/h at 17°F with a 14,600 BTU/h maximum at 5°F
+$2,105 is far below the Sapphire 18k
+Energy Star Cold Climate designation
+7-year compressor warranty
+131 ft maximum lineset, 82 ft elevation

Catches

−9.0 HSPF2 trails the Sapphire (10.0) and the Senville Aura (11.0)
−Capacity at 5°F drops about 19% from the 47°F rating
−Distributor-sold; Gree points buyers to a Select contractor
−Flare lineset and R-32 mean a pro install

Questions buyers ask

Is the Gree Vireo 18k a good value at about $2,105?+

It undercuts the Sapphire 18k at about $4,101 and includes built-in Wi-Fi. But it is rated 24.5 SEER2 and 9.0 HSPF2, against the Sapphire's 27.5 and 10.0 and the Senville AURA's 21.4 and 11.0. It is cheaper than the Sapphire, with weaker heating efficiency.

Can it heat in a cold climate?+

Gree lists -22°F. NEEP certifies 18,000 BTU at 47°F and 14,600 BTU at 5°F, a COP of 1.9, a drop of about 19 percent. Reasonable for a cold-climate room if sized on the 5°F figure.

Will a 20A circuit carry the Vireo 18k?+

Yes. It is rated 16A minimum circuit ampacity with a 20A maximum breaker, where the Sapphire 18k needs 25A. The lineset is 1/4 in. liquid by 1/2 in. gas.

What about install and warranty?+

Gree routes buyers to a GREE Select contractor. The flared lineset needs nitrogen testing and evacuation, and R-32 is mildly flammable (A2L). The warranty is 5 years parts and 7 years compressor.

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Volts: 230
Refrig.: R-32
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Heats to: -22°F

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Volts: 230
Refrig.: R-410A
SEER2: 24
HSPF2: 8.5
Heats to: -22°F

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Gree Livo R-32 24,000 BTU

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BTU/h: 24k
Volts: 230
Refrig.: R-32
SEER2: 19
HSPF2: 8.5
Heats to: -13°F