3.5 Ton Rheem Select 15.2 SEER2 R454B Central System WA14AY42AJ1NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ
This Rheem Endeavor® Line Select™ system fills the gap between 3 and 4 tons. It pairs the 42,000 BTU/h WA14AY42AJ1NA condenser with the 21" RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler at 15.2 SEER2 (AHRI #215232969). It's the largest WA14AY size still rated at 15.2 SEER2, and the first to step up to a taller 35.17" cabinet and a 7/8" suction line. It's a good fit for larger homes with open layouts or bonus rooms, where half-ton sizing keeps humidity under control. It uses R-454B with PlusOne® leak detection, and heat strips up to 15 kW are available.
Is a 3.5 Ton Air Conditioning System the Right Size?
A 3.5 ton system supplies 42,000 BTU/h of nominal cooling. It's commonly used in larger single-family homes, often around 1,800–2,100 sq. ft. as a rough guide. It's the right choice when a load calculation lands clearly between 3 and 4 tons.
Matching the load closely means steadier run cycles and better moisture removal. That matters in humid climates. Great rooms with high ceilings, bonus rooms over garages and ducts in hot attics all add load, while shade and modern windows reduce it.
Ideal for: Larger single-story homes, two-story homes with bonus rooms and open-concept layouts.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton Rheem Select 14.8 SEER2 R454B Central System WA14AY48AJ1NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ, which shares 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 | WA14AY42AJ1NA — 3.5 Ton Rheem Select 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 WA14AY42AJ1NA condenser stands 35.17" tall on a 33.66" x 33.66" base and weighs 252 lbs. It carries a 142 oz. factory R-454B charge, a 1/5 HP fan motor and a 73 dBA rating. The RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler is 21" wide and 50.5" tall with a 3/4 HP constant torque motor. It delivers 1,400 CFM on low and 1,600 CFM on high nominal airflow. Plan for a 7/8" suction line with the right copper line set.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
WA14AY42AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 42,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Single-stage scroll compressor
- Taller 35.17" cabinet with two-row 7 mm coil
- 142 oz. factory R-454B charge for 15 ft. of tubing
- 73 dBA weighted sound power rating
- 3/8" liquid and 7/8" suction valve connections
- 1/5 HP condenser fan motor
- Front-seating service valves with external gauge ports
- Compressor hard start kit SK-A1 and time delay RXMD-B01 available
- Fully louvered steel cabinet with powder coat finish
RH2TY4821STANNJ Two-Stage Air Handler
- 21" wide x 50.5" tall cabinet
- 3/4 HP constant torque ECM motor
- Two-stage airflow, 1,400 / 1,600 CFM nominal
- PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™
- 3/8" liquid and 7/8" vapor sweat connections
- 4-way convertible installation
- Combustible floor base accessories for downflow
- Aluminum coil with internally grooved tubing
- Less than 2% cabinet air leakage
- Heater kits up to 15 kW offered for this system
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation includes WA14AY42 electrical, dimensional and line-size data, RH2TY4821 airflow and heater tables, installation instructions, consumer literature and warranty terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 3.5 ton system use a 4 ton air handler?
The RH2TY4821STANNJ is Rheem's 21" air handler for 3.5 and 4 ton applications. Its 3/4 HP motor is configured for 3.5 ton airflow, and the match is AHRI certified at 15.2 SEER2.
What suction line size does the WA14AY42AJ1NA need?
It uses a 7/8" suction valve connection with a 3/8" liquid line, a step up from the 3/4" suction on the 1.5 through 3 ton models. Rheem's tables list allowable sizes by line length.
How tall is the WA14AY42AJ1NA condenser?
It's 35.17" tall on a 33.66" x 33.66" base, 10" taller than the 3 ton, with a 252 lb operating weight.
Is the 3.5 ton rated the same 15.2 SEER2 as the smaller sizes?
Yes. The WA14AY42AJ1NA and RH2TY4821STANNJ match is AHRI certified at 15.2 SEER2 (#215232969). The 4 ton match is listed at 14.8 SEER2.
What does the constant torque motor in the RH2TY do?
The RH2TY's constant torque (ECM) motor holds its programmed torque across a range of duct conditions and offers five speed taps with two-stage airflow.
Does downflow installation need an accessory?
For downflow installs on combustible floors, Rheem requires one of its combustible floor base accessories, which fit all RH2TY cabinet sizes.
WA14AY Technical Specifications
