1.5 Ton Rheem 14.3 SEER2 R-454B Short Apartment/Condo Air Conditioning System
The Rheem Endeavor Line Classic Series RA14AY18AJ1NA condenser and RB2TY2417STANMJB low-boy air handler combine into an AHRI-matched 1.5 ton (18,000 BTU) central cooling system rated at 14.3 SEER2 (AHRI #216010878). Standing just 35" tall and only 17-1/2" wide, the multi-position RB2TY fits low-ceiling closets, soffits, and platform installs where a standard air handler will not, while the compact single-stage scroll condenser runs on low-GWP R-454B refrigerant. It is built for studio and one-bedroom condos, small apartments, and ADUs, and for contractors replacing cramped closet systems with a current, name-brand Rheem package that includes a selectable 5 kW or 7 kW electric heat strip.
Is a 1.5 Ton Short Air Handler System the Right Size?
As the smallest system in the Rheem RB2TY short apartment lineup, this 1.5 ton package is usually matched to compact homes in the range of roughly 600 to 900 square feet. That figure is only a starting point; the actual cooling load, determined by a Manual J calculation, is what should set the tonnage.
Window size and orientation, insulation, ceiling height, top-floor or end-unit exposure, climate, and the number of occupants all move the load. Small condos are especially easy to oversize, and an oversized system short cycles, leaving the space cool but humid. Sizing correctly lets the RB2TY's two-stage ECM airflow do its job of steady, quiet dehumidification.
Ideal for: Studio and one-bedroom condos, small apartments, garage apartments and ADUs, in-law suites, and replacement of 1.5 ton closet systems where ceiling height or closet depth is limited.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2 Ton Rheem RA14AY24BJ1NA & RB2TY2417STANMJB Short Apartment System for larger apartments and condos requiring additional cooling capacity.
Recommended applications are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, windows, sun exposure, ceiling height, climate, occupancy, and ductwork. 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 R-454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RB2TY2417STANMJB Short/Low-Boy Multi-Position Air Handler (17-1/2" Cabinet) |
| Application | Central Air Conditioning with Electric Heat — 14.3 SEER2, AHRI #216010878 |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Blower Motor | 1/3 HP Constant Torque ECM, 5-Speed, Two-Stage Airflow |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208-240V, Single Phase, 60 Hz with Circuit Breaker |
The RA14AY18AJ1NA is the most compact condenser in the RA14AY family at 25" tall on a 29-3/4" square footprint, ships with 97 oz of R-454B, and sits neatly on a 30" x 30" condenser pad. Indoors, choose the RB2TY2417STANMJB05 5 kW air handler or the 7 kW version from the heat strip option above; both have breaker-protected heat and a slide-out blower for service. A simple heat/cool thermostat such as the TempeSure TESD22 digital thermostat completes the system. Shop more Rheem heating and cooling equipment.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA14AY18AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 1.5 ton (18,000 BTU) single-stage scroll compressor on R-454B
- 7mm copper condenser coil uses less refrigerant in a lighter footprint
- Compact 25" H x 29-3/4" W x 29-3/4" L cabinet, 141 lb operating weight
- 97 oz factory charge for 15 ft of line set
- 3/4" suction and 3/8" liquid front-seating service valves
- PlusOne Triple Service Access with 15" wide corner access
- Composite base pan, powder-coat paint, and rust-resistant screws
- 70 dBA sound rating, the quietest in the RA14AY line
- 12 MCA with 15 amp maximum overcurrent protection
- 10-year conditional parts limited warranty with registration
RB2TY2417STANMJB Short Air Handler
- 35" tall, 17-1/2" wide low-boy cabinet for tight spaces
- 4-way field convertible: upflow, downflow, horizontal left or right
- 1/3 HP constant-torque ECM with 5 speed taps and two-stage airflow
- Factory TXV metering for R-454B
- PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System with A2L sensor and mitigation board
- 1" foil-faced insulation for quieter operation
- Less than 2% cabinet air leakage per ASHRAE 193
- Available with 5 kW or 7 kW breaker-protected electric heat
- Slide-out blower and four-leg rubber motor mount
- Field electrical connections from either side of the cabinet
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes RA14AY condenser specifications, installation instructions, and brochure, RB2TY air handler specifications and installation instructions, and Rheem warranty information to assist with equipment selection, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size condo is the RA14AY18AJ1NA / RB2TY2417STANMJB system meant for?
This 1.5 ton system typically serves studios, one-bedroom condos, and small apartments of roughly 600 to 900 square feet. Windows, insulation, and climate change the real load, so a load calculation is the best way to confirm.
How tall is the RB2TY2417STANMJB air handler, and why does that matter?
The RB2TY stands only 35" tall in a 17-1/2" wide cabinet. That low-boy height lets it fit closets with low ceilings, under soffits, or on platforms where a full-height air handler will not, and its 4-way convertible design adds flexibility for horizontal installs.
Which electric heat sizes can I choose for the 1.5 ton RB2TY2417STANMJB?
This system is offered with a 5 kW (RB2TY2417STANMJB05) or 7 kW (RB2TY2417STANMJB07) breaker-protected heat strip. At 240V the 5 kW model lists a 22.2 amp minimum circuit ampacity and the 7 kW model lists 30.8 amps; see the RB2TY specifications for full electrical data.
Does the RA14AY18AJ1NA include refrigerant leak protection for R-454B?
Yes. The system uses Rheem's PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System, an integrated A2L sensor and mitigation board in the air handler that works with any 24V thermostat and automatically pauses outdoor unit operation if excess refrigerant is detected.
Is there a higher-efficiency Rheem option for a 1.5 ton apartment?
If a wall-hung closet unit suits your space better, the 1.5 ton Rheem RF2TY wall mount apartment system pairs the same RA14AY18AJ1NA condenser at 15.2 SEER2. Learn how ratings compare in our SEER2 information guide.
Who usually buys a 1.5 ton short apartment system like this?
Condo owners, landlords with small rental units, ADU builders, and HVAC contractors replacing tight closet or soffit systems in older multifamily buildings choose this size most often.
RA14AY Technical SpecificationsRA14AY Installation InstructionsRA14AY BrochureRB2TY Technical SpecificationsRB2TY Installation InstructionsRheem Warranty Certificate
