3 Ton Rheem 16.5 SEER2 R454B Variable Speed Inverter Heat Pump System RP17AY36AJVCA, RH2VY3617STACNJ
This 3-ton Rheem system combines the inverter-driven RP17AY36AJVCA condenser with the EcoNet-enabled RH2VY3617STACNJ variable-speed air handler for R-454B refrigerant. Communicating over EcoNet, the Constant CFM air handler and inverter compressor modulate together to hold precise temperatures with strong dehumidification, earning an AHRI-certified 16.5 SEER2 / 11.0 EER2 rating and up to 9.5 HSPF2 heating in the most popular residential capacity.
Is the 3 Ton System the Right Size?
A 3-ton system commonly serves mid-size homes of roughly 1,300 to 1,800 square feet, but the true requirement depends on heat gain and heat loss rather than floor area alone.
Duct design, sun exposure, occupancy, and humidity load all shift the calculation. This communicating pairing modulates finely across mild and design-day conditions, yet a Manual J calculation remains the best way to confirm a nominal 3-ton system fits your home.
Ideal for: three-bedroom homes and moderate two-story layouts that want top-tier communicating comfort and humidity control.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton Rheem RP17AY48AJVCA Variable Speed System for larger homes.
Recommended sizing ranges are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, ductwork, window load, and air-sealing. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condenser | RP17AY36AJVCA – 3 Ton Inverter-Driven Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2VY3617STACNJ – 3 Ton EcoNet Variable-Speed (Constant CFM) |
| System Efficiency | 16.5 SEER2 / 11.0 EER2 / 9.5 HSPF2 (AHRI-certified) |
| Cooling Capacity | 34,200 BTU/h (AHRI-matched) |
| Heating Capacity | 34,000 BTU/h @ 47°F / 32,200 BTU/h @ 17°F |
| Refrigerant | R-454B (A2L, low GWP) |
| Air Handler Cabinet | 17.5" wide, 4-way convertible • 1/2 HP ECM |
| Electric Heat Kit | Field-installed RXBH kit – sold separately |
The RH2VY3617STACNJ uses a Constant CFM ECM motor with a TXV, an aluminum indoor coil, and 1-inch foil-faced insulation for quiet operation and less than 2% cabinet air leakage. Both units include an integrated PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System, and the air handler commissions dip-switch-free over Bluetooth.
Condenser & Air Handler Features
RP17AY36AJVCA Condenser
- Inverter-driven PlusOne variable-speed compressor for tight comfort control
- Sound levels as low as 58 dBA for neighbor-friendly operation
- 7mm copper coil and brushless DC condenser motor for efficiency
- EcoNet enabled with PlusOne Diagnostics & Bluetooth
- 10-year conditional parts warranty with registration
RH2VY3617STACNJ Air Handler
- EcoNet-enabled Constant CFM (variable-speed) ECM motor, two-stage airflow
- TXV metering and corrosion-resistant aluminum indoor coil
- 4-way convertible for upflow, downflow, and horizontal left/right
- Dip-switch-free Bluetooth commissioning via the Rheem Contractor App
- Accepts field-installed RXBH electric heat kits
With both the condenser and the RH2VY air handler EcoNet enabled, this is a fully communicating system. We recommend the Rheem EcoNet Smart Thermostat, which lets the system auto-configure and gradually modulate capacity and airflow together for maximum efficiency, humidity control, and quiet, with remote monitoring and service alerts through the EcoNet app.
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes condenser and air handler technical specifications, installation instructions, the R-454B charge chart, and warranty information to assist with equipment selection, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What efficiency is the 3-ton RP17AY36 / RH2VY3617 system rated at?
The matched system is AHRI-certified at 16.5 SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and up to 9.5 HSPF2.
What makes this a communicating system?
Both the RP17AY36AJVCA condenser and the RH2VY3617STACNJ air handler are EcoNet enabled, so with the EcoNet Smart Thermostat they exchange data and modulate together as one optimized system.
Does the RH2VY air handler improve humidity control?
Yes. Its Constant CFM variable-speed motor adjusts airflow in fine steps, which improves dehumidification and comfort compared with fixed or two-speed airflow.
How is the 3-ton RH2VY air handler installed?
It is 4-way convertible for upflow, downflow, and horizontal left or right, and it commissions dip-switch-free over Bluetooth using the Rheem Contractor App.
What is the PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System in this system?
It is an integrated A2L sensor and mitigation board, factory- or field-installed in the air handler, that pauses outdoor-unit operation automatically if excess R-454B is detected.
Is the RH2VY3617STACNJ air handler covered by warranty?
Yes. It carries a 10-year conditional parts warranty with registration, consistent with the outdoor unit's coverage.


RP17AY Technical Specifications
RP17AY Brochure
RP17AY Charge Chart
RP17AY Submittal Sheet
RP17AY Installation Instructions
RH2VY Technical Specifications
RH2VY Installation Instructions
Rheem Warranty Certificate




