3.5 Ton Rheem 15.2 SEER2 R454B Central System RA15AY42AJ1NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ
This Rheem Endeavor® Line Classic® system delivers 42,000 BTU/h from the RA15AY42AJ1NA condenser, matched with the RH2TY4821STANNJ two-stage-airflow air handler. It's AHRI certified at 15.2 SEER2 (#215264611). The 3.5 ton is where the RA15AY moves to a 7/8" suction line, a 3-blade fan and a 21" wide air handler. It uses low-GWP R-454B with Rheem's PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™. It's cooling only, with optional Rheem electric heat strips.
Is a 3.5 Ton Air Conditioning System the Right Size?
A 3.5 ton system provides 42,000 BTU/h of nominal cooling. It's commonly used in larger 3- and 4-bedroom homes, often around 1,800–2,100 sq. ft. as a rough guide. That range varies a lot with climate and sun exposure.
At this size, it's worth confirming the ducts can carry the higher airflow. A 3.5 ton system needs more return air than a 3 ton, and undersized returns reduce efficiency and comfort. A Manual J load calculation and a duct check confirm the fit.
Ideal for: Larger 3- and 4-bedroom homes, open-concept layouts and homes with high solar gain.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton Rheem 14.8 SEER2 R454B Central System RA15AY48AJ1NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ, which uses the same air handler.
Recommended home sizes are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, windows, ductwork, occupancy and a proper load calculation. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | RA15AY42AJ1NA — 3.5 Ton Rheem Classic R454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY4821STANNJ Two-Stage Airflow Multipoise Air Handler (21" Wide) |
| Application | Cooling-Only Central Air Split System (Electric Heat Kit Optional) |
| Refrigerant | R-454B (Low-GWP A2L Refrigerant) |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Metering Device | Factory-Installed Expansion Valve on Indoor Coil (TXV) |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit — 20 MCA / 30A Max Overcurrent |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/240V, Single Phase — 5 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent (No Heat Kit) |
The RA15AY42AJ1NA condenser is 35" tall on a 33.75" x 33.75" base and weighs 252 lbs. It uses a 24" three-blade Swept Wing fan with a 1/5 HP motor and has a 73 dBA sound rating. The RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler is 21" wide and 50.5" tall, with a 3/4 HP motor. If you want heating from the outdoor unit, see the 3.5 ton Rheem RP15AY42AJ2NA heat pump system.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA15AY42AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 42,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Single-stage scroll compressor
- 73 dBA weighted sound power rating
- 2-row 7 mm copper tube coil for efficient heat transfer
- 142 oz. factory R-454B charge for 15 ft. of line set
- 24" three-blade Swept Wing fan, 1/5 HP motor
- 3/8" liquid and 7/8" suction front-seating service valves
- PlusOne® Expanded Valve Space and Triple Service Access
- Internal pressure relief valve and internal thermal overload
- 10-year conditional parts limited warranty (registration required)
RH2TY4821STANNJ Two-Stage Air Handler
- Two-stage airflow with a constant torque (ECM) motor
- 3/4 HP, 5-speed constant torque motor
- PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™ with integrated A2L sensor
- Aluminum fins bonded to internally grooved aluminum tubing
- 4-way convertible: upflow, downflow, horizontal left or right
- 1.0" foil-faced cabinet insulation for quieter operation
- Cabinet air leakage under 2% at 1" H₂O (ASHRAE 193)
- Works with any standard 24V thermostat
- Expansion valve on indoor coil for AC or heat pump use
- Field-installed heater kits up to 20 kW with UL/cUL-listed breakers
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation includes RA15AY electrical, charge and dimensional data, crankcase heater notes, RH2TY4821 airflow and heater tables, installation instructions and the Rheem limited warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 3.5 ton system use a 7/8" suction line?
Rheem sizes the RA15AY42 and larger with a 7/8" suction valve to handle the higher refrigerant flow. The RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler uses matching 3/8" liquid and 7/8" suction connections.
Does the RA15AY42AJ1NA have a crankcase heater?
Rheem states that RA15AY42 units built with an LG compressor come with a 44-101884-08 crankcase heater factory installed. Units with other compressors may need one field installed depending on line length and charge.
How much does the RA15AY42AJ1NA weigh?
Rheem lists the RA15AY42 at 252 lbs. It's 35" tall on a 33.75" x 33.75" base, so plan for two people when setting it.
Is there a 3.5 ton Rheem heat pump version of this system?
Yes. The 3.5 ton Rheem RP15AY42AJ2NA two-stage heat pump system uses the same RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler and adds heating from the outdoor unit.
What fan does the RA15AY42AJ1NA use?
Rheem lists a 24" three-blade fan with a 1/5 HP motor, moving about 3,431 CFM across the outdoor coil.
How much electric heat can the RH2TY4821STANNJ handle at 3.5 tons?
Rheem's airflow limits allow up to 20 kW of electric heat for a 3.5 ton RH2TY. Heat strip choices for this system are shown on this page.
RA15AY Technical Specifications
