1.5 Ton Goodman R32 Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler with 5 kW Heat Strip, ACST18MU1305AA
The Goodman ACST18MU1305AA is the entry point to Goodman's R-32 ACST ceiling mount series. It is a 1.5-ton (18,000 BTU/h nominal) pancake air handler with a 5 kW electric heat strip already installed at the factory. Its cabinet is only 6½" tall, so it hangs above a drywall ceiling where a vertical air handler won't fit. That makes it a natural choice for condos, apartments, small homes, and additions. With the smallest heat strip in the lineup, it runs on a 30-amp maximum breaker at both 208V and 230V, which helps where electrical panel space is tight.
Is a 1.5 Ton Air Handler with 5 kW Heat the Right Size?
Choose an air handler size by matching your cooling load and the outdoor unit, not just square footage. The ACST18MU1305AA is rated at 1.5 tons and moves up to about 831 CFM on its highest speed taps. It is usually paired with a 1.5-ton R-32 condenser or heat pump serving a compact living space.
The 5 kW heat strip delivers about 15,600 BTU/h of electric heat at 230V. That suits mild winters, or homes where a heat pump handles most of the heating and the strip provides backup and defrost heat. Insulation, window area, duct design, ceiling height, and local winter temperatures all affect whether 5 kW is enough. Not sure? Start with our AC tonnage and BTU calculator.
Ideal for: Condos, apartments, studio and one-bedroom units, small homes, and room additions in warm or mild climates that need a low-profile 1.5-ton ceiling air handler with light electric heat.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 1.5 Ton Goodman ACST18MU1308AA with 8 kW Heat for more electric heat, or the 2 Ton Goodman ACST24LU1305AA for more cooling capacity.
Recommended applications are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on home size, insulation, climate, ductwork, and the matched outdoor unit. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Air Handler | Goodman ACST18MU1305AA — 1.5 Ton Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler |
|---|---|
| Heat Strip | 5 kW Electric Heat, Factory Installed (approx. 15,600 BTU/h at 230V) |
| Cooling Capacity | 18,000 BTU/h Nominal (1.5 Ton) |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Metering Device | Factory-Installed, Fully Adjustable TXV |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
| MCA / Max Breaker | 28.5A / 30A at 230V; 25.1A / 30A at 208V |
| Max Airflow | Approx. 831 CFM (T4/T5, 0.1" ESP) |
| Line Connections | 3/8" Liquid, 3/4" Suction |
| Cabinet Height / Ship Weight | 6½" / 85 lbs |
Your ACST18MU1305AA arrives with the 5 kW heater kit, TXV, R-32 refrigerant sensor, pull-type disconnect, and mounting brackets all factory installed, so there's no separate heat kit to buy or wire in. To finish the install, add a matching ceiling access panel from the options above, and browse our thermostats and controls.
Air Handler & Heat Strip Features
ACST18MU1305AA Ceiling Mount Air Handler
- 1.5-ton (18,000 BTU/h nominal) R-32 ceiling mount air handler
- Low-profile pancake cabinet only 6½" tall
- Compact M-size cabinet, the smaller of the two ACST widths
- Factory-installed, fully adjustable TXV
- Factory-installed R-32 sensor designed to last the life of the coil
- All-aluminum tube and fin, high-efficiency evaporator coil
- Direct-drive, resilient-mount, multi-speed ECM blower motor
- Front or bottom return, set up in the field
- Suitable for free-return (non-ducted return) installs
- AHRI Certified and ETL Listed
Factory-Installed 5 kW Electric Heat Strip
- 5 kW heater kit installed at the factory, ready to wire
- Approx. 15,600 BTU/h of electric heat at 230V
- Sequence-controlled heating elements
- Rust-resistant nickel chromium elements
- 30A maximum breaker at both 208V and 230V
- Lowest amp draw of the 1.5-ton ACST options
- Factory-installed pull-type disconnect
- Well suited to heat pump backup in mild climates
- Single-phase 208/230V power
- Explore more ceiling mount pancake air handlers
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation covers ACST18MU1305AA electrical data, airflow tables, cabinet dimensions, installation and wiring procedures, and replacement parts for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 5 kW heat strip already installed in the ACST18MU1305AA?
Yes. The "05" in the model number means this unit ships with a 5 kW electric heat strip factory installed. No separate heat kit is needed.
What breaker size does the ACST18MU1305AA need?
Goodman lists a minimum circuit ampacity of 28.5A at 230V (25.1A at 208V) and a maximum overcurrent protection of 30A at both voltages. Always follow local codes and the installation instructions.
How much heat does the 5 kW strip produce?
Goodman rates the 5 kW heater at about 15,600 BTU/h at 230V. That's enough for mild climates or as backup heat behind a heat pump.
How tall is the ACST18MU1305AA cabinet?
The cabinet is 6½" tall, which is why it's called a "pancake" air handler. It fits in shallow spaces above a finished ceiling.
What line set sizes connect to this air handler?
The ACST18MU1305AA has a 3/8" liquid line connection and a 3/4" suction line connection. Final line sizing should follow the outdoor unit's instructions and the length of the run.
Should I choose the 5 kW or 8 kW version of the 1.5-ton ACST?
Pick the 5 kW ACST18MU1305AA for mild winters, heat pump systems, or limited electrical capacity. Pick the 8 kW ACST18MU1308AA when the space needs more electric heat in cooler weather.
ACST Technical Specifications
