1.5 Ton EcoTemp 15.5 SEER2 R454B Central System W5A5S18AKAWA, WCHL185AA
This EcoTemp system pairs the W5A5S18AKAWA single-stage condenser with the WCHL185AA multipoise ECM air handler, AHRI certified at 15.5 SEER2 (#214877378). It runs on R-454B, a low-GWP A2L refrigerant, and the air handler has a refrigerant leak detection and dissipation system and a factory-installed TXV. It's cooling only, with optional 5, 8 or 10 kW electric heat kits.
Is a 1.5 Ton Air Conditioning System the Right Size?
A 1.5 ton system usually suits small homes, condos and additions of roughly 700–1,000 sq. ft. as a rough guide.
Small spaces are easy to oversize, which leads to short cycling and poor humidity control. A Manual J load calculation confirms 1.5 tons is enough.
Ideal for: Condos, small apartments, mobile and manufactured homes and room additions.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2 Ton EcoTemp 16 SEER2 R454B Central System W5A5S24AKAWA, WCHL245AB for a larger load.
Recommended home sizes are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, windows, ductwork, occupancy and a proper load calculation. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | W5A5S18AKAWA — 1.5 Ton EcoTemp R-454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | WCHL185AA Multipoise ECM Air Handler (14-5/16" Wide) |
| Application | Cooling-Only Central Air Split System (Electric Heat Kit Optional) |
| Refrigerant | R-454B (Low-GWP A2L Refrigerant) |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Metering Device | Factory-Installed R-454B TXV at Indoor Coil |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit — 10.9 MCA / 15A Max Fuse or Breaker |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase — 3.6 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent (Without Electric Heat) |
The W5A5S18AKAWA condenser is 31-11/16" tall on a 31-3/16" square base and ships at 149 lbs. The WCHL185AA air handler is 42-11/16" tall, 14-5/16" wide and 22-1/16" deep and ships at 120 lbs. Complete the install with compatible thermostats and copper line sets and fittings.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
W5A5S18AKAWA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 18,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Single-stage scroll compressor (8.3 RLA, 41.5 LRA)
- 72 dBA sound power rating
- 1/12 HP direct drive condenser fan, vertical discharge
- 3/8" liquid and 3/4" vapor service valve connections
- Factory charged with 4.2 lb R-454B for 15 ft of line set
- Long-line capable up to 250 ft total equivalent length
- Low ambient cooling down to 0°F with accessory kit
- Internal pressure relief valve, internal thermal overload and filter drier
- 5-year parts limited warranty, 10 years with registration within 90 days
WCHL185AA Multipoise ECM Air Handler
- Multipoise cabinet: upflow or horizontal left, downflow with kit
- Refrigerant leak detection and dissipation system
- 1/3 HP multi-tap ECM blower motor with five speed taps
- 525 CFM nominal airflow
- Factory-installed R-454B TXV
- Grooved tube, louvered fin aluminum slope coil
- 3/4" FPT condensate connection
- R-4.2 insulation with vapor barrier, prepainted steel cabinet
- Filter rack fits a 13" x 20" filter
- Field-installed electric heat kits, 5, 8 or 10 kW
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation includes the W5A5S single-stage R-454B condenser product specifications and the WCHL ECM fan coil product data, including dimensions, electrical data, airflow tables and heater kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How narrow is the WCHL185AA air handler?
It's 14-5/16" wide, 42-11/16" tall and 22-1/16" deep. That's the smallest cabinet in the WCHL line, which helps in tight closets.
What heat strip sizes fit the WCHL185AA?
EcoTemp lists 5, 8 and 10 kW EHC-series heaters for the 18 size, such as the EHC05CKN, EHC07CKN and EHC10CKN.
What filter size does the WCHL185AA take?
The filter rack fits a 13" x 20" filter, up to 13.375" x 19.75" actual size. A filter is required unless you use a filter grille.
Is there a 1.5 ton EcoTemp heat pump system?
Yes. The 1.5 Ton EcoTemp 14.5 SEER2 R454B Heat Pump System W5H5S18AKAAA, WCHL185AA uses the same air handler and adds heating from the outdoor unit.
What breaker does the W5A5S18AKAWA need?
The spec sheet lists 10.9 minimum circuit amps and a 15 amp maximum time-delay fuse or breaker at 208/230V single phase.
What vapor line size is the 1.5 ton rated with?
The condenser has a 3/4" vapor valve, but EcoTemp rates the 18 size with a 5/8" vapor tube and a 3/8" liquid line. The WCHL185AA has a 5/8" suction connection.

W5A5S Technical Specificationss