3 Ton GrandAire 17.4 SEER2 R454B Side Discharge Inverter Heat Pump Condenser, W5H9V36AKAAA
For the typical mid-size home, the GrandAire W5H9V36AKAAA delivers a lot of capacity range. This 3 ton R-454B side discharge heat pump uses a twin-rotary inverter compressor that modulates from 9,700 to 42,000 BTU/h in cooling and from 11,000 to 48,000 BTU/h in heating. It's rated 17.4 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, and 10.3 HSPF2. Grandaire's submittal lists 100% heat output at -4°F for this size, and the unit keeps heating down to -22°F, so it's a strong fit for homeowners who want to rely on the heat pump instead of backup heat. Pair it with the GrandAire WCVL365CC variable speed air handler, or browse all 3 ton heat pump condensers.
Is a 3 Ton Heat Pump the Right Size?
Three tons is one of the most common residential sizes. It's often chosen for single-family homes with average insulation and a moderate number of windows. The W5H9V36AKAAA's wide modulation range means it can idle down near 9,700 BTU/h on mild spring days and still ramp up to cover hot afternoons and cold nights, so the same system stays comfortable through every season.
Size it with a load calculation that accounts for your climate zone, insulation, glass area and orientation, ceiling heights, and ductwork in unconditioned spaces. An oversized heat pump costs more up front and dehumidifies poorly. An undersized one leans on backup heat more often than it should.
Ideal for: Mid-size single-family homes, larger townhomes, and replacement jobs where homeowners want inverter comfort, low-temperature heating, and a slim side discharge cabinet.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton GrandAire 16.5 SEER2 Inverter Heat Pump, W5H9V48AKAAA for larger homes with higher heating and cooling loads.
Recommended applications are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, duct design, window area, and occupancy. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Heat Pump | W5H9V36AKAAA — 3 Ton Side Discharge Inverter Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| Matched Air Handler | WCVL365CC Variable Speed Air Handler (sold separately) |
| Efficiency | 17.4 SEER2 / 11.7 EER2 / 10.3 HSPF2 |
| Capacity Range | Cooling 9,700–42,000 BTU/h; Heating 11,000–48,000 BTU/h (39,000 BTU/h at 5°F) |
| Refrigerant | R-454B, factory charged for 24.6 ft of line set |
| Compressor | Twin-Rotary Inverter Compressor |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz — MCA 29, MOP 30 |
| Line Connections | 3/8" Liquid, 3/4" Gas — Flare |
| Dimensions / Weight | 38.58" W x 16.34" D x 38.39" H — 204.15 lb |
You're buying the W5H9V36AKAAA outdoor unit by itself. Combined with the WCVL365CC air handler, it forms Grandaire's matched 3 ton inverter system. Electronic expansion valves indoors and outdoors and an adaptive control system fine-tune refrigerant flow and blower speed to the load.
Heat Pump & Matched Air Handler Features
W5H9V36AKAAA Side Discharge Inverter Heat Pump
- Twin-rotary inverter compressor for smooth, quiet modulation
- 17.4 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, and 10.3 HSPF2 efficiency
- 100% heat output at -4°F per Grandaire's submittal
- 39,000 BTU/h of heating at 5°F outdoor temperature
- Line sets up to 246 ft with 98.4 ft of elevation difference
- 62.5 dBA outdoor sound level
- Chassis heater and crankcase heater standard
- 10-year parts warranty
WCVL365CC Matched Air Handler (sold separately)
- 865–1,189 CFM constant-airflow ECM 2.0 blower
- 21" wide multi-position cabinet
- Electronic expansion valve and all-aluminum coil
- Multi-voltage 115V or 208/230V operation
- Compatible with 5kW, 10kW, and 15kW GrandAire heat strips
- Optional 1" R4.2 fiberglass-free insulation
- Wired controller, Wi-Fi controller, wireless remote, or 24V thermostat control
- Includes filter rack for a 20x20x1 filter
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation covers the matched W5H9V36 and WCVL36 system data, replacement parts, installation requirements, and service procedures for the 3 ton GrandAire inverter heat pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What capacity range does the 3 ton W5H9V36AKAAA modulate through?
It varies its output from 9,700 to 42,000 BTU/h in cooling and from 11,000 to 48,000 BTU/h in heating, matching the home's load minute by minute instead of running at one fixed speed.
Does this heat pump keep its full heating output in sub-zero weather?
Grandaire's submittal lists 100% heat output at -4°F for the 36K model. The unit continues heating down to -22°F outdoor ambient.
Which indoor unit pairs with the W5H9V36AKAAA?
The matched indoor unit is the GrandAire WCVL365CC variable speed air handler, sold separately.
How far apart can the indoor and outdoor units be installed?
The W5H9V36AKAAA supports up to 246 ft of total piping and up to 98.4 ft of height difference between the indoor and outdoor units. Add refrigerant beyond the first 24.6 ft.
What type of compressor is inside the W5H9V36AKAAA?
It uses a twin-rotary inverter compressor, which runs smoothly across a wide speed range for steady temperatures and lower sound levels.
Do I need to register the unit for full warranty coverage?
Yes. Registering within 90 days of installation provides 10 years of parts coverage.
W5H9V36AKAAA, WCVL365CC Submittal SheetGrandAire W5H9V36 Parts ListGrandAire W5H9V Installation InstructionsGrandAire W5H9V Service Manual
