3.5 Ton Rheem 14.3 SEER2 R454B Single Stage Central System RA14AY42AJ1NA, RH1AY4821STANNJ
This Rheem Endeavor® Line Classic® system pairs the RA14AY42AJ1NA condenser with the RH1AY4821STANNJ single-stage-airflow air handler, AHRI certified at 14.3 SEER2 (#217232234). It delivers 42,000 BTU/h on low-GWP R-454B refrigerant. The 21" RH1AY4821 uses an N-style coil and includes Rheem's PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™. It's cooling only, with Rheem electric heat strips up to 20 kW offered.
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 common in larger 3- and 4-bedroom homes, often around 1,800–2,100 sq. ft. as a rough guide. Climate and sun exposure can move that range significantly.
At this size, the return and supply ducts need to carry more air than a 3 ton system. Undersized ductwork causes noise and lost efficiency. A Manual J load calculation and a duct review 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 13.8 SEER2 R454B Single Stage Central System RA14AY48AJ1NA, RH1AY4821STANNJ, 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 | RA14AY42AJ1NA — 3.5 Ton Rheem Classic R454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH1AY4821STANNJ Single-Stage Airflow Multipoise Air Handler (21" Wide, N-Coil) |
| 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 — 7 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent (No Heat Kit) |
The RA14AY42AJ1NA condenser is 35" tall on a 33.75" x 33.75" base and weighs 252 lbs (operating). It uses a 24" three-blade Swept Wing fan with a 1/5 HP motor and has a 73 dBA sound rating. The RH1AY4821STANNJ air handler is 21" wide and 50.5" tall and weighs 128 lbs, with a 3/4 HP motor. Complete the install with compatible thermostats and copper line sets and fittings.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA14AY42AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 42,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Single-stage scroll compressor
- 73 dBA weighted sound power rating
- 7 mm copper tube condenser coil uses less refrigerant
- 142 oz. factory R-454B charge for 15 ft. of line set
- 24" three-blade Swept Wing fan with 1/5 HP motor
- 3/8" liquid and 7/8" suction front-seating service valves
- PlusOne® Expanded Valve Space and Triple Service Access
- Composite base pan, powder-coated paint and rust-resistant screws
- 10-year conditional parts limited warranty (registration required)
RH1AY4821STANNJ Single-Stage Air Handler
- Single-stage airflow with a constant torque (ECM) motor
- 3/4 HP constant torque motor, 1,400/1,600 CFM nominal airflow
- PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™ with factory-installed 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)
- Slide-out blower and factory leak-tested coil
- 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 RA14AY electrical, sound, dimensional and line-size data, condenser and air handler installation instructions, the RA14AY brochure, RH1AY airflow and heater tables and the Rheem limited warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What coil style does the RH1AY4821STANNJ use?
The "N" in the model number stands for Rheem's N-coil design. The RH1AY4821 packs it into a 21" wide, 50.5" tall cabinet.
Which RA14AY42 units ship with a crankcase heater installed?
Rheem states that RA14AY42 models built with an LG compressor come with a 44-101884-08 crankcase heater factory installed. Other builds list the 44-103663-16 as an accessory.
How much does the RH1AY4821STANNJ weigh?
Rheem lists a 128 lb unit weight and 144 lb shipping weight. Plan for the extra height when installing it in an attic or closet.
Is there a two-stage airflow version of this 3.5 ton system?
Yes. The 3.5 ton RA14AY42AJ1NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ system pairs the same condenser with a two-stage-airflow RH2TY air handler and a higher SEER2 match.
How does this compare to the Rheem Select 3.5 ton system?
The Rheem Select WA14AY42AJ1NA, RH1AY4821STANNJ system uses the same air handler with a Select-series condenser. This RA14AY42 version adds Classic cabinet features like Triple Service Access.
What airflow settings does the RH1AY4821STANNJ offer?
Rheem lists nominal airflow of 1,400 CFM on low and 1,600 CFM on high. The installer chooses the setting that matches the 3.5 ton condenser and the duct system.
RA14AY Technical SpecificationsRA14AY Installation InstructionsRA14AY BrochureRH1AY Technical SpecificationsRH1AY Installation InstructionsRheem Warranty Certificate
