3 Ton Rheem 15.2 SEER2 R-454B Short Apartment/Condo Air Conditioning System
For larger condos and three-bedroom apartments, the Rheem RA14AY36AJ1NA condenser and RB2TY3621STANMJB short air handler provide 3 tons (36,000 BTU) of AHRI-certified cooling at 15.2 SEER2 (AHRI #216010888). The 3 ton condenser steps up to a two-row 7mm coil and a 116 oz R-454B charge, while the 35" tall, 21" wide multi-position air handler keeps the install compact enough for short closets, utility rooms, and horizontal platforms. It is a strong fit for owners and contractors who need full-size 3 ton performance in a low-profile indoor footprint, with selectable 5, 7, or 10 kW electric heat.
Is a 3 Ton Short Air Handler System the Right Size?
Three tons generally suits homes of roughly 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, or smaller spaces with higher heat gain. It is the largest system in this line that still uses the 21" RB2TY cabinet, which makes it a popular choice where the closet cannot accept a wider unit.
Because a 3 ton system on a 2.5 ton load cools fast but leaves humidity behind, the load calculation matters more at this size. Floor-to-ceiling glass, rooftop exposure, open floor plans, and Florida-style summers are the usual reasons a condo needs the full 3 tons. Plan duct runs for roughly 1,200 CFM so the system stays quiet and delivers its rated capacity.
Ideal for: Three-bedroom apartments, large two-bedroom condos with extensive glass, townhomes with short mechanical closets, and replacement of 3 ton apartment-style closet or platform systems.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 3.5 Ton Rheem RA14AY42AJ1NA & RB2TY4824STANMJB Short Apartment System for larger homes requiring additional cooling capacity.
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 | RA14AY36AJ1NA — 3 Ton Endeavor Line Classic Series R-454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RB2TY3621STANMJB Short/Low-Boy Multi-Position Air Handler (21" Cabinet) |
| Application | Central Air Conditioning with Electric Heat — 15.2 SEER2, AHRI #216010888 |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Blower Motor | 1/2 HP Constant Torque ECM, 5-Speed, Two-Stage Airflow |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208-240V, Single Phase, 60 Hz with Circuit Breaker |
The RA14AY36AJ1NA adds an inner coil for two rows of 7mm tubing, ships at 186 lb operating weight, and rests well on a 36" x 36" condenser pad. Its 116 oz factory charge covers 15 ft of line set; longer runs need added charge, which a 20.9 lb jug of R-454B can supply. Indoors, the RB2TY3621STANMJB07 7 kW air handler is one of three heat strip options offered with this system.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA14AY36AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 3 ton (36,000 BTU) single-stage R-454B air conditioner
- Two-row 7mm copper coil (13.3 + 12.9 sq ft face area)
- 116 oz factory charge
- 24" two-blade, 1/6 HP fan with Swept Wing technology
- 18 MCA with 30 amp maximum HACR breaker or fuse
- 3/4" suction and 3/8" liquid service valves
- 25" H x 33-3/4" W x 33-3/4" L cabinet
- Powder-coat paint and rust-resistant screws
- Low-ambient capable with RXAD-A08 control kit
- 10-year conditional parts limited warranty, registration required
RB2TY3621STANMJB Short Air Handler
- Low-boy 35" tall cabinet in a 21" width
- Nominal 1,200 CFM for 3 ton cooling
- 1/2 HP constant-torque ECM with 5 selectable speeds
- Two-stage airflow for steady comfort
- Upflow, downflow, or horizontal configuration
- Thermal expansion valve and A2L refrigerant sensor
- 5, 7, or 10 kW electric heat with circuit breakers
- Rugged steel cabinet with foil-faced insulation
- Electrical knockouts on both sides of the cabinet
- Slide-out blower assembly for service
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes RA14AY condenser specifications, installation instructions, and brochure, RB2TY air handler specifications and installation instructions, and Rheem warranty information to assist with equipment selection, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What home size suits the 3 ton RA14AY36AJ1NA / RB2TY3621STANMJB system?
Typically about 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, though high-glass or top-floor units can need 3 tons in less space. A load calculation confirms the right size.
How does the 3 ton condenser differ from the 2.5 ton RA14AY30AJ1NA?
The RA14AY36AJ1NA moves to a two-row coil, a 116 oz charge (versus 112 oz), and a 30 amp maximum breaker (versus 25 amps). Both pair with the same 21" RB2TY3621STANMJB air handler and share the 15.2 SEER2 rating.
Should I use a 3/4" or 7/8" suction line with the RA14AY36AJ1NA?
The RA14AY36AJ1NA has a 3/4" suction valve, and Rheem's line sizing table lists both 3/4" and 7/8" suction lines as allowable for 3 ton systems depending on length and vertical rise. Check the capacity multipliers in the RA14AY specifications for your run.
What does Florida's warranty rule mean for this Rheem system?
Per the Rheem warranty, products installed as a permanent fixture in a Florida residence on or after April 1, 2024 receive the longest coverage offered on each model's limited parts warranty, and failure to register does not reduce that coverage. Outside Florida, registration is required for the 10-year conditional parts warranty.
How do I know which heat strip to pick for the 3 ton system?
Choose based on your climate and electrical service. The RB2TY3621STANMJB is offered with 5, 7, or 10 kW; at 240V their minimum circuit ampacities are 22.8, 31.6, and 44.1 amps. Size the heat strip to the home's heating load and confirm the circuit can carry it.
What other 3 ton Rheem apartment options are available?
For heat pump heating, see the 3 ton Rheem RP14AY36AJ2NA heat pump short system. For a wall-hung closet layout, the 3 ton Rheem RF2TY wall mount system uses the same condenser.
RA14AY Technical SpecificationsRA14AY Installation InstructionsRA14AY BrochureRB2TY Technical SpecificationsRB2TY Installation InstructionsRheem Warranty Certificate
