4 Ton GrandAire 16.5 SEER2 R454B Side Discharge Inverter Heat Pump Condenser, W5H9V48AKAAA
Bigger homes need more heat on the coldest mornings, and the GrandAire W5H9V48AKAAA is built to deliver it. This 4 ton R-454B side discharge inverter heat pump puts out 46,000 BTU/h of heating at 5°F and modulates from 15,500 to 57,300 BTU/h in heating mode. In cooling it ranges from 15,600 to 51,000 BTU/h, with ratings of 16.5 SEER2, 10.5 EER2, and 9.5 HSPF2. It's matched with the GrandAire WCVL605CD variable speed air handler, whose large cabinet and wide-range ECM blower serve both the 4 and 5 ton W5H9V outdoor units. Contractors replacing tired 4 ton systems and homeowners moving to R-454B will find a lot to like. See more 4 ton heat pump condensers.
Is a 4 Ton Heat Pump the Right Size?
Four tons usually fits larger single-family homes, two-story houses served by one system, and homes with lots of glass or high ceilings. The W5H9V48AKAAA can scale down to about 15,600 BTU/h, so it won't blast cold air on a mild day. It also keeps enough reserve to handle peak summer afternoons and winter design temperatures.
Load drivers include total conditioned volume, insulation in walls and attic, window U-values and orientation, infiltration, and the length and location of duct runs. Your local winter design temperature matters just as much in heating mode. In colder climates, pairing the system with a 10kW or 15kW GrandAire heat strip adds backup capacity for extreme cold snaps.
Ideal for: Larger single-family homes, two-story houses on one system, and higher-load replacement jobs that need strong low-temperature heating without stepping up to 5 tons.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 5 Ton GrandAire 16 SEER2 Inverter Heat Pump, W5H9V60AKAAA for the largest homes and heaviest heating and cooling loads.
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 | W5H9V48AKAAA — 4 Ton Side Discharge Inverter Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| Matched Air Handler | WCVL605CD Variable Speed Air Handler (sold separately) |
| Efficiency | 16.5 SEER2 / 10.5 EER2 / 9.5 HSPF2 |
| Capacity Range | Cooling 15,600–51,000 BTU/h; Heating 15,500–57,300 BTU/h (46,000 BTU/h at 5°F) |
| Refrigerant | R-454B, factory charged for 24.6 ft of line set |
| Compressor | Inverter Rotary Compressor |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz — MCA 38, MOP 40 |
| Line Connections | 3/8" Liquid, 3/4" Gas — Flare |
| Dimensions / Weight | 38.58" W x 16.34" D x 38.39" H — 201.06 lb |
This page covers the W5H9V48AKAAA outdoor heat pump only. The WCVL605CD air handler is sold separately and completes the matched system. The 4 ton shares the 3 ton's compact 38-inch-tall side discharge cabinet, which gives you 4 tons of capacity in a footprint that tucks neatly along a wall.
Heat Pump & Matched Air Handler Features
W5H9V48AKAAA Side Discharge Inverter Heat Pump
- 46,000 BTU/h of rated heating at 5°F
- Modulates from 15,500 to 57,300 BTU/h in heating mode
- 16.5 SEER2, 10.5 EER2, and 9.5 HSPF2 efficiency
- Compact 38.39" tall side discharge cabinet
- Operates from -22°F to 122°F outdoor ambient
- Outdoor EXV with adaptive capacity control
- Crankcase heater and chassis heater included
- Supports up to 246 ft of piping
WCVL605CD Matched Air Handler (sold separately)
- 24.5" wide cabinet shared across the 4 and 5 ton matches
- Constant-airflow ECM 2.0 blower, 750 W
- Electronic expansion valve and all-aluminum coil
- Multi-position upflow, downflow, or horizontal install
- Approved for 10kW and 15kW GrandAire heat strips
- Up to 0.80 in. W.C. external static pressure
- Compatible with a 24V thermostat or a GrandAire Wi-Fi wired controller
- 10-year parts warranty
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes 4 ton system performance and electrical data, a parts list, installation instructions, and the W5H9V service manual for diagnostics and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 4 ton W5H9V48AKAAA pair with the WCVL605CD air handler?
The GrandAire WCVL lineup uses one 24.5" cabinet for the 4 and 5 ton matches. Its variable speed ECM blower is set up for the airflow each outdoor unit needs, so the WCVL605CD serves as the matched indoor unit for this 4 ton heat pump.
How much heat does the W5H9V48AKAAA deliver at 5°F?
Grandaire rates it at 46,000 BTU/h of heating at 5°F outdoor temperature, with a maximum heating range up to 57,300 BTU/h.
What electrical circuit does the 4 ton outdoor unit need?
Plan for a 208/230V single-phase circuit with a minimum circuit ampacity of 38 and maximum overcurrent protection of 40 amps, per the submittal and unit nameplate.
How loud is the W5H9V48AKAAA outdoor unit?
The rated outdoor sound level is 65 dBA. Because the inverter compressor spends most of its time at lower speeds, it usually runs quieter than that peak rating.
Does a 4 ton system need backup heat?
It depends on your climate. With 46,000 BTU/h at 5°F, many homes need little backup. In colder regions, a 10kW or 15kW GrandAire heat strip in the WCVL605CD adds supplemental and emergency heat.
What communication wiring runs between the indoor and outdoor units?
Grandaire's submittal specifies 20 AWG, 2-conductor communication wiring for this matched system. Follow the wiring diagrams in the installation instructions.
W5H9V48AKAAA, WCVL605CD Submittal SheetGrandAire W5H9V48 Parts ListGrandAire W5H9V Installation InstructionsGrandAire W5H9V Service Manual
