3 Ton Rheem 16 SEER2 R454B Two Stage Central System RA16AY36AJ2NA, RH2TY3617STANNJ
This 3 ton Rheem Endeavor® Line Classic Plus® Series iM system pairs the RA16AY36AJ2NA two-stage condenser with the RH2TY3617STANNJ two-stage-airflow air handler, AHRI certified at 16 SEER2 (#217168515). At 71.9 dBA, the RA16AY36 is the quietest condenser in the RA16AY line. Its low stage runs most of the day at reduced speed for steady, even cooling. It uses low-GWP R-454B with Rheem's PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™. It's cooling only, with breakered Rheem electric heat strips up to 15 kW offered.
Is a 3 Ton Air Conditioning System the Right Size?
A 3 ton system provides 36,000 BTU/h of nominal cooling at high stage. It's often used in 3-bedroom homes around 1,500–1,800 sq. ft. as a general guide. Hot, humid climates and homes with lots of glass may need more capacity for the same space.
Two-stage systems shine in homes with uneven loads, like two-story houses where the upstairs runs warm. Low stage runs longer to mix air between floors. Confirm the load with a Manual J calculation and check that the ducts can deliver high-stage airflow.
Ideal for: 3-bedroom homes, two-story homes on one zone and households sensitive to outdoor noise.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton Rheem 17 SEER2 R454B Two Stage Central System RA16AY48AJ2NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ for a larger load.
Recommended home sizes are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, windows, ductwork, occupancy and a proper load calculation. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | RA16AY36AJ2NA — 3 Ton Rheem Classic Plus Two-Stage R454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY3617STANNJ Two-Stage Airflow Multipoise Air Handler (17.5" Wide) |
| Application | Cooling-Only Two-Stage Central Air Split System (Electric Heat Kit Optional) |
| Refrigerant | R-454B (Low-GWP A2L Refrigerant) |
| Compressor | Two-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Metering Device | Factory-Installed Expansion Valve on Indoor Coil (TXV) |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit — 20 MCA / 30A Max Overcurrent |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/240V, Single Phase — 3 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent (No Heat Kit) |
The RA16AY36AJ2NA condenser is 31" tall on a 33.75" x 33.75" base and weighs 208 lbs (operating). It uses a 24" two-blade Swept Wing fan with a 1/6 HP motor moving 3,010 CFM. The RH2TY3617STANNJ air handler is 17.5" wide and 42.5" tall, with a 1/2 HP motor and 10" x 10" blower. Use compatible two-stage thermostats and copper line sets and fittings to complete the install.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA16AY36AJ2NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 36,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Two-stage scroll compressor (low and high stage)
- 71.9 dBA weighted sound power rating
- 2-row 7 mm copper tube coil with Swept Wing fan
- 109 oz. factory R-454B charge for 15 ft. of line set
- 24" two-blade Swept Wing fan with 1/6 HP motor
- 3/8" liquid and 3/4" suction front-seating service valves
- Factory high and low pressure controls
- PlusOne® Expanded Valve Space and Triple Service Access
- 10-year conditional parts limited warranty (registration required)
RH2TY3617STANNJ Two-Stage Air Handler
- Two-stage airflow matches the compressor's low and high stages
- 1/2 HP, 5-speed motor with 10" x 10" blower
- PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™ with integrated A2L sensor
- Aluminum fins bonded to internally grooved aluminum tubing
- 4-way convertible: upflow, downflow, horizontal left or right
- 1.0" foil-faced cabinet insulation for quieter operation
- Cabinet air leakage under 2% at 1" H₂O (ASHRAE 193)
- Works with standard 24V two-stage thermostats
- Expansion valve on indoor coil for AC or heat pump use
- Field-installed heater kits up to 15 kW with UL/cUL-listed breakers
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation includes RA16AY electrical, sound, dimensional and line-size data, condenser and air handler installation instructions, the RA16AY brochure, RH2TY airflow and heater tables and the Rheem limited warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which RA16AY condenser is the quietest?
The 3 ton RA16AY36 has the lowest rating in the line at 71.9 dBA. The 2, 4 and 5 ton models are rated 74.1, 73.2 and 74.0 dBA.
Why is two-stage cooling better for a two-story home?
Low stage runs longer at reduced capacity, so air circulates through both floors more evenly. That helps even out the warm-upstairs, cool-downstairs pattern common with single-stage systems.
How does the RA16AY36 compare to the single-stage 3 ton RA15AY36 system?
The two-stage RA16AY36 system is rated 16 SEER2, compared with 15.2 SEER2 for the single-stage RA15AY36AJ1NA system. Both use the RH2TY3617STANNJ air handler.
What heat strips can I add to this 3 ton two-stage system?
We offer 5, 8 and 10 kW heat strips, plus a 15 kW breakered strip (RXBH-1724A15J). Rheem's heater kits include breakers that meet UL and cUL disconnect requirements.
Is there a 3 ton Rheem heat pump for this air handler?
Yes. The 3 ton Rheem RP15AY36AJ2NA heat pump system uses the same RH2TY3617STANNJ air handler and adds heating from the outdoor unit.
What is the maximum line length for the RA16AY?
Rheem's line-size tables limit the RA16AY to 200 ft. of actual line length and 250 ft. of equivalent length. Lines in the long-line range may need accessories from Rheem's Long Line Set Guide.
RA16AY Technical SpecificationsRA16AY Installation InstructionsRA16AY Brochure
RH2TY Technical SpecificationsRH2TY Installation Instructions
Rheem Warranty Certificate
