1.5 Ton Rheem 15.2 SEER2 R454B Central System RA14AY18AJ1NA, RH2TY2417STANNJ
This 1.5 ton Rheem Endeavor Line matched system pairs the RA14AY18AJ1NA outdoor condenser with the RH2TY2417STANNJ two-stage air handler to deliver 18,000 BTU of cooling at 15.2 SEER2 on low-GWP R-454B refrigerant. It is the smallest capacity in the RA14AY lineup and the one most often specified for condominiums, garage conversions, room additions, and compact single-story homes where a larger system would short-cycle. The 17.5-inch air handler cabinet slips into the narrow utility closets common in older condo and apartment construction, and the factory-matched pairing carries AHRI certificate 215232472.
Is a 1.5 Ton Refrigeration System the Right Size?
A 1.5 ton system produces 18,000 BTU per hour of cooling. In most of the Southeast that translates to roughly 600 to 900 square feet of conditioned living space, though square footage alone is never the whole answer. This capacity is generally chosen for a one or two bedroom condo, a mother-in-law suite, a finished garage, or an addition served by its own dedicated duct run rather than tied into an existing trunk line.
Ceiling height, window area and orientation, attic insulation depth, duct location, shading, occupancy, and local design temperature all move the load calculation. Oversizing a small zone is a common mistake: a system with too much capacity satisfies the thermostat before it has run long enough to pull humidity out of the air, which leaves the space feeling cold and clammy. A Manual J load calculation is the reliable way to confirm 1.5 tons is correct before committing.
Ideal for: Condominiums, apartments, room additions, garage conversions, casitas, guest suites, and small single-story homes with a dedicated duct system.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2 Ton Rheem 15.2 SEER2 R454B System RA14AY24BJ1NA, RH2TY2417STANNJ, which uses the same 17.5-inch air handler cabinet with a larger outdoor unit.
Recommended sizing ranges are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, duct design, window area, ceiling height, occupancy, and local design conditions. Run our AC tonnage and BTU calculator, request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | RA14AY18AJ1NA — 1.5 Ton Endeavor Line Classic Series Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY2417STANNJ Two-Stage Multiposition Air Handler |
| Application | Residential Split System, Cool Only with Field-Installed Electric Heat |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Nominal Capacity | 18,000 BTU / 1.5 Tons |
| Rated Efficiency | 15.2 SEER2 |
| Air Handler Cabinet Width | 17.5 inches |
| AHRI Reference Number | 215232472 |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
Both halves of this package ship as a factory-matched, AHRI-certified pair. The RA14AY18AJ1NA and the RH2TY2417STANNJ each carry Rheem's PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System, so the A2L sensor and mitigation board are already integrated rather than field-added. Electric heat kits, thermostats, and line sets are ordered separately to suit the installation.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA14AY18AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 1.5 ton nominal capacity rated at 15.2 SEER2
- Engineered for low-GWP R-454B refrigerant
- 7mm condenser copper coil reduces refrigerant charge requirements
- PlusOne Triple Service Access with 15-inch corner service opening
- Two-fastener removable corner panel for faster service calls
- PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System integrated in a single box
- Automatically pauses outdoor unit operation if excess refrigerant is detected
- Compatible with any 24V thermostat application
- Corrosion-resistant composite base pan and powder coat paint system
- Curved louvered panels and rugged corner posts protect the coil
RH2TY2417STANNJ Air Handler
- Two-stage airflow with constant torque ECM blower motor
- Slim 17.5-inch cabinet fits narrow utility and hallway closets
- 1.0 inch foil-faced cabinet insulation for quieter operation
- Aluminum fins bonded to internally grooved aluminum tubing
- Factory-installed thermal expansion valve
- 4-way convertible: upflow, downflow, horizontal left, horizontal right
- Rugged steel compact cabinet construction
- Accepts field-installed auxiliary electric heater kits
- Heater kits include circuit breakers meeting UL and cUL service disconnect requirements
- Less than 2% cabinet air leakage at 1-inch H2O per ASHRAE Standard 193
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes condenser and air handler technical specifications, submittal data, installation instructions, and warranty information to assist with equipment selection, permitting, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet will the RA14AY18AJ1NA cool?
As a general guideline, 1.5 tons of capacity serves roughly 600 to 900 square feet in a warm climate. The actual figure depends on insulation, window area, ceiling height, and duct design, so a Manual J load calculation should confirm the size before purchase.
Will the RH2TY2417STANNJ fit in a standard condo closet?
The RH2TY2417STANNJ uses a 17.5-inch wide cabinet, the narrowest width in the RH2TY family. That makes it the easiest of these air handlers to place in the tight utility closets found in condominium and apartment construction, though you should still verify door width and service clearance at the installation site.
What is R-454B and why did Rheem move to it?
R-454B is a lower global warming potential refrigerant adopted in response to the EPA's 2025 GWP limit of 700 for new heating and cooling systems. It is an A2L classification refrigerant, which is why the PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System is built into both halves of this package.
Does this 1.5 ton package include electric heat?
No. The RH2TY2417STANNJ is shipped without a heater kit. Auxiliary electric heat is a field-installed accessory, which lets you match kW output to the space instead of paying for capacity you will not use. Browse Rheem heat strips to add one.
Can I reuse my existing R-410A line set with this system?
Line set reuse on an R-454B conversion depends on line size, condition, and proper cleaning or flushing, and must follow the instructions in the RH2TY installation document above. Many installations call for new tubing. See our copper line sets if replacement is required.
Why does AHRI certification matter on a matched system?
The 15.2 SEER2 rating applies to this specific condenser and air handler combination, listed under AHRI reference 215232472. Substituting a different indoor unit changes the rated efficiency and can affect rebate eligibility and code compliance documentation.
RA14AY Technical Specifications
Rheem Condenser Brochure
RA14AY Submittal Sheet
RH2TY Technical Specifications
RH2TY Installation Instructions
RH2TY Submittal Sheet
Rheem Warranty Certificate
