1.5 Ton Goodman R32 Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler with 8 kW Heat Strip, ACST18MU1308AA
If a compact 1.5-ton space needs real winter heat, the Goodman ACST18MU1308AA delivers it. This R-32 pancake air handler comes with an 8 kW electric heat strip factory installed, about 60% more electric heat than the 5 kW version, in the same compact 6½"-tall cabinet. It's built for condos, townhomes, and small homes in areas with cold snaps, and for straight-cool systems where the heat strip is the main heat source. Homeowners and contractors get stronger heat without giving up the slim ceiling-mount footprint.
Is a 1.5 Ton Air Handler with 8 kW Heat the Right Size?
On the cooling side, the ACST18MU1308AA matches the other 1.5-ton ACST: 18,000 BTU/h nominal and up to about 831 CFM. The difference is the heat. With an 8 kW strip rated at about 25,000 BTU/h at 230V, it can carry more of the heating load when temperatures drop, which matters most with a straight AC condenser or in climates with longer heating seasons.
Before choosing 8 kW, confirm your electrical service. This model calls for a 45A maximum breaker at 230V (40A at 208V). Heat loss through windows, exterior walls, and ceilings, plus your local design temperature, should guide the choice between 5 and 8 kW.
Ideal for: 1.5-ton condos, townhomes, small homes, and additions with straight-cool systems or cooler winters that need stronger electric heat from a ceiling mount air handler.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2 Ton Goodman ACST24LU1308AA with 8 kW Heat for more cooling with the same heat strip size.
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 ACST18MU1308AA — 1.5 Ton Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler |
|---|---|
| Heat Strip | 8 kW Electric Heat, Factory Installed (approx. 25,000 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 | 44.2A / 45A at 230V; 38.6A / 40A 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 |
The ACST18MU1308AA ships with its 8 kW heater kit, TXV, R-32 sensor, pull-type disconnect, and mounting brackets already in place. A matching ceiling access panel is available in the options above. To run refrigerant lines to the 3/8" and 3/4" connections, see our copper line sets and fittings.
Air Handler & Heat Strip Features
ACST18MU1308AA Ceiling Mount Air Handler
- 1.5-ton R-32 pancake air handler for compact living spaces
- Same slim 6½" cabinet as the 5 kW model
- Five-speed-tap, multi-speed ECM blower up to about 831 CFM
- Factory TXV for accurate refrigerant metering
- Built-in R-32 refrigerant sensor
- High-efficiency all-aluminum evaporator coil
- Primary and secondary drain connections in a high-temperature plastic drain pan
- Field-configurable front or bottom return
- Galvanized-steel cabinet construction
- Factory casing and mounting brackets included
Factory-Installed 8 kW Electric Heat Strip
- 8 kW heater kit installed at the factory
- Approx. 25,000 BTU/h of electric heat at 230V
- The most electric heat available in this 1.5-ton lineup
- Sequence-controlled, nickel chromium elements
- Rust-resistant heating element construction
- 45A max breaker at 230V; 40A at 208V
- MCA of 44.2A at 230V or 38.6A at 208V
- Factory-installed pull-type disconnect
- Suited to straight-cool systems that rely on electric heat
- See all Goodman products on our Goodman brand page
Specifications & Manuals
Use these documents to review 8 kW heater electrical data, blower tables, installation clearances and wiring, and service parts for the ACST18MU1308AA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kW heat strip comes in the ACST18MU1308AA?
This model includes an 8 kW electric heat strip installed at the factory. The "08" in the model number identifies the heater size.
How is the ACST18MU1308AA different from the ACST18MU1305AA?
Cooling capacity, cabinet, and airflow are the same. The ACST18MU1308AA has an 8 kW strip (about 25,000 BTU/h) instead of 5 kW (about 15,600 BTU/h), and it needs a larger electrical circuit.
What are the MCA and MOP ratings for this model?
Goodman lists 44.2A MCA and 45A MOP at 230V, and 38.6A MCA and 40A MOP at 208V.
Can the ACST18MU1308AA run on 208V power?
Yes. It's rated for 208/230V single-phase power, with an operating range of 197 to 253 volts. Heat output is lower at 208V than at 230V.
How much airflow does the 1.5-ton ACST blower deliver?
Goodman's airflow table shows about 831 CFM on the T4/T5 taps at 0.1" external static pressure, dropping to about 605 CFM at 0.5". Lower taps are available for setup.
Does this air handler require a ducted return?
No. Goodman lists the ACST series as suitable for free-return (non-ducted return air) installation. It can also be set up for a front or bottom return.
ACST Technical Specifications
