3 Ton GrandAire 17.4 SEER2 R454B Side Discharge Inverter Heat Pump System, W5H9V36AKAAA, WCVL365CC
Built for the mid-size home, this matched GrandAire system (AHRI 218160677) combines the W5H9V36AKAAA 3 ton side discharge inverter heat pump with the WCVL365CC variable speed air handler. It's rated 17.4 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, and 10.3 HSPF2. A twin-rotary inverter compressor modulates from 11,000 to 48,000 BTU/h in heating, and Grandaire's submittal lists 100% heat output at -4°F for this size, so the heat pump carries most of the winter load before backup heat is needed. To get everything this system can do, we recommend pairing it with the GrandAire WKJR120NX6W Smart Wi-Fi Communicating Wired Thermostat, a two-way communicating controller with built-in Wi-Fi. Any third-party 24V thermostat can still operate the equipment, but communication features are lost. See more heat pump systems with backup heat.
Is a 3 Ton Heat Pump System the Right Size?
Three tons is a common size for single-family homes. This system's 9,700 to 42,000 BTU/h cooling range lets it run near its minimum through mild weather and ramp up for peak afternoons, so one system handles shoulder seasons and extremes without oversized on-off cycling.
A Manual J load calculation is the reliable way to confirm 3 tons. It weighs wall and attic insulation, glass area, infiltration, duct losses, and your local design temperatures. Strong low-temperature heating makes this system a fit for mixed climates, and a heat strip can be added for colder regions or as emergency heat.
Ideal for: Mid-size single-family homes, larger townhomes, and R-410A or R-22 replacements where owners want inverter efficiency, cold-weather heat pump performance, and a compact side discharge outdoor unit.
Recommended control: Choose the WKJR120NX6W Wi-Fi communicating thermostat for full system communication. A standard 24V thermostat will work, but without the communicating features.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton GrandAire 16.5 SEER2 Inverter Heat Pump System, W5H9V48AKAAA, WCVL605CD for larger homes.
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 |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | WCVL365CC — 3 Ton Variable Speed Multi-Position Air Handler |
| AHRI Reference | 218160677 |
| Efficiency | 17.4 SEER2 / 11.7 EER2 / 10.3 HSPF2 |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Compressor | Twin-Rotary Inverter Compressor |
| Recommended Thermostat | GrandAire WKJR120NX6W Smart Wi-Fi Communicating Wired Thermostat (optional add-on) |
| Electrical | Outdoor 208/230V 1 Ph (MCA 29, MOP 30); Indoor 115/208/230V 1 Ph (MOP 15) |
| Optional Add-Ons | 5kW, 10kW, or 15kW breakered heat strip; 25' or 50' 3/4" x 3/8" line set; flush kit |
The package ships one W5H9V36AKAAA outdoor heat pump and one WCVL365CC air handler, Grandaire's certified 3 ton match. Matched electronic expansion valves indoors and outdoors work with the adaptive control system to hold superheat and airflow on target as capacity changes. Backup heat, copper line sets, a flush kit, and the WKJR120NX6W controller can be selected above.
Heat Pump & Air Handler Features
W5H9V36AKAAA Outdoor Heat Pump
- Twin-rotary inverter compressor
- 9,700–42,000 BTU/h cooling and 11,000–48,000 BTU/h heating
- 100% heat output at -4°F per Grandaire's submittal
- 17.4 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, and 10.3 HSPF2
- Compact side discharge cabinet, 38.39" tall
- 62.5 dBA outdoor sound level
- Up to 246 ft of piping and 98.4 ft of elevation
- 10-year parts warranty
WCVL365CC Indoor Air Handler
- 865–1,189 CFM constant-airflow ECM 2.0 blower
- Holds airflow up to 0.80 in. W.C. external static
- Electronic expansion valve and all-aluminum coil
- 21" multi-position cabinet
- Communicating connection for the WKJR120NX6W Wi-Fi controller
- Also accepts third-party 24V thermostats
- Compatible with 5kW, 10kW, and 15kW GrandAire heat strips
- Filter rack for a 20x20x1 filter
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation covers the matched 3 ton submittal, parts for both units, and the W5H9V and WCVL installation and service manuals, including the switch settings used with 24V thermostats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I give up by using a regular 24V thermostat instead of the WKJR120NX6W?
The system still heats and cools, but you lose two-way communication and Wi-Fi control. Capacity also steps up on runtime timers and air handler board settings instead of communicated demand, and some backup heat settings are only available with the wired controller.
Can I add backup heat when ordering the 3 ton system?
Yes. Use the heat strip option to add a 5kW, 10kW, or 15kW GrandAire breakered heat strip, all approved for the WCVL365CC air handler.
How does an inverter system save energy compared with a single-stage system?
A single-stage system runs at full output and cycles on and off. This inverter system adjusts compressor speed to match the load, spending most of its time at lower, more efficient speeds with fewer start-ups.
How do the indoor and outdoor expansion valves work together?
Both the W5H9V36AKAAA and WCVL365CC use electronic expansion valves. The adaptive control system adjusts them as compressor speed changes to keep refrigerant flow matched to the load in both cooling and heating.
Should I flush my existing line set before connecting this system?
If you're reusing existing copper, flushing removes old oil and contaminants before you connect R-454B equipment. A flush kit and new 25' or 50' line sets are available as options on this page.
What warranty covers the 3 ton system?
Both units carry 10-year parts coverage. Register within 90 days of installation
W5H9V36AKAAA, WCVL365CC Submittal SheetGrandAire W5H9V36 Parts ListGrandAire W5H9V Installation InstructionsGrandAire W5H9V Service ManualGrandAire WCVL Installation InstructionsGrandAire WCVL Service ManualGrandAire WCV1365CC Parts List
