Kanartic vs MrCool vs Senville: Which DIY heat pump should you choose in Canada? (2026)
Reading time: 12 minutes
You've decided to install your heat pump yourself. Excellent choice! But now, which brand should you choose? Kanartic, MrCool, Senville, Pioneer... there are many options.
This comparison honestly analyzes the main DIY heat pump brands available in Canada to help you make an informed choice.
Brands compared
We compare the four most popular brands on the Canadian DIY heat pump market:
- Kanartic — A Canadian brand based in Quebec
- MrCool — A very popular American brand
- Senville — Canadian brand (Ontario) - Warning: Not DIY, you will need specialized tools.
- Pioneer — American/International Brand
General comparative table
| Criteria | Kanartic | MrCool | Senville | Pioneer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | 🇨🇦 Canada (Quebec) | 🇺🇸 United States | 🇨🇦 Canada (Ontario) | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Minimum temperature | -30°C | -25°C | -25°C to -30°C | -15°C to -25°C |
| SEER max | 26.4 | 22 | 25 | 19-22 |
|
DIY system |
YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Compressor warranty | 10 years | 7 years | 7 years | 5 years |
| Parts warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 2 years |
| WiFi included | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Option |
| Refrigerant | R454B (environmentally friendly) | R32 or R410A | R410A or R32 | R410A |
| Service in French | ✓ Yes (Quebec) | Limit | Limit | No |
| Warehouse in Canada | ✓ Quebec | ✓ Yes | ✓ Ontario | Variable |
| Energy Star cold climate | ✓ Yes | Some models | Some models |
No |
Price comparison (12000 BTU DIY)
Comparison for a DIY 12000 BTU model, the most popular for living rooms/kitchens:
| Brand / Model | CAD Price* | SEER | Minimum temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanartic ZERO DIY 12K | $2,449 | 25 | -30°C |
| MrCool DIY 12K | $2,200 - $2,800 | 22 | -25°C |
| Senville LETO 12K (Non-DIY) | $1,800 - $2,200 | 19 | -25°C |
| Pioneer DIY 12K | $1,500 - $2,000 | 19 | -15°C |
*Approximate prices in CAD, may vary depending on the retailer and promotions. Check current prices.
Detailed analysis by brand
Kanartic
Strengths:
- Designed for Canada: Tested and certified down to -30°C
- Leading warranty: 10 years compressor / 5 years parts
- Local service: Support in French/English from Quebec
- Fast delivery: Warehouse in St-Eustache = delivery in days, not weeks
- R454B refrigerant: More environmentally friendly, better performance at low temperatures
- High SEER: Up to 26.4 SEER = better energy savings
Weaknesses:
- Price slightly higher than some entry-level competitors
- A lesser-known brand than MrCool (more discreet marketing).
Ideal for: Canadian homeowners who want a product optimized for the local climate with excellent support.
MrCool
Strengths:
- Established brand: Very popular in the United States, good reputation
- Wide range: Many models and configurations available
- Availability: Easy to find at several retailers
- Community: Lots of tutorials and online discussions
Weaknesses:
- Designed for the American market (milder climate)
- Less generous warranty (7 years compressor, 5 years parts)
- Very limited French support
- Prices are often inflated for the Canadian market.
- Lower SEER on several models
Ideal for: More temperate regions of Canada, English-speaking owners comfortable with American support.
Senville
Strengths:
- Competitive prices: Often the cheapest on the market
- Canadian company: Based in Ontario
- Good range: Several models but all standard, no DIY
Weaknesses:
- Efficiency (SEER) generally lower
- Standard warranty (7 years compressor, 5 years parts) IF INSTALLED BY A PROFESSIONAL
- Mixed long-term reliability reports
- After-sales service can sometimes be slow, according to testimonials.
Ideal for: Tight budgets, second homes or rentals where initial cost is paramount.
Pioneer
Strengths:
- Low prices: Among the most affordable options
- Availability: Easy to find online
Weaknesses:
- Not designed for cold weather: Limited performance below -15°C
- Short warranty (5 years compressor, 2 years parts)
- modest SEER
- No cold climate certification
- Limited support in Canada
Ideal for: Primarily air conditioning, regions with mild winters, minimal budget.
Important selection criteria
1. Performance in extreme cold
If you are in Quebec or in a region where it regularly gets down to -20°C or below, winter performance is crucial .
Questions to ask:
- What is the minimum operating temperature?
- What heating capacity remains at -25°C?
- Is the system Energy Star certified for cold climates?
2. Real Guarantee
A heat pump should last 15-20 years. A 5-year warranty leaves you exposed for a significant portion of the product's lifespan.
Compare:
- Compressor warranty period
- Parts warranty period
- Requirements (professional installation required?)
- Claims process (easy or nightmare?)
3. Support and service
When you have a question at 9pm on a winter Sunday, who can you contact?
Consider:
- French language service available?
- Support hours
- Availability of replacement parts in Canada
- Parts delivery times
4. Energy efficiency (SEER/HSPF)
A higher SEER = less electricity consumption = savings on your bills.
The difference between a SEER of 19 and a SEER of 25 can represent 20-30% savings on summer air conditioning.
5. Refrigerant used
The type of refrigerant affects performance and environmental impact:
- R410A: Standard but will be phased out (high GWP)
- R32: Better for the environment, good performance
- R454B: New generation, excellent for cold climates, very low GWP
Our honest opinion
Here is our recommendation based on your situation:
You are in Quebec or in a cold region
→ Kanartic is the logical choice. Designed for your climate, better warranty, local support in French.
You are in southern Ontario or British Columbia
→ MrCool or Kanartic are two good options. The milder climate makes the differences less critical.
Your budget is very tight
→ Senville offers good value for money in its entry-level range. Accept the compromises on efficiency and warranty. You must still have it installed by a professional to obtain the warranty.
You mainly want air conditioning
→ Pioneer may be suitable if heating is not your priority and your winters are mild.
Quick decision board
| Your priority | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Winter performance | Kanartic |
| Best guarantee | Kanartic |
| Support in French | Kanartic |
| Lowest price | Pioneer / Senville (Non DIY_ |
| The best-known brand | MrCool |
| Energy efficiency | Kanartic |
| Fast delivery in Quebec | Kanartic |
FAQ Comparison
Is MrCool a better brand than Kanartic?
MrCool is better known because it has a larger marketing budget and dominates the American market. But "better known" doesn't mean "better." For the Canadian climate, Kanartic offers superior specifications (minimum temperature, SEER, warranty).
Why is Kanartic more expensive than some other brands?
Kanartic uses high-quality components (compressor, R454B refrigerant, heat exchangers) and offers a 10-year warranty. Over the product's lifetime, the total cost is often lower thanks to energy savings and longevity.
Can I find spare parts easily?
For Kanartic, parts are available in Canada with fast shipping. For American brands, delivery times may be longer and customs fees may apply.
Which brand has the best after-sales service?
According to testimonials, Kanartic and MrCool generally receive positive feedback on the service. Senville and Pioneer receive more mixed reviews.
Conclusion
Choosing a DIY heat pump depends on your priorities. If you're looking for the lowest possible price , cheaper options exist. If you're looking for the best long-term value for the Canadian climate—winter performance, efficiency, warranty, and local support—Kanartic is hard to beat.
Remember: a heat pump is a 15-20 year investment. A few hundred dollars difference at the time of purchase will quickly disappear over that period.
