Direct Drop-In Replacement
First Co SPX Series → Multi Mfg SPV-HP
Upgrade your aging First Company unit with a next-generation Multi Mfg inverter-driven heat pump - same wall sleeve, no modifications, no guesswork.
True Drop-In Fit
Multi Mfg SPV units slide directly into your existing First Co wall sleeve - same footprint, zero modifications required.
Inverter-Driven Efficiency
Variable-speed inverter compressor technology delivers dramatically higher efficiency and quieter operation than the fixed-speed First Co units they replace.
Many In Stock & Ready to Ship
Popular SPV-HP configurations are stocked and ship fast - ideal for urgent replacements in hotels, apartments, and senior housing.
Heat Pump + Electric Backup
All SPV-HP models deliver heat pump heating year-round, with automatic electric backup heat when needed.
Why Upgrade to Multi Mfg SPV-HP?
First Company’s SPX-series units - the SPXR, SPXA, SPXA-X (ECM), and SPXB generations - have been the workhorse of multi-family and hospitality HVAC for decades. As these units age out of service, the Multi Mfg SPV-HP series is purpose-built to replace them without any sleeve modification, meaning faster installs and minimal disruption to residents or guests.
The upgrade in technology is substantial. Where First Co units used fixed-speed compressors, the Multi Mfg SPV-HP uses an inverter-driven variable-speed compressor that modulates output to match the actual load - delivering significantly higher efficiency, lower sound levels, and more precise temperature control. The 1824SPV series is Cold Climate Energy Star certified (9.8 EER2 / 15.5 SEER2 / 9.1 HSPF2), and the 12SPV series achieves 10.5 EER2 / 17.1 SEER2 / 8.6 HSPF2.
The Multi Mfg SPV-HP is also compatible with most existing 2-stage wall thermostats, so in many cases you can keep the thermostat already installed in the room. This makes the transition even simpler for property managers looking to upgrade units across multiple rooms or floors.
How to use this guide:
Find your existing First Co model number on the unit’s nameplate. Locate it in the table below and click View Product to shop. If the button says Contact Us, that configuration is a special order - reach out and we’ll get you a quote.
9,000 BTU Class - First Co 9SPX Series
Covers 9SPXR, 9SPXA, and 9SPXB generations (cooling-only and heat pump variants)
12,000 BTU Class - First Co 12SPX Series
Covers 12SPXR, 12SPXA, 12SPXA-X (ECM), and 12SPXB generations (cooling-only and heat pump variants)
18,000 & 24,000 BTU Class - First Co 18SPX & 24SPX Series
Both 18SPX and 24SPX First Co units are replaced by the Multi Mfg 1824SPV-HP-D series. Covers SPXR, SPXA, SPXA-X (ECM), and SPXB generations.
First Co Model Number Key
Understanding the suffix on your First Co unit helps confirm you’re selecting the right replacement:
| Suffix / Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 (e.g. 12SPXR0) | Cooling only - no electric heat strip |
| 2, 3, 4, 5… (e.g. 12SPXR3) | Electric resistance heat; number indicates approximate kW size |
| -HP (e.g. 12SPXR3-HP) | Heat pump with electric backup heat |
| -X (e.g. 12SPXA-X3) | ECM variable-speed electronically commutated blower motor |
| -HP-X (e.g. 12SPXA3-HP-X) | Heat pump + ECM blower motor |
Not sure which model you need?
Our HVAC specialists can help you identify the correct Multi Mfg replacement. We handle bulk orders for hotels, apartment complexes, and senior housing communities.
Contact Our HVAC Team