3 Ton Rheem 14.3 SEER2 R-454B Two Stage Heat Pump System RP14AY36AJ2NA, RH2TY3617STANNJ
Three tons is the most installed residential capacity in America, and this Rheem package is built for it. The RP14AY36AJ2NA two-stage outdoor unit and RH2TY3617STANNJ air handler deliver 36,000 BTU of R-454B heating and cooling with a fully loaded 17.5 inch indoor cabinet, so contractors get full three-ton output without needing extra closet width. It is a straight replacement path for aging 3 ton R-410A and R-22 split systems across the Southeast.
Is a 3 Ton Heat Pump System the Right Size?
At 36,000 BTU per hour, a 3 ton heat pump typically conditions 1,400 to 1,800 square feet in a warm climate. Four-bedroom single-story homes, 1980s and 1990s block construction, and moderately sized two-story homes with good duct distribution all commonly calculate into this range.
Because three tons is such a common size, it is also the most frequently guessed at. Replacing like-for-like is only correct if the original system was correctly sized and the building envelope has not changed. New windows, added attic insulation, radiant barrier, or a converted garage all shift the number. Duct capacity matters as much as tonnage here, since 36,000 BTU needs roughly 1,200 CFM and undersized returns will choke the blower long before the compressor is the limiting factor.
Ideal for: Four-bedroom single-story homes, mid-size two-story homes, block construction houses, and light commercial offices in the 1,400 to 1,800 square foot range.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 3.5 Ton Rheem RP14AY42AJ2NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ Heat Pump System, which moves to the wider 21.5 in. air handler cabinet and a 7/8 in. vapor line.
Recommended capacity ranges are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, window area, duct design, air infiltration, and local climate. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Heat Pump | RP14AY36AJ2NA — 3 Ton / 36,000 BTU Two-Stage Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY3617STANNJ — 17.5 in. Wide Multiposition Air Handler |
| Application | Residential Split System Heat Pump, Heating and Cooling |
| Refrigerant | R-454B Low GWP (A2L) |
| Compressor | Two-Stage Scroll |
| Rated Efficiency | 14.3 SEER2 / 9.0 EER2 / 7.5 HSPF2 (Region IV) |
| AHRI Reference | 214568770 |
| Condenser Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz — 20 MCA / 30 A Max Fuse or Breaker |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/240V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
| Line Set Connections | 3/8 in. Liquid, 3/4 in. Vapor |
This is the largest capacity Rheem offers in the 17.5 inch RH2TY cabinet, which is what makes it valuable on retrofits where the existing closet will not grow. Secure the outdoor unit with a universal condenser tie-down bracket kit where wind-load codes apply, and run a 50 ft. 3/4 in. x 3/8 in. line set for longer outdoor placements.
Condenser & Air Handler Features
RP14AY36AJ2NA Outdoor Heat Pump
- 36,000 BTU two-stage scroll compressor covering the most common residential load
- Second stage engages only on design-day conditions, keeping most run time on low
- Inverted reversing valve with gravity-assist shifting for reliable heat and defrost changeover
- Corner service access and individual louver panels shorten diagnostic time in the field
- PlusOne Expanded Valve Space gives gauges and recovery hoses room to work
- Single-box PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System simplifies A2L commissioning
- Compatible with any 24V thermostat, no proprietary communicating control required
- Heavy-gauge steel base pan and louvered coil protection
- R-454B refrigerant with 78 percent lower GWP than legacy R-410A
- Shares the same 20 MCA / 30 A circuit requirement as the 2.5 ton model, easing panel planning
RH2TY3617STANNJ Air Handler
- Top capacity of the 17.5 in. RH2TY cabinet family at a full 3 tons
- Constant-torque ECM motor maintains target airflow as external static rises
- Two-stage blower speeds coordinated with compressor staging
- Four-way convertible cabinet for closet, attic, garage or crawlspace installation
- All-aluminum A-coil resists formicary corrosion better than copper-tube designs
- Sound-damping 1.0 in. foil-faced insulation throughout the cabinet
- ASHRAE Standard 193 verified at less than 2 percent cabinet air leakage
- Field-installed RXBH heat kits provide staged auxiliary heat with integral breakers
- Sloped drain pan with primary and secondary connections for code-compliant condensate
- Built-in A2L sensor and mitigation board protect the occupied space
Specifications & Manuals
Every document needed to quote, permit and install this system is linked above: outdoor unit and air handler technical specifications, submittal sheets, complete installation instructions, the RP14AY brochure, and Rheem warranty terms. Contractors pulling permits will generally want the two submittal sheets first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What square footage does a 3 ton Rheem heat pump usually cover?
Roughly 1,400 to 1,800 square feet in a hot, humid climate, and more in a milder or better-insulated home. Treat that as a starting point and confirm with a load calculation rather than a per-square-foot rule.
Do the 2.5 ton and 3 ton systems share the same air handler?
They do. Both use the RH2TY3617STANNJ, which is rated to cover 2.5 through 3 tons. That makes the outdoor unit the only difference between the 2.5 ton RP14AY30AJ2NA system and this one.
What breaker size does the RP14AY36AJ2NA require?
A 30 amp maximum overcurrent protection device on a 208/230V single phase circuit, with a 20 amp minimum circuit ampacity. Wire gauge must be sized to the run length and local code.
How much auxiliary electric heat can I add to this air handler?
The RH2TY3617STANNJ accepts field-installed Rheem RXBH heat kits; the exact kW options and circuit configurations are listed in the RH2TY technical specifications and submittal sheet. Kit choice depends on the heating load, the electrical service, and whether single or multiple circuits are used.
What routine maintenance does this system need?
Change or clean the filter on schedule, keep the outdoor coil clear of grass clippings and shrubs, verify condensate drainage each season, and have refrigerant charge and electrical connections checked annually. Registration within the required window is also what activates the longer conditional parts coverage.
Can I reuse the line set from my old R-410A system?
Sometimes, but only after the line set is inspected for size, condition and oil compatibility, then flushed or replaced per the installation instructions. A 3 ton match needs 3/8 in. liquid and 3/4 in. vapor; undersized or contaminated tubing will cost capacity and can void warranty coverage.
RP14AY Technical SpecificationsRP14AY BrochureRP14AY Installation InstructionsRP14AY Submittal SheetRH2TY Technical SpecificationsRH2TY Installation InstructionsRH2TY Submittal SheetRheem Warranty Certificate
