2.5 Ton Goodman R32 Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler with 5 kW Heat Strip, ACST30LU1305AA
The Goodman ACST30LU1305AA delivers the most cooling in the ACST ceiling mount series, 30,000 BTU/h nominal (2.5 tons), paired with a modest 5 kW heat strip installed at the factory. It's built for cooling-first climates such as Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Southwest. Larger condos, three-bedroom apartments, and single-family homes there need serious summer capacity from a 6½"-tall ceiling cabinet but only light electric heat. Because it keeps the circuit at a 30-amp maximum breaker, it's also a practical choice for heat pump systems and buildings with limited electrical capacity.
Is a 2.5 Ton Air Handler with 5 kW Heat the Right Size?
The 2.5-ton ACST shares its L cabinet and blower with the 2-ton model and moves up to about 934 CFM. It's rated for a larger cooling load and matched to a 2.5-ton outdoor unit. Choose it when a load calculation shows 2 tons falls short, typically in larger floor plans, sun-exposed rooms, or open layouts.
The 5 kW strip (about 15,600 BTU/h at 230V) is enough supplemental heat for warm climates, or for a heat pump that handles most of the heating. Homes that see sustained cold, or that use a straight AC condenser, may be better served by the 8 kW or 10 kW versions.
Ideal for: Larger condos, three-bedroom apartments, and single-family homes in hot, cooling-dominant climates, along with heat pump systems needing 2.5 tons of cooling and light backup heat.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2.5 Ton Goodman ACST30LU1308AA with 8 kW Heat for more heating capacity in the same cabinet.
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 ACST30LU1305AA — 2.5 Ton Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler |
|---|---|
| Heat Strip | 5 kW Electric Heat, Factory Installed (approx. 15,600 BTU/h at 230V) |
| Cooling Capacity | 30,000 BTU/h Nominal (2.5 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. 934 CFM (T4/T5, 0.1" ESP) |
| Line Connections | 3/8" Liquid, 3/4" Suction |
| Cabinet Height / Ship Weight | 6½" / 97 lbs |
Out of the box, the ACST30LU1305AA has its 5 kW heater kit, TXV, R-32 sensor, pull-type disconnect, and mounting brackets factory installed. Pick a matching ceiling access panel from the options above. If you're comparing other indoor unit styles for a 2.5-ton system, browse our full selection of air handlers with electric heat strips.
Air Handler & Heat Strip Features
ACST30LU1305AA Ceiling Mount Air Handler
- 2.5-ton (30,000 BTU/h nominal), the largest ACST capacity
- L cabinet, 6½" tall, shared with the 2-ton ACST
- About 934 CFM maximum; 743 CFM at 0.5" ESP
- Factory-installed, fully adjustable TXV
- R-32 sensor installed at the factory
- All-aluminum tube and aluminum fin coil
- Direct-drive multi-speed ECM blower motor
- Front or bottom return, set up in the field
- Galvanized-steel construction
- AHRI Certified and ETL Listed
Factory-Installed 5 kW Electric Heat Strip
- 5 kW heater kit factory installed
- Approx. 15,600 BTU/h of electric heat at 230V
- Lowest amp draw of the 2.5-ton ACST options
- 30A max breaker at 208V and 230V
- 28.5A MCA at 230V; 25.1A at 208V
- Sequence-controlled heating elements
- Rust-resistant nickel chromium elements
- Factory-installed pull-type disconnect
- Suited to heat pump systems in hot climates
- View more Goodman HVAC equipment
Specifications & Manuals
Find ACST30LU1305AA electrical data, 2.5-ton blower performance, L-cabinet dimensions, installation instructions, and replacement parts in these Goodman documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should choose the 5 kW version of the 2.5-ton ACST?
It's best for hot, cooling-dominant climates and heat pump systems, where 2.5 tons of cooling matters most and electric heat is only occasional backup.
How much airflow does the ACST30LU1305AA move at higher static pressure?
On the T4/T5 taps, Goodman lists about 934 CFM at 0.1" ESP and about 743 CFM at 0.5" ESP (230V, no filter).
Is the 2.5-ton ACST the same cabinet size as the 2-ton?
Yes. The ACST24 and ACST30 share the same L cabinet dimensions and 97 lb shipping weight, per Goodman's specification sheet.
Can the ACST30LU1305AA be used with a heat pump?
Yes, ACST air handlers are used with matching R-32 outdoor units. Goodman lists an HPSK-01 Heat Pump Shut-off Relay Kit as an ACST accessory, so check the installation instructions for your heat pump setup and confirm the AHRI match.
What breaker does the 5 kW ACST30 require?
Goodman lists a 30A maximum overcurrent protection device at both 208V and 230V, with an MCA of 28.5A at 230V.
What is the largest tonnage in the Goodman ACST series?
The ACST series covers 1½ to 2½ tons, so the 2.5-ton ACST30 models are the largest ceiling mount option in the line.
ACST Technical Specifications
