3 Ton EcoTemp 16 SEER2 R-454B High-Efficiency Wall Mount Apartment/Condo AC System
At the top of the EcoTemp multifamily range, the W5A5S36AKDWA condenser and FMA5X3600AL ECM fan coil deliver 3 tons (36,000 BTU) of AHRI-certified cooling at 16 SEER2 (AHRI #217384256). A two-row outdoor coil, 6.9 lb factory R-454B charge, and a 1/2 HP constant-torque ECM blower rated at a nominal 1,120 CFM give large three-bedroom apartments, penthouse condos, and sun-heavy corner units the most capacity and efficiency available in an EcoTemp closet-mounted air handler. It is the go-to choice for owners and contractors who need full 3 ton performance, lower blower energy, and steady airflow on 208 or 230 volt power.
Is a 3 Ton High-Efficiency Wall Mount AC System the Right Size?
Three tons is the maximum capacity in the FMA5 wall-hung lineup, commonly matched to homes of roughly 1,500 to 1,800 square feet or to smaller units with exceptional heat gain. Because there is no larger size in this fan coil family, it is worth confirming the load before committing, both to make sure 3 tons is enough and to avoid installing more capacity than the space needs.
The usual drivers of a 3 ton apartment load are expansive window walls, rooftop exposure, open floor plans, frequent entertaining, and hot, humid summers. Duct design is critical at this airflow; the FMA5X3600AL's ECM taps help match airflow to the duct system, but supply and return paths still need to be sized for roughly 1,100 to 1,200 CFM.
Ideal for: Large three-bedroom apartments, penthouse and top-floor condos, high-glass corner units, luxury rental communities, and efficiency upgrades of 3 ton apartment-style closet systems.
Need more capacity? The 3 ton FMA5X3600AL is the largest high-efficiency fan coil in the EcoTemp FMA5 line. For loads above 3 tons, request free sizing assistance and we will help select 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 | FMA5X3600AL Multifamily Wall-Hung Fan Coil (ECM Motor) |
| Application | High-Efficiency Central Air Conditioning for Apartments & Condos — 16 SEER2, AHRI #217384256 |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Blower Motor | 1/2 HP 5-Speed ECM (Constant Torque), Direct Drive |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
The FMA5X3600AL ECM wall-mount fan coil ships on tap 4 for a nominal 1,120 CFM in a 39-1/2" x 22" x 19" cabinet weighing 99 lb. Outdoors, the W5A5S36AKDWA has a 7/8" vapor valve and is rated with a 7/8" vapor line; a 50 ft 7/8" x 3/8" copper line set suits longer runs, with fittings for the air handler's 3/4" suction connection per the installation instructions. For electric heat, the EHK210B 10 kW heat strip is the largest EHK-series kit listed in the FMA5 product data. Compare other closet-style units in our wall mount condo and apartment air handler selector.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
W5A5S36AKDWA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 16 SEER2 system rating when matched with the FMA5X3600AL
- Single-stage scroll compressor on R-454B
- Two-row, 20 fins-per-inch condenser coil
- 6.9 lb factory charge for 15 ft of 3/8" liquid line
- 7/8" vapor and 3/8" liquid service valves
- 30 amp maximum breaker; 17.6 amp minimum circuit ampacity
- 3,800 CFM condenser airflow with vertical discharge
- Internal pressure relief valve and thermal overload
- Long-line capable up to 250 ft equivalent length with proper accessories
- Default 5-year parts warranty, 10-year parts with registration within 90 days
FMA5X3600AL Wall-Hung Fan Coil
- Top-capacity FMA5X model at a nominal 1,120 CFM
- 1/2 HP, 5-tap ECM blower, factory set on tap 4
- 900 to 1,350 CFM operating range
- Constant-torque motor keeps airflow steady at 208V
- 3.0 sq ft all-aluminum slope coil with factory TXV
- Refrigerant leak detection for A2L refrigerant safety
- Insulated galvanized steel cabinet for conditioned spaces
- Front service access and bottom drain connections
- Standard 20" x 20" x 1" filter that maintenance staff can easily stock
- Front or bottom return with equivalent airflow; upflow only
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
How large a unit can the 3 ton W5A5S36AKDWA / FMA5X3600AL system serve?
As a general guideline, about 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, though high-glass or top-floor units can need 3 tons in less space. Since this is the largest size in the FMA5 line, a load calculation is strongly recommended.
What does the FMA5X3600AL offer over the 2.5 ton FMA5X3000AL?
The cabinet, coil, and 1/2 HP ECM motor are the same, but the FMA5X3600AL ships on tap 4 for about 1,120 CFM and is matched with the larger W5A5S36AKDWA condenser, which adds a two-row coil, a 7/8" vapor valve, and a 6.9 lb charge for a full 36,000 BTU of nominal cooling.
Which electric heat kits fit the FMA5X3600AL?
The FMA5 product data lists the EHK205B (5 kW), EHK208B (7.5 kW), and EHK210B (10 kW) field-installed heater kits. Each kit has its own circuit ampacity and breaker requirements, which are listed in the FMA5 technical specifications.
Can the FMA5X3600AL be installed in an attic or unconditioned space?
No. The FMA5 fan coil is insulated for conditioned space only and is not intended for attics, garages, or other unconditioned areas. It is designed to hang vertically on a wall, typically in an interior closet.
How do I service or replace the filter on the FMA5X3600AL?
All service access on the FMA5 is at the front of the cabinet, and the unit takes a standard 20" x 20" x 1" field-installed filter. Detailed maintenance steps are in the FMA5L FMA5X service manual linked above.
What properties choose the top-capacity 16 SEER2 multifamily wall-mount system?
Luxury apartment communities, condo towers with large or penthouse units, and owners upgrading the biggest floor plans in a building typically choose this system. The 3 ton PSC FMA5L3600AL system is the lower-cost option, and the 3 ton EcoTemp FMA5X heat pump system adds heat pump heating.
W5A5S Technical Specifications
W5A5S Installation Instructions
W5A5S Customer Brochure
FMA5X Technical Specifications
FMA5X Installation Instructions
FMA5X Warranty Certificate
FMA5X Wiring Diagram
FMA5X Service Manual
