2.5 Ton Goodman R32 Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler with 8 kW Heat Strip, ACST30LU1308AA
The Goodman ACST30LU1308AA pairs the ACST series' largest cooling size, 2.5 tons (30,000 BTU/h nominal), with an 8 kW heat strip factory installed for about 25,000 BTU/h of electric heat at 230V. It's a balanced all-season choice for larger condos, townhomes, and single-family homes with real summers and cool winters, where the air handler has to hang in a shallow ceiling space. Installers like it as a dependable middle option. It has enough heat for a straight-cool system in a moderate climate without jumping to the 60-amp circuit of the 10 kW model.
Is a 2.5 Ton Air Handler with 8 kW Heat the Right Size?
The 2.5-ton rating, about 934 CFM maximum airflow, and L cabinet are the same as the other ACST30 models. The 8 kW heater fits homes whose heat loss is too high for 5 kW but doesn't justify 10 kW. That often means moderate climates with occasional freezes, or heat pump systems that need stronger backup during defrost and cold mornings.
On the electrical side, plan for 44.2A MCA and a 45A maximum breaker at 230V, or 38.6A and 40A at 208V. A room-by-room load calculation that accounts for insulation, windows, and duct location will confirm whether 8 kW is the right fit.
Ideal for: Larger condos, townhomes, and single-family homes in moderate climates that need 2.5 tons of cooling and balanced electric heat from a low-profile ceiling air handler.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 2.5 Ton Goodman ACST30LU1310AA with 10 kW Heat for the most heating capacity in the ACST series.
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 ACST30LU1308AA — 2.5 Ton Ceiling Mount Pancake Air Handler |
|---|---|
| Heat Strip | 8 kW Electric Heat, Factory Installed (approx. 25,000 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 | 44.2A / 45A at 230V; 38.6A / 40A at 208V |
| Max Airflow | Approx. 934 CFM (T4/T5, 0.1" ESP) |
| Line Connections | 3/8" Liquid, 3/4" Suction |
| Mounting | Factory-Installed Casing & Mounting Brackets |
Each ACST30LU1308AA arrives with the 8 kW heater kit, TXV, R-32 sensor, pull-type disconnect, casing, and mounting brackets factory installed. Choose a matching ceiling access panel from the options above, and find line sets, fittings, and insulation in our copper lines and fittings category.
Air Handler & Heat Strip Features
ACST30LU1308AA Ceiling Mount Air Handler
- 30,000 BTU/h (2.5 ton) R-32 ceiling mount air handler
- Pancake cabinet only 6½" tall
- Five blower speed taps (T1–T5) for field airflow setup
- Up to about 934 CFM at 0.1" ESP
- Factory TXV, fully adjustable
- Factory-installed R-32 sensor
- High-efficiency all-aluminum coil
- Primary and secondary 3/4" FPT drain connections
- Front or bottom return, set up in the field
- Quiet, resilient-mount ECM blower
Factory-Installed 8 kW Electric Heat Strip
- 8 kW heater kit installed by Goodman
- Approx. 25,000 BTU/h of electric heat at 230V
- The middle heat option at 2.5 tons
- 45A max breaker at 230V; 40A at 208V
- 44.2A MCA at 230V; 38.6A at 208V
- Sequence-controlled element operation
- Rust-resistant nickel chromium elements
- Factory-installed pull-type disconnect
- Balanced heat for moderate-climate homes
- See every ceiling mount pancake air handler we carry
Specifications & Manuals
Check 8 kW electrical ratings, speed tap airflow tables, mounting and installation procedures, and replacement parts for the ACST30LU1308AA in these documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ACST30LU1308AA balance cooling and heating?
It combines the largest ACST cooling size (2.5 tons) with a factory-installed 8 kW heater, which is enough electric heat for moderate climates without the larger circuit the 10 kW model needs.
What is the heating output of the ACST30LU1308AA?
Goodman rates its 8 kW heat strip at about 25,000 BTU/h at 230V. Output is lower at 208V.
How many blower speeds does this air handler have?
The multi-speed ECM motor has five taps (T1 through T5), so the installer can set airflow to match the system and ductwork.
What amperage ratings apply at 208V?
At 208V, Goodman lists 38.6A MCA and a 40A maximum overcurrent protection device for this model.
Can the ACST30LU1308AA be set up for front or bottom return?
Yes. Goodman designed every ACST tonnage with a configurable front and bottom return.
Does the ACST30LU1308AA come with mounting brackets?
Yes. Goodman factory installs the casing and mounting brackets on all ACST tonnages. Follow the installation instructions for hanging and support.
ACST Technical Specifications
