1.5 Ton EcoTemp 14.5 SEER2 R-454B Heat Pump System – W5H5S18AKAAA & WCHL185AA
The EcoTemp W5H5S18AKAAA heat pump and WCHL185AA air handler are the smallest pairing in this R-454B line. They deliver 18,000 BTU/h of heating and cooling at 14.5 SEER2 through an air handler only 14-5/16" wide. The narrow cabinet fits closets and utility spaces where a standard 17" or 21" unit won't. That makes this system a natural choice for condos, apartments, small homes and manufactured housing, which the WCHL fan coil is designed to serve.
Is a 1.5 Ton Heat Pump System the Right Size?
A 1.5 ton heat pump handles about 18,000 BTU/h, which suits compact living spaces with a light heating and cooling load. Base the choice on the actual load rather than square footage alone, because insulation, window exposure and ceiling height can change it a lot. Start with our AC tonnage and BTU calculator, then confirm with a Manual J calculation.
Small systems are especially sensitive to oversizing. A unit that is too big satisfies the thermostat quickly but leaves humidity behind. A correctly sized 1.5 ton system runs longer, steadier cycles. When winter loads exceed what the heat pump can supply, a 5, 8 or 10 kW heat strip adds backup heat.
Ideal for: Condos and apartments, manufactured homes, small single-family homes, in-law suites and additions needing about 18,000 BTU/h of heating and cooling.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2 Ton EcoTemp W5H5S24AKAAA & WCHL245AB Heat Pump System for slightly larger spaces requiring additional heating and cooling capacity.
Recommended applications are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, duct design, window load, occupancy and desired indoor temperature. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Heat Pump | W5H5S18AKAAA — 1.5 Ton Single-Stage R-454B Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | WCHL185AA Multipoise ECM Fan Coil (14" Cabinet) |
| Application | Residential Ducted Split System Heat Pump — Heating & Cooling |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Backup Heat | Electric Heat Strip Selected at Checkout (5, 8 or 10 kW) |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Heat Pump |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase |
The WCHL185AA measures 42-11/16" H x 14-5/16" W x 22-1/16" D and ships at 120 lbs. It has a slope coil, a factory-installed R-454B TXV and a 1/3 HP multi-tap ECM blower rated at 525 CFM nominal. Outdoors, the W5H5S18AKAAA sits on a 31-3/16" square footprint, stands 31-11/16" tall and holds a 6.5 lb factory charge. It is rated with a 5/8" vapor line and 3/8" liquid line. The 1.5 ton fan coil uses its own C-series heater kits (EHC05CKN, EHC07CKN, EHC10CKN), which differ from the kits used on larger WCHL sizes. Prefer to buy separately? See the W5H5S18AKAAA heat pump and WCHL185AA air handler.
Heat Pump & Air Handler Features
W5H5S18AKAAA Outdoor Heat Pump
- Single-stage scroll compressor with internal thermal overload
- Low global warming potential, non-ozone-depleting R-454B refrigerant
- Nominal 18,000 BTU/h heating and cooling capacity
- 72 dBA sound power rating (70 dBA with accessory sound shield)
- Internal pressure relief valve and loss-of-charge switch
- Suction line accumulator and filter drier
- Front-seating service valves
- Long-line capable up to 250 ft equivalent length with accessories
- Low-ambient cooling down to 0°F with approved accessory kits
- Solid sheet metal construction with dense wire coil guard
WCHL185AA ECM Air Handler
- 14-5/16" wide cabinet for tight closets and utility spaces
- Designed for manufactured housing applications
- 1/3 HP multi-tap ECM blower with five speed taps
- Refrigerant leak detection dissipation system
- Factory-installed R-454B TXV
- Grooved-tube, louvered-fin slope coil
- R-4.2 insulation with vapor barrier
- Cabinet leakage under 2% at 1.0" w.c. (ASHRAE 193)
- Tool-free filter access; accepts 13" x 20" filters
- Multipoise installation with horizontal hanging provisions
Specifications & Manuals
The W5H5S sheet covers 1.5 ton electrical data, line sizing and long-line limits. The WCHL sheet details the 14" cabinet's dimensions, airflow by speed tap and C-series heater kit data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the WCHL185AA fit in a narrow closet?
It is the narrowest WCHL model at 14-5/16" wide and 22-1/16" deep, which helps in closets and utility spaces too small for 17" or 21" air handlers. Leave room for service access and the return plenum.
Which heat strips fit the 1.5 ton WCHL185AA?
The 18 size uses C-series heater kits: EHC05CKN (5 kW), EHC07CKN (8 kW) and EHC10CKN (10 kW). The larger WCHL sizes use B-series kits.
What vapor line size should be used with the W5H5S18AKAAA?
The unit is rated with a 5/8" vapor line and 3/8" liquid line, and the spec sheet lists 1/2" and 5/8" as acceptable vapor diameters for this size. See the W5H5S line sizing table for capacity loss at longer runs.
Can this system be used in a manufactured home?
The WCHL fan coil is designed for manufactured housing applications, and its narrow cabinet suits those spaces. Confirm local code and installation requirements with your installer.
What breaker does the 1.5 ton outdoor unit need?
The W5H5S18AKAAA requires a 10.9 amp minimum circuit ampacity and a 15 amp max time-delay fuse or HACR breaker. The air handler needs its own circuit based on the heat strip selected.
Why does this heat pump use R-454B refrigerant?
R-454B is a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant with low global warming potential. The WCHL air handler includes a refrigerant leak detection dissipation system designed for use with it.
W5H5S Technical SpecificationsW5HS5 Installation InstructionsW5HS5 BrochureWCHL Technical Specifications
