2 Ton Rheem 18 SEER2 R454B Side Discharge Variable Speed Heat Pump System RD18AY24AJVCA, RH2VY3617STACNJ
The RD18AY24AJVCA is the smallest cabinet in Rheem's Endeavor Line Prestige Series side-discharge heat pumps — 19.8 inches wide and just 36.6 inches tall — matched here to the EcoNet-enabled RH2VY3617STACNJ constant CFM air handler. Together they deliver 24,000 BTU of inverter-driven heating and cooling at 18 SEER2 and 10 HSPF2 on low-GWP R-454B refrigerant, certified under AHRI reference 216613164. Side discharge means the airflow exits horizontally instead of upward, which is what lets this unit sit in a side-yard setback, under a low overhang, or against a zero-lot-line wall where a conventional top-discharge condenser simply will not fit.
Is a 2 Ton Heat Pump the Right Size?
Two tons delivers 24,000 BTU per hour of cooling and provides heating down to well below freezing without immediately leaning on electric backup. In the Southeast that capacity typically serves 900 to 1,200 square feet. Because this is a heat pump rather than a straight-cool system, the size has to satisfy both the cooling load and the heating load, and in mixed climates those two numbers rarely land in the same place.
The inverter compressor changes the sizing conversation considerably. Where a single-stage 2 ton unit has one output, the RD18AY modulates continuously from 45% to 100% of capacity, so it can run at roughly 0.9 tons on a mild day and full output on a design day. That range makes it far more forgiving of a load calculation that lands between sizes, and it is why variable speed systems hold humidity so much better than fixed-capacity equipment in shoulder seasons.
Ideal for: Two-bedroom homes, townhouses, condominiums, zero-lot-line construction, side-yard installations with tight setbacks, and any replacement where the outdoor unit sits close to a bedroom window.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 3 Ton Rheem 19 SEER2 Side Discharge Heat Pump System RD18AY36AJVCA, RH2VY3617STACNJ, which uses this same air handler and reaches the full 19 SEER2 rating.
Recommended sizing ranges are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, duct design, window area, ceiling height, occupancy, heating load, and local design conditions. Run our AC tonnage and BTU calculator, request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Heat Pump | RD18AY24AJVCA — 2 Ton Endeavor Line Prestige Series Side-Discharge Universal Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2VY3617STACNJ EcoNet Enabled Constant CFM Air Handler |
| Application | Residential Split Heat Pump System with Field-Installed Electric Backup Heat |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Nominal Capacity | 24,000 BTU / 2 Tons |
| Rated Efficiency | 18 SEER2 Cooling / 10 HSPF2 Heating |
| Outdoor Cabinet | 19.8 in. W x 40.4 in. D x 36.6 in. H, approximately 177 lb |
| Air Handler Cabinet Width | 17.5 inches |
| AHRI Reference Number | 216613164 |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
Both components are EcoNet enabled and carry built-in Bluetooth, so commissioning happens through the Rheem Contractor App rather than DIP switches. The RD18AY also works with legacy 24V thermostats when the utility 1 and 2 jumpers are installed, which means a homeowner who is not ready for a smart thermostat still gets modulating operation through Rheem's onboard algorithm.
Heat Pump & Air Handler Features
RD18AY24AJVCA Side-Discharge Heat Pump
- Smallest cabinet in the RD18AY range at 36.6 in. tall and 19.8 in. wide
- Inverter-driven variable speed twin rotary compressor
- Modulates from 45% to 100% of rated capacity
- Sound levels as low as 50 dBA with sound blanket and swept wing fan
- Brushless DC condenser fan motor for reliability and serviceability
- EcoNet enabled with built-in Bluetooth and PlusOne Diagnostics
- 7mm condenser copper coil reduces refrigerant charge up to 15%
- Accepts traditional refrigerant piping for replacement flexibility
- Optional base pan heater with built-in thermostat prevents ice buildup
- 10-year conditional parts warranty with registration, no AHRI match required
RH2VY3617STACNJ Air Handler
- Constant CFM motor with true variable speed airflow
- Auto-adjusts from low capacity to 100% when paired with an EcoNet thermostat
- Runs two speeds with a conventional 24V two-stage thermostat
- 17.5-inch cabinet, approximately 42.5 in. tall and 98 lb
- 1.0 inch foil-faced insulation for quieter operation
- All-aluminum coil with internally grooved tubing
- Factory thermal expansion valve matched to R-454B
- DIP-switch-free commissioning via Bluetooth and the Rheem Contractor App
- 4-way convertible for upflow, downflow, horizontal left and right
- Less than 2% cabinet air leakage at 1-inch H2O per ASHRAE 193
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes heat pump and air handler technical specifications, installation instructions, and submittal data to assist with equipment selection, permitting, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does side discharge actually change about the installation?
Airflow exits horizontally from the side of the cabinet rather than upward through the top. That removes the vertical clearance requirement above the unit, so the RD18AY can go under a soffit, deck, or low overhang. It does require unobstructed clearance on the discharge side, so check the clearance table in the installation instructions before siting it.
Is the 2 ton cabinet really only 36.6 inches tall?
Yes. Rheem lists the RD18AY24AJVCA at approximately 19.8 inches wide, 40.4 inches deep, and 36.6 inches tall, at about 177 pounds operating weight. It is the shortest cabinet in the RD18AY family, which matters under windows and along walkways.
Do I need an EcoNet thermostat to get variable speed operation?
No. The EcoNet Smart Thermostat gives you the full modulating range and remote monitoring, but the RD18AY also runs variable speed with legacy and other 24V thermostats when the utility 1 and 2 jumpers are installed, using Rheem's onboard algorithm.
How cold can this heat pump operate in heating mode?
Rheem publishes an operating range of -22 to 70 degrees F in heating for the RD18AY series. Capacity falls as outdoor temperature drops, which is what the field-installed auxiliary heater kit in the air handler covers. Confirm the balance point for your climate from the performance tables.
Can I reuse my existing line set on this heat pump?
Rheem specifically calls out traditional refrigerant piping as a design feature for replacement flexibility, but reuse still depends on line size, condition, and proper cleaning per the RD18AY installation instructions. R-454B equipment is not backward compatible with R-410A outdoor units. See our copper line sets if new tubing is required.
Does this system qualify for the federal heat pump tax credit?
Rheem states that federal tax credit compliant system combinations may be available through 12/31/32, with up to $2,000 for qualified heat pumps, subject to conditions. Eligibility depends on the specific matched combination and your tax situation, so verify the current requirements at Rheem.com/Federal-Incentives before relying on it.
RD18AY Technical SpecificationsRD18AY Installation InstructionsRH2VY Technical SpecificationsRH2VY Installation InstructionsRH2VY SubmittalRheem Warranty Certificate
