1.5 Ton Rheem 16 SEER2 R454B Central System RA15AY18AJ1NA, RH2TY2417STANNJ
This Rheem Endeavor® Line Classic® system pairs the RA15AY18AJ1NA single-stage condenser with the RH2TY2417STANNJ two-stage-airflow air handler. The match is AHRI certified at 16 SEER2 (#215261301), a step above the Select series at the same size. It runs on low-GWP R-454B refrigerant, and the air handler includes Rheem's PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™, which pauses the outdoor unit if a leak is detected. The Classic cabinet adds PlusOne® Expanded Valve Space and Triple Service Access, which make the install and future service calls easier. It's cooling only, with optional Rheem electric heat strips.
Is a 1.5 Ton Air Conditioning System the Right Size?
A 1.5 ton system provides 18,000 BTU/h of nominal cooling. That typically fits condos, apartments, small single-story homes and additions, roughly 600–900 sq. ft. as a loose guide. The home's actual heat gain matters more than the floor area.
Window area and direction, attic insulation, duct condition and how many people live in the home all move the load up or down. Too small and the system runs constantly on hot afternoons; too large and it short-cycles without pulling out humidity. A Manual J load calculation confirms whether 1.5 tons is correct.
Ideal for: Condos, apartments, small single-story homes, bonus rooms and additions where efficiency matters.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2 Ton Rheem 16 SEER2 R454B Central System RA15AY24AJ1NA, RH2TY2417STANNJ, which uses the same air handler.
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 | RA15AY18AJ1NA — 1.5 Ton Rheem Classic R454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY2417STANNJ Two-Stage Airflow Multipoise Air Handler (17.5" 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 Expansion Valve on Indoor Coil (TXV) |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit — 12 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/240V, Single Phase — 3 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent (No Heat Kit) |
The RA15AY18AJ1NA condenser measures 25" tall on a 29.75" x 29.75" base and weighs 144 lbs (operating). It uses a 20" two-blade fan with a 1/7 HP motor and has a 71 dBA sound rating. The RH2TY2417STANNJ air handler is 17.5" wide and 42.5" tall, with a 1/3 HP motor and 10" x 8" blower. Pair the system with compatible thermostats and copper line sets and fittings to complete the install.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA15AY18AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 18,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Single-stage scroll compressor
- 71 dBA weighted sound power rating
- 2-row 7 mm copper tube coil for efficient heat transfer
- 92 oz. factory R-454B charge for 15 ft. of line set
- 20" two-blade fan with 1/7 HP motor
- 3/8" liquid and 3/4" suction front-seating service valves
- PlusOne® Expanded Valve Space and Triple Service Access
- Internal pressure relief valve and internal thermal overload
- 10-year conditional parts limited warranty (registration required)
RH2TY2417STANNJ Two-Stage Air Handler
- Two-stage airflow with a constant torque (ECM) motor
- 1/3 HP, 5-speed motor with 10" x 8" blower
- PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™ with integrated A2L sensor
- Aluminum fins bonded to internally grooved aluminum tubing
- 4-way convertible: upflow, downflow, horizontal left or right
- 1.0" foil-faced cabinet insulation for quieter operation
- Cabinet air leakage under 2% at 1" H₂O (ASHRAE 193)
- Works with any standard 24V thermostat
- Expansion valve on indoor coil for AC or heat pump use
- Field-installed 5, 8 and 10 kW heater kits with UL/cUL-listed breakers
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation includes RA15AY electrical, charge and dimensional data, RH2TY airflow and heater tables, air handler installation instructions and the Rheem limited warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this system compare to the 1.5 ton Rheem Select WA14AY18 system?
This RA15AY18 Classic match is rated 16 SEER2, compared with 15.2 SEER2 for the 1.5 ton Rheem Select WA14AY18AJ1NA system. Both use the same RH2TY2417STANNJ air handler. The Classic cabinet adds a 2-row coil and PlusOne service features.
What is PlusOne Triple Service Access?
It's a Rheem Classic cabinet feature that gives technicians a 15" wide corner service opening, a removable corner held by only two fasteners, and individually removable louver panels. It makes the compressor and controls easier to reach.
Does the RA15AY18AJ1NA use the Swept Wing fan?
No. Rheem lists the Swept Wing fan blade on the larger RA15AY sizes but not on the 1.5 and 2 ton models. The RA15AY18 uses a 20" two-blade fan with a 1/7 HP motor.
How much does the RA15AY18AJ1NA condenser weigh?
Rheem lists a 144 lb operating weight and a 151 lb shipping weight. It's the lightest cabinet in the RA15AY line.
Can the RA15AY18AJ1NA be installed with a long line set?
Rheem lists long line capability for the RA15AY series. The factory charge covers 15 ft. of line set; longer runs need added refrigerant and must follow the line-length limits in the installation instructions.
Is there an RA15AY18 version with high and low pressure switches?
Rheem's model nomenclature includes LHP variants with factory high and low pressure switches. This RA15AY18AJ1NA is the standard model; pressure switches are also offered as field-installed accessories (RXAB-A08 high, RXAC-A10 low).
RA15AY Technical Specifications
