4 Ton Rheem 13.8 SEER2 R-454B Short Apartment/Condo Air Conditioning System
The largest system in the Rheem RB2TY short lineup on our site, this 4 ton (48,000 BTU) package pairs the RA14AY48AJ1NA Endeavor Line Classic Series condenser with the 24-1/2" RB2TY4824STANMJB low-boy air handler (AHRI #216010895). A two-row 7mm coil, 142 oz R-454B charge, and 3,606 CFM condenser fan outdoors work with a 3/4 HP constant-torque ECM blower indoors to cool larger townhomes, oversized condos, and single-family homes where the air handler must fit a 35" tall space. It is a practical choice for contractors and homeowners who need 4 tons of name-brand cooling plus 7 kW or 10 kW electric heat without a full-height indoor unit.
Is a 4 Ton Short Air Handler System the Right Size?
Four tons typically corresponds to homes of roughly 2,100 to 2,400 square feet, well beyond most apartments. At this size, a proper Manual J load calculation is essential, both to confirm 4 tons is needed and to avoid an oversized system that short cycles and struggles with humidity.
Large homes bring more variables: multiple exposures, two-story layouts, vaulted ceilings, and long duct runs. The RB2TY4824STANMJB targets a nominal 1,600 CFM at 4 tons, so the supply and return ductwork must be sized to carry that airflow quietly. When the numbers support 4 tons and height is limited, this pairing delivers full capacity from a compact indoor cabinet.
Ideal for: Large townhomes, oversized condos and penthouses, single-family homes with short mechanical closets, horizontal attic or platform installs, and replacement of 4 ton low-boy air handler systems.
Need more capacity? This 4 ton package is the largest RB2TY short system in this series. For loads above 4 tons, Rheem also builds the 5 ton RB2TY6024STANMJB10 short air handler; request free sizing assistance and we will match it with the right outdoor unit.
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 | RA14AY48AJ1NA — 4 Ton Endeavor Line Classic Series R-454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RB2TY4824STANMJB Short/Low-Boy Multi-Position Air Handler (24-1/2" Cabinet) |
| Application | Central Air Conditioning with Electric Heat — 13.8 SEER2, AHRI #216010895 |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Blower Motor | 3/4 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 RA14AY48AJ1NA uses a 1/5 HP, 850 RPM fan, a 35" tall cabinet, and a 7/8" suction valve; an insulated 50 ft 7/8" x 3/8" copper line set suits longer runs common on larger homes. Indoors, the RB2TY4824STANMJB10 10 kW air handler or the 7 kW version can be selected above. Reusing existing copper? Flush it first with an Rf11 flush kit and verify line sizes against the RA14AY tables.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA14AY48AJ1NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 4 ton (48,000 BTU) single-stage scroll compressor on R-454B
- Two-row 7mm copper coil (19.5 + 18.8 sq ft face area)
- 142 oz factory charge for 15 ft of line set
- 24" three-blade fan delivering 3,606 CFM
- 30 MCA with 50 amp maximum HACR breaker or fuse
- 7/8" suction and 3/8" liquid service valves
- 35" H x 33-3/4" W x 33-3/4" L, 243 lb operating weight
- Built-in compressor protection: pressure relief valve and thermal overload
- Optional compressor sound cover and crankcase heater
- Conditional 10-year parts warranty when registered with Rheem
RB2TY4824STANMJB Short Air Handler
- Nominal 1,600 CFM for 4 ton cooling
- 3/4 HP constant-torque ECM with selectable airflow
- 24-1/2" W x 35" H low-boy cabinet
- Upflow, downflow, horizontal left, or horizontal right
- 7 kW or 10 kW breaker-protected electric heat
- Integrated A2L sensor and mitigation board
- TXV metering for R-454B refrigerant
- Low continuous fan speed option
- Rugged steel cabinet, 1" foil-faced insulation
- Field wiring access from both sides
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
How large a home can the 4 ton RA14AY48AJ1NA short system cool?
Generally around 2,100 to 2,400 square feet. Multi-story layouts, large glass areas, and hot climates change the load, so a Manual J calculation is the right way to confirm 4 tons.
What does the 4 ton add over the 3.5 ton RA14AY42AJ1NA system?
Both share the 24-1/2" RB2TY4824STANMJB and the same 142 oz charge and cabinet size outdoors. The RA14AY48AJ1NA adds a higher-capacity compressor, a 3,606 CFM fan (versus 3,431), and a 50 amp maximum breaker (versus 30 amps) for 48,000 BTU of nominal cooling.
What electrical service does the RA14AY48AJ1NA condenser require?
The RA14AY48AJ1NA lists a 30 amp minimum circuit ampacity and a 50 amp maximum HACR breaker or fuse on 208/230V single phase. The air handler needs its own circuit sized to the heat strip selected.
Does the Rheem warranty cover this 4 ton system in a rental or commercial building?
The Rheem limited warranty requires installation in residential applications, which it defines to include single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and duplexes, so rental homes and condos qualify. Commercial installations are not covered under these residential warranty terms.
How loud is the 4 ton RA14AY48AJ1NA outdoors?
Rheem lists a 74 dBA standard sound rating for the RA14AY48, tested per AHRI Standard 270-08. An accessory compressor sound cover is available, and placement away from bedrooms and patios helps.
What refrigerant considerations apply to a 4 ton R-454B replacement?
R-454B is an A2L refrigerant, so the system includes Rheem's PlusOne Refrigerant Detection System, and installers must follow A2L procedures. The 142 oz factory charge covers 15 ft of line set; longer runs need added charge per the installation instructions. Learn more in our refrigerant transition guide.
RA14AY Technical SpecificationsRA14AY Installation InstructionsRA14AY BrochureRB2TY Technical SpecificationsRB2TY Installation InstructionsRheem Warranty Certificate
