3 Ton EcoTemp 15 SEER2 R-454B Wall Mount Apartment/Condo Air Conditioning System
The EcoTemp W5A5S36AKDWA condenser and FMA5L3600AL wall-hung fan coil make up the top-capacity PSC system in the EcoTemp multifamily line, delivering 3 tons (36,000 BTU) of AHRI-certified cooling at 15 SEER2 (AHRI #217438431). A two-row condenser coil, a 6.9 lb factory R-454B charge, and a high-speed 1/3 HP indoor blower rated at a nominal 1,150 CFM give larger three-bedroom apartments, penthouse condos, and high-glass corner units the cooling muscle they need from a closet-mounted air handler. It is built for owners and contractors who need maximum apartment-style capacity without moving to a full-size vertical air handler.
Is a 3 Ton Wall Mount AC System the Right Size?
Three tons is the largest size offered in the FMA5 wall-hung fan coil line and is usually reserved for homes in the neighborhood of 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, or smaller units with unusually high heat gain. Because it is the top of the range, confirming the load is especially important: a 3 ton system on a 2.5 ton home will cool quickly but leave the space clammy.
Floor-to-ceiling glass, rooftop or top-floor exposure, open great-room layouts, high occupancy, and hot, humid climates are the typical reasons an apartment or condo needs the full 3 tons. Ductwork matters too; the higher airflow of the 3 ton fan coil needs supply and return paths sized to carry it quietly.
Ideal for: Three-bedroom apartments, large two-bedroom condos with extensive glass, penthouse and top-floor units, townhome-style rentals, and replacement of 3 ton apartment-style closet systems.
Need more capacity? The 3 ton FMA5L3600AL is the largest size in the EcoTemp FMA5 multifamily fan coil line. For loads beyond 3 tons, request free sizing assistance and our team will recommend a larger split system for the space.
Recommended applications are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, windows, sun exposure, ceiling height, climate, occupancy, and ductwork. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | W5A5S36AKDWA — 3 Ton Single-Stage R-454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | FMA5L3600AL Multifamily Wall-Hung Fan Coil (PSC Motor) |
| Application | Central Air Conditioning for Apartments & Condos — 15 SEER2, AHRI #217438431 |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Blower Motor | 1/3 HP 3-Speed PSC, Direct Drive |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
The W5A5S36AKDWA steps up to a two-row, eight-circuit condenser coil and a 7/8" vapor service valve, moving 3,800 CFM of outdoor air. The FMA5L3600AL PSC apartment air handler shares the 22" wide, 39-1/2" tall cabinet of the 2.5 ton model but ships set to high speed for a nominal 1,150 CFM. The condenser is rated with a 7/8" vapor line, making a 25 ft 7/8" x 3/8" copper line set a common match; follow the installation instructions for the 3/4" suction connection at the air handler. Where the closet has no gravity drain, a 230 volt condensate removal pump can handle the condensate.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
W5A5S36AKDWA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 3 ton (36,000 BTU) single-stage R-454B air conditioner
- Scroll compressor with internal pressure relief valve
- Two-row, eight-circuit condenser coil for higher heat rejection
- 6.9 lb factory charge with an 8°F subcooling charging target
- 7/8" vapor and 3/8" liquid front-seating service valves
- Vertical-discharge fan moving 3,800 CFM
- 17.6 MCA with 30 amp maximum fuse or breaker
- Rated 72 dBA sound power (70 dBA with accessory sound shield)
- Optional crankcase heater, hard-start kit, and low-ambient accessories
- 10-year parts limited warranty, including compressor and coil, with timely registration
FMA5L3600AL Wall-Hung Fan Coil
- Highest-capacity FMA5L model at a nominal 1,150 CFM
- 1/3 HP, 3-speed PSC motor, factory set to high
- 39-1/2" H x 22" W x 19" D galvanized steel cabinet
- 3.0 sq ft all-aluminum slope coil with 17 fins per inch
- Thermostatic expansion valve standard
- Factory refrigerant leak detection for safe A2L operation
- 20" x 20" x 1" field-installed filter
- Zero required clearance with or without electric heat
- Motor suspended on rubber grommets to reduce vibration
- Accepts 5, 7.5, or 10 kW EHK-series electric heat kits
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes W5A5S condenser specifications and installation instructions, the Grandaire AC condenser brochure, and FMA5L/FMA5X fan coil specifications, installation, service, wiring, and warranty literature to assist with equipment selection, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest apartment load the 3 ton W5A5S36AKDWA package handles?
The 3 ton package is the top size in the FMA5 line and generally suits homes around 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, or smaller units with heavy glass and sun exposure. Loads above 3 tons need a larger system; our team can help with sizing.
How does the 3 ton FMA5L3600AL differ from the 2.5 ton FMA5L3000AL?
Both use the same 22" wide cabinet, coil face area, and 1/3 HP motor. The FMA5L3600AL ships on high speed for about 1,150 CFM nominal and is paired with the larger W5A5S36AKDWA, which adds a two-row condenser coil, a 7/8" vapor valve, and a 6.9 lb charge compared with 5.5 lb on the 2.5 ton.
What is the factory refrigerant charge on the 3 ton W5A5S condenser?
The size 36 W5A5S condenser ships with 6.9 lb of R-454B refrigerant, sized for 15 ft of 3/8" liquid line. Charge is then adjusted for actual line length and verified using the 8°F subcooling target.
Does the W5A5S36AKDWA need a 7/8" suction line?
The W5A5S36AKDWA has a 7/8" vapor service valve and is rated with a 7/8" vapor line and 3/8" liquid line. The FMA5L3600AL air handler lists a 3/4" suction connection, so follow the line sizing tables and installation instructions for the correct line set and fittings.
Will the W5A5S36AKDWA run in cool weather or low ambient conditions?
Standard cooling is intended for warm-weather operation. With approved low-ambient accessory kits, including a low-ambient pressure switch, the W5A5S can provide cooling down to 0°F outdoor temperature, which is useful for server closets or interior units that need cooling year-round.
Which buildings commonly use a 3 ton wall-hung fan coil system?
Luxury apartment communities, condo towers with penthouse units, large townhome rentals, and older multifamily buildings with oversized floor plans often specify 3 ton closet systems. For heat pump heating with the same fan coil, see the 3 ton EcoTemp heat pump wall mount system, or compare efficiency ratings in our SEER2 information guide.
W5A5S Technical SpecificationsW5A5S Installation InstructionsW5A5S Customer BrochureFMA5L Technical SpecificationsFMA5L Installation InstructionsFMA5L Warranty CertificateFMA5L Wiring DiagramFMA5L Service Manual
