3 Ton Rheem 17 SEER2 Inverter R454B Heat Pump Condenser RP17AY36AJVCA
The Rheem RP17AY36AJVCA is a 3-ton, top-discharge universal heat pump built for R-454B refrigerant and the everyday demands of the average American home. Its inverter-driven PlusOne variable-speed compressor delivers 34,200 BTU of cooling and 34,000 BTU of heating at 47°F with up to 9.5 HSPF2, continuously matching output to the load. That inverter control makes it one of the most popular capacities for three-bedroom homes that want steady temperatures, strong dehumidification, and low running costs.
Is the 3 Ton RP17AY36AJVCA the Right Size?
A 3-ton heat pump commonly serves mid-size homes of roughly 1,300 to 1,800 square feet, but the true requirement depends on the building's heat gain and heat loss rather than floor area alone.
Duct design, sun exposure, number of occupants, and humidity load all shift the calculation. Because the RP17AY36AJVCA is inverter-driven, it modulates capacity to handle both mild and design-day conditions efficiently, but a Manual J calculation is still the best way to confirm the 34,200 BTU cooling output fits your home.
Ideal for: typical three-bedroom single-family homes, moderately sized two-story layouts, and households that value quiet operation with excellent humidity control.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton Rheem RP17AY48AJVCA Heat Pump Condenser for larger homes with higher cooling loads.
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.
Key Specifications
| Model / MPN | RP17AY36AJVCA |
|---|---|
| Nominal Capacity | 3 Tons (36,000 BTU class) |
| Rated Cooling Capacity | 34,200 BTU/h (AHRI-matched) |
| Heating Capacity | 34,000 BTU/h @ 47°F / 32,200 BTU/h @ 17°F |
| Efficiency | Up to 17 SEER2 / 11.7 EER2 / 9.5 HSPF2 |
| Refrigerant | R-454B (A2L, low GWP) |
| Compressor | Inverter-Driven PlusOne Variable-Speed Twin Rotary |
| Sound Level | As low as 58 dBA |
| Electrical | 208/230V, 1 Phase, 60 Hz • RLA 15.9 • MCA 20 • Max Fuse/HACR 35A |
| Cabinet (H x W x L) | 39" x 32" x 32" |
| Net Weight | 214 lbs |
The RP17AY36AJVCA balances capacity and efficiency for the most common residential load, shipping with a factory bi-flow liquid-line filter drier and the integrated PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System. Its single-row 7mm copper coil moves 4,216 CFM while the inverter drive keeps the R-454B charge working efficiently across the speed range.
Performance & Smart Control Features
RP17AY36AJVCA Performance
- Inverter-driven variable-speed compressor for tight temperature and humidity control across the seasons
- Continuous inverter modulation reduces energy use versus single- and two-stage units
- Up to 17 SEER2 and 9.5 HSPF2 with low-GWP R-454B refrigerant
- 34,200 BTU cooling and 34,000 BTU (47°F) heating for balanced whole-home comfort
- Sound levels as low as 58 dBA for neighbor-friendly operation
- Brushless DC condenser motor and swept-wing fan for efficiency and quiet
Smart Control & Compatibility
- EcoNet enabled for automatic system optimization with matched indoor equipment
- AHRI-matched to the 3 Ton Rheem RH2VY3617STACNJ R-454B Air Handler
- With that EcoNet-enabled air handler, install the Rheem EcoNet Smart Thermostat for communicating control
- With a non-EcoNet air handler, choose the ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite (EB-STATE7P-01)
- Works with legacy 24V thermostats using the Rheem algorithm and utility jumpers
- 10-year conditional parts warranty with registration
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes technical specifications, installation instructions, the R-454B charge chart, and warranty information to assist with equipment selection, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What heating and cooling capacity does the RP17AY36AJVCA deliver?
It provides 34,200 BTU/h of cooling and 34,000 BTU/h of heating at 47°F, dropping to 32,200 BTU/h at 17°F when AHRI-matched to its indoor unit.
How does the 3-ton RP17AY differ from the 2-ton model?
Beyond about 11,000 BTU more cooling capacity, the 3-ton uses a taller 39-inch cabinet and higher airflow, making it suited to mid-size homes rather than compact spaces.
Can the RP17AY36AJVCA reuse my existing line set?
Traditional piping allows reuse when the line set is correctly sized for the new unit and is purged and flushed with nitrogen. Existing R-410A or R-22 line sets must be cleaned or replaced before use with R-454B.
How does the inverter-driven compressor improve comfort?
Instead of cycling on and off, the inverter drive varies compressor speed to match the exact load, which produces steadier temperatures, better dehumidification, and lower energy use than fixed-capacity systems.
What refrigerant charge ships with the RP17AY36AJVCA?
The unit ships with approximately 110 oz of R-454B, which is sufficient for a 15-foot line set. Longer line sets require additional charge per the installation instructions.
Does the RP17AY36AJVCA qualify for the 10-year parts warranty?
Yes. It carries a 10-year conditional parts warranty with registration, and coverage applies to a heat pump or system installation with no AHRI-matched system requirement.
RP17AY Technical SpecificationsRP17AY BrochureRP17AY Charge ChartRP17AY Submittal SheetRP17AY Installation InstructionsRheem Warranty Certificate
